With an innovative gin-goss crossover, News Cafe in Vasant Kunj is as much a cocktail connoisseur's delight as a current affair aficionado's

With an innovative gin-goss crossover, News Cafe in Vasant Kunj is as much a cocktail connoisseur's delight as a current affair aficionado's.
PS: They have a drink dedicated to gay freedom, too. and that's news

Emporio, the designer fortress in Vasant Kunj, is intimidating for anyone who's looking for leisure more than luxury. Gourmet more than Gucci, that is. And so, the neighbouring DLF Promenade comes to the rescue. It's far friendlier and funner, with most corners cute and cosy. News Cafe, being one for sure.

The blue-pink South African bar, devoid of extraneous decor baggage, is a pleasure after a painful day. Or at the beginning of a bright one. No pretense, no pouting, no parading. The bartenders are comfortable at their shake and the attendants appear only when required. The crowd is seated comfortably, some of the girls busy at the bar. They're obviously enamoured - most of the men behind it are techies who moonlight to play magic in your mugs. And no, we're not exaggerating. It's the cocktails you'll keep coming back for.

Food
It couldn't compliment the drinks better. Clear winners include the lime chilli prawn wrap, with its veggies stirred to a perfect raw-cookedness, the honey coated sesame seed chicken salad, ginger chicken strips and crumbed chicken. An easy to eat, non-messy menu. Except of course, the pastas, which are pasty but tastily so. If you're more of a bread-bun person, try out their club sandwiches and the cajun chicken fillet burger, which comes in a very generous portion. Good enough for you and the girl. If the drinks already have you doubting your appetite, opt for the 'platters to share'. Each serves three to four, so that'd be enough for your gang. It is, however, the breakfast spread that takes the cake, as you stare into the big screens that play news all the time. Sports, occasionally. Bacon over the budget, muesli, honey and yoghurt with Mayawati's new strategy. Fruit flambe for dessert, of course.

Drinks
Now, we're talking. Forget the fine wine, whiskies, cognacs and shooters; it's their cocktails that you can't miss at any cost. The signature Pangalactic Gargle Blaster, for instance, with vodka and orange juice layered on top of cherry liqueur, grenadine and peach schnapps, capped with a blend of blue curacao, lemon and lime - as multi-coloured as multi-mooded. There's also one that celebrates gay-ty: King and Queens of 377, which has vodka, pomegranate syrup, fresh cranberry juice, soda and lime wedges. Other winners on the list are chocolate orange daiquiri and 'faithful bitch'. Also, don't miss the Serengeti in their liquid desserts section - Bailey's, peppermint liqueur, chocolate liqueur and cream, cupped in one.

Ambience
The walls are a welcome change, layered cream in neat squares. There's nothing jarring or jazzy - the music mellow and the lights low. The wooden chairs are curved and contemporary, and the alfresco arrangement a joy. There are PYTs and pinstriped executives alike, and the spirit that permeates the place is as young as the place. There's an understated buzz that keeps the place busy, the kind everyone, not just news buffs, love. Stop about as you stroll, and if nothing else, the eavesdropping will leave you better informed.

News Cafeu00a0
2nd Floor, DLF Promenade, Nelson Mandela Marg, Vasant Kunj
Timings: 10 am to midnight
Dinner for two: Rs 1,200
Call: 46605773