Cafe Silver Smoke, Cross Point Mall, Gurgaon: Smoke without Fire

The Bhatti Kebab Company at Cross Point mall in Gurgaon grabbed lot of eye balls with little foot falls. It was evident that unlike known or big names in North Indian cuisine, it is not easy for a new name to survive for dine-in facility in Gurgaon that has high rentals. More so, diners are looking for a different dine out experience and even though they still prefer North Indian food, it is easily available as delivery with half the cost.

I am impressed with the interiors of Cafe Silver Smoke that replaces Bhatti Kebab Company, not because it is beautifully done…but it is a totally different feel from its predecessor. Well lit, non-industrial look and great use of the space. Still I do not feel it has complete cafe vibes. The seating are more fit for a fine-dine, the menu is too exhaustive, and the youthful vibes is missing. It is more like a mix of a cafe and a restaurant.

The strawberry lemonade with real strawberry and mint is nice and refreshing. The complimentary home-made nachos have few chips too thick, but then they are complimentary. I like the mango chutney served along with the regular salsa. The lettuce is fresh and I love the use of cranberries and blueberries in roasted beetroot salad done in mango vinaigrette. This would be lovely in the summers which will be at its peak anytime now.

Few places do prawn tempura well. Most turn them into a pakora. Cafe Silver smoke does it much better, however the batter mustn’t have been ice cold (as it is supposed to be) when applied, and it shows with the batter that is a bit lumpy. However the prawns are nice and firm. Chicken Wings with Peri Peri sauce and is perfectly cooked and packs a punch, but retains a tad more oil.

Moving on to the three cheese tenderloin burger, the patty is extremely moist and flavourful, but here again the bun disappoints which gets soggy from bottom and crumbly from top in no time. Cafe Silver Smoke has a big international menu including rib eye, angus and few more. I chose the Lamb rack (Rs 599). The lamb in itself is not bad but I do not like the accompanying potato mash that is completely dry and non-aerated.

Ending with a big brownie with icecream (249) that is enough to satisfy sweet craving for four, I find Cafe Silver Smoke showing streaks of brilliance with poor execution. The service at times takes lot of time and the endless wait between meals (especially before the lamb rack) disappoints. It is early days, and I am hopeful the place will take corrective steps soon to fix those minor operational issues.

Ratings (out of 5):

Food: 3.0 | Ambience: 3.5 | Service: 3.0 | Overall: 3.0

Meal for two: Rs. 1000 | Alcohol: No | Credit Card: Yes | Home Delivery: Yes

Address: Cafe Silver Smoke, 1^st Floor, 102-103, Cross Point Mall, DLF Phase 4, Gurgaon | Telephone: 0124- 4274456 / 4271456