The Culinarium - For the Continental-ly Inclined!

Wellington chapter continues...

I have admitted it in the past and I do it again – I am a total foodie and I am blessed to have another one in my life! Over the years, we have honed our senses so much so that tracking down great eateries now happen easily to us. And unless a restaurant has something strikingly bad or good, it does not make it to my blog. So, what’s it about “The Culinarium”?

In the past months, we may have gone past this restaurant almost 3-4 times, but did not stop by until today. Opened around May this year, the restaurant is just as old as we are to Nilgiris. Very tactfully located midway Coonoor-Ooty road at Ketti, this place has carved a niche for itself within this short span of time.

Pure Continental and Mediterranean goodness in a setting that exudes old world charm, overlooking the terraced greenery very own to the mighty Blue Mountains! 

When we walked down the short stairs connecting the parking area to the restaurant entrance, we were not expecting a full glass automated slide door. At the entrance was the bakery and my eyes did pop out to see some of my favourites right there in the glass shelves – chocolate éclair, macaroons, baguettes and more. Yes, they bake it all in their very own bakery!

Further towards the right of the bakery is the bar area; small but neatly set. Order your classic favourites like iced tea or pick from the variety of mocktails as well as healthy drinks like tomato and basil or carrot juice.

Towards the right of the bakery is the one and only outlet of Sue London in India; scarves, cushions and bags were neatly arrange but nothing really caught my attention; that need not be the case with you, so, give it a try anyway!

Walk further in and there starts the restaurant area. The place is tiny but the white colour scheme along with huge glass windows make it look very spacious. The interior is subtle and very welcoming; especially the multi-coloured lamp shades hung right over the tables. The fire place at the centre with a low hung brass chimney gives an interesting contrast to the decor.

Now the best part – Food! Menu did not have much choice, but it did have good variety. Soups varied from clear to bisque; we went ahead and ordered seafood bisque and believe me, it was awesome. They even served variety of breads and butter as antipasto and a dip of it in the creamy smooth bisque gave it a heavenly start! Other than the appetizers listed in the menu, feel free to ask for any bakery items showcased at the entrance (you will not find that in the menu but if you ask for it specifically they do serve). Also, a few other varieties like fish and chips, jacket potatoes etc are listed under a different section in the menu, and these too work well for starters. For the main course they have pastas, lasagna, crepes, goulash, pie, sausages, steak and more. I tried Chicken Pot Pie, which tasted marvellous in cheese sauce and he was more than happy with the sausage platter with mashed potatoes.

The charges are slightly on the higher side, but for the quality of spread they offer, it is alright to pay that extra penny.

What’s more? Very pleasing, non-intimidating staff, who are there at your service at the first look or sign and very politely excusing themselves once we are done with.

Unlike the other restaurants in and around Ooty, this one does not give DSSC discount yet (well folks from DSSC will know what I am referring to), but they may soon do that. Once we paid the cheque, the manager himself walked up to us with the suggestion book. I am normally very stingy when it comes to writing nice comments, but I gave this one a thumps up!

On the way out we picked up a few macaroons, flax seed bread and meringues from the bakery. In the same compound is Pony, a craft store, and by the time our items were getting packed, we paid a quick visit there as well. The place looked pretty neat for a craft aficionado but not for me!

So people, this one is a must try in your to Ooty or Coonoor visit and especially for lovers of all things Continental and Mediterranean!