Just like Ali Baba expected a dark, dismal cavern, but was surprised to see a well-lighted and spacious chamber, I was amused and taken aback by not only the cheerful ambience of PizzaExpress but everything that was presented to us. After a sweet and short acquaintance with Chef Maneesh, or like they prefer to call themselves, Pizzaiolo Maneesh; we were introduced to the oven-baked Cicheti served with Emilgrana & Mushroom Dip, one, and second, Pumpkin & Mint Dip. The latter was finished with pine nuts & Chilli flakes that gave it a remarkable edge. The combination of emilgrana and mushroom in the former could stir up anyone who is not allergic to any one of the ingredients, in short, almost everyone. MUST MUST try both the dips.
Next up was Poached Pear & Goat’s Cheese Salad. I am neither a salad person not one that enjoys red wine, but the salad was still enjoyable for me. So I would not only recommend that to a friend but also request him to try watermelon and goat cheese salad because I personally wanted to, but couldn’t.
Moving on to the item consumed by all Americans, and majority of the Indians now; a PIZZA.
Having been to pizzerias, a lot of them, Indian, Italian, Mexican (for that matter); I feel ecstatic when I write about my encounter with my favourite cheese pizza. With buffalo mozzarella and emilgrana topped with shaved emilgrana to make it more cheesier, Formaggi 65 swept me off my feet. Practicing the act of being a vegetarian has become a task for the mankind in the present era, but, I enjoy the pleasure of not only diving into the variety that one can possibly explore, but also a developed palate that enjoys exploration. Next up, Verdura Bianca, required the aforementioned background. Romana base drizzled with olive oil topped with grilled courgettes, aubergine and woody mushrooms and mozzarella, finished with grated emilgrana and fresh hand torn basil leaves was a treat for me; but not everyone savours a mild retreat of aubergine, so, for the rest on the table, it was not of much delight. Probably the absence of chicken diverted them to a dish where it was present.
I’d accompanied my meal with a refreshing berry fresca. And despite of being full to the brim, we concluded our meal with a small slice each of Tiramisu, cheesecake and chocolate gelato (mentioned in ascending order of personal preference). The dessert was the cherry on the cake for an experience-craver(me).
I believe that if you can admire something that you’ve not cherished in the past, then that’s a win for the team that built that thing. I’m not hinting individually at salads or the cheesecake that each one of us enjoyed with the strawberry jam after having digged into the gelato separately; but what I am going to emphasise is the total experience of dining in a pizzeria with a joyous ambience, the benevolent staff and the wonderous team that assembled all the dishes for us.
It was formidable!
you can check their website here
PizzaExpress Gurgaon
T-317, Ambience Mall Complex,
Gurgaon, Haryana 122001
T : 0124-4665721/22
Open from Monday – Sunday ( 11:30am to 12:00am)
PizzaExpress Vasant Kunj
T-303B, 3rd Floor, Ambiance Mall
Vasant Kunj
, New Delhi – 110070.
T : 011-40870796/797
Open from Monday – Sunday ( 11:30am to 12:00am)
Disclaimer – This review was done on an invitation from the establishment. Views expressed in the review is entirely ours and without any bias. Pictures of the dishes are not the standard portions, they are sample portions.
