Amidst an affluent and elite colony, a hub of European-style hotels and eateries, and a reminiscence of classic English architecture in the heart of India’s busy capital of New Delhi, L’Opéra opened its first-ever Cafe Restaurant at Civil Lines. The ardent desire of diving into an authentic French culture with its original macaroons and croissants has always been a standout for this premium address. February 15 marked their grand opening with an exquisite High-Tea party and some lip-smacking bites, that isn’t just restricted to desserts and pastries.
Under the Frame
Housed in a heritage building which is very conveniently located for patrons looking for flavours of France, the entrance immediately transports you to an ambience of Parisian gateways. “We wanted to have a full Parisian atmosphere. When you come in actually, you feel you are in Paris already. And then, not only the food, but also the decoration and music – everything calls for a French experience,” said Kazem Samandari, Executive Chairman of French Bakery Pvt.Ltd.
Upon arrival, the outlet greets one with their high-notched pristine white pillars that exude refinement. The Samandari family, mother of L’Opera brand, is known for curating posh ambiences and decors, making the culinary experience more intimate. And the French-inspired decor at l’Opera is accentuated with fresh carnations while elegant vintage greyscale portraits add a regal spin to the decor.
With the signature aroma of freshly baked delicacies wafting around and a warm, homely environment, they really know the additives that work as brownie points. Tasteful Louis XVI style furniture in carved wood and marble appeals luxury at its best. High arches, mirrors and a large staircase add to the grandeur of the building. Spreading over two floors, the space is ideal for a cosy evening with friends and family over a good cup of coffee and treats for your sweet tooth. I suggest going there adorned with a beret and gloves to feel the ultimate French touch.
Gracious Gastronomy
L’Opera is a treasure house of traditional and authentic French recipes. From the diversified tastes of a patisserie to now, having a full-fledged menu with evening delights and beverages, the huge room for culinary creativity must be applauded.
Having already garnered praise for their tarts, cheesecakes and the likes, what enticed them to venture into a new Cafe concept? Mr. Samandari opens to us: “L’Opéra started nine years ago. At first, we had what we call Boulangerie and Patisserie, which means bakery and pastry respectively. Our customers really liked what we did, hence we expanded to what we call Salon de The, which had small light French bites and meals. But the reaction to that was also so overwhelming, that we decided to expand. And then, we went into what we call Cafe-Restaurant, which has elements of a cafe, but a very nice menu of lean food, French and mainly continental.”
As posh crockery laden with delightful soups, tasty salads, pizzas, burgers and desserts, all blessed with an original French touch, is served around, the new Café-Restaurant tries to create a benchmark. A diverse option of shakes, smoothies and mocktails are specially crafted for this new place to fit their patrons’ palates. Packed with their original bakery and pastry menu of croissants, bread, macaroons, mousses, tarts, creme brûlées, and fluffy meringues – their aroma is enough to whet one’s appetite. Their classic Croque Monsieur, which is made with in-house bread and filled with bechamel sauce, ham and cheese, meets the authentic tone of French delicacies. The new menu also has a wide range of fresh and seasonal salads, granola, and heartwarming soups like pumpkin and coconut milk for the health-conscious diner.
The French cafe culture has managed to get us all desiring for richer exquisites. L’Opéra plays a pivotal role in French-style cooking for city breeds like us.
Classic High-Tea Party
The Samandari family knows well how to make a High-Tea party an event of sophistication and elegance. The celebration saw an energetic and happy crowd, eager to be fed with coffee, luscious macaroons, croissants, onion and tomato tarts with goat cheese, quiches, rich dark chocolate fondant and other bakeries.
Croissants, being the signature French pastry, is an elemental part of their menu. The right curvature of crescent-shape, rich buttery aroma, tempting golden tints, fluffy lightness and crispness make them stand out. The moment you tear it open, your taste buds are elevated with the goodness of butter and whiffs of yeast.
The Roast Vegetable and Feta Cheese sandwich was an easy escape to a healthy taste. Sesame and sunflower seeds add to the texture while the roasted bell pepper, zucchini, eggplant and feta compliment the bread leaving a rich, pleasant aftertaste. Classic cheese sandwiches served had french aesthetics – crispy yet soft with roast tomato in mozzarella and pesto sandwich.
While the servers swooped around with samples from the new menu, light notes of the piano filled the newly opened restaurant. L’Opéra made sure the event met all the requirements of classism and opulence, just like the French do.
Coordinates: 13, Sham Nath Marg, Railway Colony, Civil Lines, New Delhi, India
