Nestled at the cusp of the Old town and the centre of the New Pink City, Townsend - Kitchen & Bar not only stands tall as an awe-inspiring sapphire palace but also earns the credit of being one of the iconic landmarks for exquisite dining and Rajasthani heritage. If you’re a lover of the finest delicacies but, more importantly, of beautiful interiors and a breathtaking ambience that complements an equally delicious meal, Townsend is the place to be!
The bar & kitchen was initiated by Sudeep Mehta and Vikram Sharma, exhibiting the Royal charm of Jaipur. Driven by the lack of an amalgamation of history with modern cuisines in Jaipur, the duo created an aesthetic with the architecture that resembles the old English era’s townhalls; evidently mirroring its name. The modern panache has quickly made it to the top with its assorted menu that has an extensive list of cocktails and finger food to choose from.
Talking about it, Chef Varun Bhatia, the Chief Culinary Officer (CCO) at the eatery, finds immense joy in guiding individuals through the world of fine dining. Chef Varun has accumulated a diverse range of experiences, displaying his mastery at renowned establishments such as Tres in Delhi, Slink and Bardot in Mumbai, as well as the prestigious Ritz Carlton hotels in Dubai and Doha.
Among the best places in Jaipur, Townsend deserves a special mention for offering to pick a modern rendition of the traditional recipe from their wide range of selections and gorge on the heavenly taste of food. The menu at Townsend boasts 3 different cuisines, some might be piquant, others less, but they are all a melange of spices and flavours that will force you to take a culture trip. Contrary to the notion - Multispeciality is sometimes no speciality, the kitchen strikes a perfect balance between variety and specialization to satisfy different preferences. From the Spicy Miso Ramen to the Smoked Mushroom Galouti to the Chicken Spiedini, every dish they offer is an authentic representation of its respective cuisine. While modernizing and incorporating new ingredients is quite popular, the eatery resides in the fact; Changes should enhance the flavour of authentic dishes, rather than take away from them.
Touching on it, the head chef asserted “We live in a world where we can taste and connect with so many different cultures from across the globe, and Townsend wants to play a role in that important and welcoming social experience”. Spotlighting its standout dishes as Charcoal Butter Chicken; a favourite for anyone who loves to have non-vegetarian food and Burrata Dal and Truffle Naan; a combination of flavours and aromas that will satiate the foodie in anyone, the eatery caters to the taste buds of the whole family from the oldies to the vibrant younger generation.
The bar leaves plenty of room for endless creativity witnessing mixologists playing with flavor profiles to create delicious cocktails that leave people wanting more. Born out of necessity, the Speakeasy cocktails showcase some of the exotic and fashionable ingredients of the time. House cocktails like Cupid hope; a sweet and tangy allure infused with white rum and Mayflower; exhibiting the essence of bourbon and maple syrup, are perfect to ignite the spirit of a rebellion. Sip on some crazy signature cocktails that every self-proclaimed cocktail lover would relish; No matter whether your go-to is gin, tequila, or rye whiskey, you’re sure to find favorites both old and new among these time-honoured drinks.
With a seating capacity of 150, Townsend’s cozy interiors transform a hangout with friends into a homely affair with a cool and laid-back ambience to suit everyone’s fancy. Showcasing local music talent through live music during the weekend and transporting the guests into the heritage of the city in terms of quick-flowing food options on weekdays, the quaint little bistro appreciates the creative expression of its owners. The outdoor sitting area will force one to swoon at its romantic and orientalist interiors, along with mixology that compliments it at its peak. Lose yourself to the live music that compliments appetizing food served hot and regal from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. daily.
Living by the fact that Change is the only constant, the motivators always have change at the back of their minds. From the delectable dishes to the way people experience food, the eatery keeps its options open to make changes to the menu. Add one more to your culinary experiences by diving into the regal beauty of the city with food and beverages that match the overall vibe!
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