I know, the title sounds more like the essay’s we were
made to write in school. Now, I am told, essays, letters and precis are no
longer a part of language exam repertoire. Anyways, it was a trip to a
Government Office in Civil Lines, we were exhausted the distance, the attitude
and at our wits end! Food or lunch was top priority and there are a plethora of
options available but we headed out to the Constitutional Club which we had
been told has some interesting options.
Constitutional Club is situated on Rafi Marg. It is
another gem of a road in Delhi which has some old places – AIFACS, Mavalankar
auditorium, UNI canteen, PTI canteen. The club itself spacious, old world
charm, there are ducks in lawns on the side. Lovely spaces and outdoor cafes.
The inside to has comfortable conference rooms, spaces to conduct meetings and
of course lots of parking. The road outside is less crowded and seems a
milestone away from the usual traffic of Connaught Place.
Constitutional Club has a
chequered history. It was started in 1947 to be a meeting place for the past
and present Members of Parliament. As a space to foster discussions, exchange
of views and ideas. It has all facilities of a club – gyms, pool, salon and of
course excellent eateries. The list of Presidents and Governing Council reads
like whos who from the world of politics. They have organized Car Rally’s and
other cultural evenings. The website www.constitutionalclub.in
provides an indepth view.
What we found charming was a host of eateries within
and outside.
Cine Tree Café – this is a beautiful space literally
in the outdoors. Nice tall chairs (I am not a huge fan of them though!), with
the greenery outside literally coming in. It is an ideal space to hang out and
watch the rains. It has some excellent eating options from one pot meal bowls
to snacks and tasty desserts. One can climb up the stairs to go the terrace
like top floor. It is almost like living in a tree house in Delhi!! Open till
wee hours in the morning.
Coffee Break – Another outdoor seating area with a
cover top, which offers coffee, little snacks and cold drinks.
Article 21 – Yes, we had their Chinese Food and were
floored. The space is nice and cosy. It is inside the club and they allow walk
ins with no reservation or membership. They have a range of South Indian, North
Indian and Chinese food. The drinks include both alcholic and non-alcholic
beverages. The waiters are prompt and suggest interesting items from the menu.
The fried rice was nice and light while the curry was spicy and just right. The
lotus stem starter we finished off. The portions are generous and we were
satiated and of course it was easy on the pocket too!
The Bread and confectionary station – Just before the restaurant
is a small Bakery of sorts with some excellent desserts and breads.
Ice Cream Parlour – There is a cute ice cream junction
or parlour just opposide the bread shop. Both are nice.
Where - Rafi
Marg, just behind Parliament Street Post office. It is slightly off Parliament
road.
Timing – The outdoor is open late night, the indoor restaurant
closes early – check for the timings.
Highlight – It is a space away from the hustle and
bustle of CP. It reminds one of what Delhi once was, peaceful, less noisy, less
busy, plenty of open spaces and wide roads.
Insider Tip – There is a special canteen for MPs or
Members of Parlianent. It should be good, if you have contacts try it out and
you would also be rubbing shoulders with high, mighty and powerful. Article 21 is nice and cosy and definitely a
must do in CP! Each time.
