Lonavala comes alive in the monsoon. The landscape turns a lush green, fog descends, temperature drops and people flock to its hills, where rain (unlike the city) is a celebration rather than an inconvenience. This year, we had the chance to welcome the monsoon with a short trip to Lonavala. Any such rain-blessed outing would be incomplete without the warmth of delicious food and drink. This time, it was provided by Fiori, a newly opened restaurant at the Regenta SGS Greenotel, located right off the old Mumbai-Pune highway.
Photo Credit: Fiori
The area's first glasshouse restaurant, Fiori promises an aesthetic concentration of some of the most beloved aspects of a typical Lonavala experience. Guests can enjoy the cosiness of the weather without its drawbacks, thanks to polycarbonate sliding roofs. An innovative sibling duo form the force behind Fiori. Suraj Gupta and Sanskriti Gupta are second-generation entrepreneurs from the family-owned Regenta SG's Greenotel. Sanskriti, an architecture graduate, played a major role in the thematic conceptualisation of the restaurant - from the glasshouse ambience to the plant motifs of the menu design. The completely vegetarian kitchen is led by Head Chef Gracian de Souza. The menu features a range of elegantly plated delicacies that highlight beloved European and Mediterranean flavours. While selecting the dishes for Fiori, the focus was on choosing familiar flavours and giving them a signature twist, Suraj tells us. The objective is to allow guests to relish lip-smacking comfort foods - since they are on holiday - and Fiori provides a unique setting for the same, he adds.
Photo Credit: Toshita Sahni
We began our meal with the Beetroot & Goat Cheese Salad. Orange segments and apple lent fruity goodness while the toasted almond flakes provided some much-needed crunch. The Bruschetta with Roasted Bell Peppers was another burst of freshness on the plate. But the appetiser that won our hearts was the Nachos With Black Beans. These soft-shell tacos had a wonderful balance of flavours, and we liked the trio of cheese sauce, pico de gallo, and chipotle chilli salsa. Like certain other dishes to come, it had the hint of indulgence we associate with vacations.
Photo Credit: Toshita Sahni
If we mention indulgence, we have to talk about the Italian delights on Fiori's menu. The Garlic Pizza with rosemary and herb oil was a fuss-free treat we would return for. As Lonavala regulars know well, there's nothing quite like the sensation of savouring a hot cheesy pizza as the weather turns cold and rainy. Among the pasta options, we recommend Mushroom Risotto with truffle butter for equal binge-worthiness. There are relatively lighter mains on the menu too. Those wanting to skip the cheese can consider a delicacy like the flavourful Vegetable Tagine with herbed couscous. It was warmly wholesome and made for a welcome change from the usual treats.
Photo Credit: Toshita Sahni
Any gastronomic feast worthy of the name requires a luscious dessert for a sweet ending. At Fiori, we fell in love with the Dutch Truffle Chocolate Cake Slice with orange creme anglaise. The decadent layers of dark chocolate melted in our mouths with tiny pops of orange, marking a wonderful contrast. The Deconstructed Tiramisu with coffee sauce was tasty, but did not quite nail the coffee-infused creaminess one typically expects of this Italian dessert.
Photo Credit: Fiori
Fiori's cocktail menu highlights botanical notes and nature-inspired elements that are in keeping with the overall theme. 'Lavender Love' (gin, lavender, apple and lime) as well as 'Fiori's Sunset' (Aperol, grapefruit juice, vodka, tequila, and tonic water) were enjoyed by many. For a stronger option, try the 'Bee Sting', a tequila-based cocktail with jalapenos and honey. The restaurant also serves a good selection of non-alcoholic beverages.
Photo Credit: Fiori
The following day, we had the opportunity to savour a satisfying breakfast at Fiori. Overnight, fog began to envelope nearby streets and rain had turned the hotel's lawn a lush green. The interiors, suffused with muted natural light, provided a delightful setting to start the day. Given the appropriate weather conditions, we found Fiori even more charming in the daytime. Although the restaurant is currently open to the public only for dinner, there are plans to extend its timings to serve breakfast and lunch soon. (The dishes mentioned below are part of the all-day breakfast section, so you can relish them anytime.)
Photo Credit: Fiori
We enjoyed the Apple and Cinnamon French Toast served with maple syrup. The classic flavours kept the dish grounded and paired well with our Miel Latte. Another reliable order is the Pancake Stack with maple syrup and lemon cream. There was one "healthy" treat that was completely worth the departure from our ongoing feasting: the Guacamole on Sourdough Toast with red pepper jam and crumbled goat cheese. This crunchy toast with creamy, refreshing guac is something we can easily imagine having every day.
Photo Credit: Toshita Sahni
Fiori presents a pleasant and cosy getaway in the heart of Lonavala. The expansive menu promises to charm diners with diverse tastes and preferences. Whether you're planning a celebratory meal or simply looking for an aesthetic venue for your next holiday indulgence, drop by Fiori for a special experience.
Where: Fiori, Regenta SGs Greenotel, Gwalwadi, Old Mumbai - Pune Highway, Lonavala, Maharashtra 410401.
Photo Credit: Fiori
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