We all have our comfort foods, while a bowl of instant noodles helps someone survive a day of endless meetings; a chilled glass of cold coffee brings respite for the other. Aren’t break-ups also easy to handle with a bar of dark chocolate? But then, for few it’s only a slice of pizza with extra olives that works in such times. Now, had I not been obsessed with fancy dining ideas and spent an evening at the recently opened Zodiac, Gurgaon, I would have labelled these eating habits as tantrums and cravings. But then, knowing the influence the stars are casting on our lives and even names (Call me archaic but I still spell my name the same way my parents did when they christened me) I could not stay away from this 24-hour multi-cuisine all day dining restaurant that offered to cook up a meal that paired perfectly with my star sign.
It was early evening when we reached here. The décor didn’t give up on the surprise of the star-stuck meals, for easy-to-miss imitations (read: paintings on the wall) of the star signs were the only support to the eatery’s name, Zodiac. Post-running our eyes meticulously over the menu, we spotted the signs, which helped us order a meal that would satiate the stars. The internet research had suggested we order a simple meal to experience the real magic, we followed suit. After all, the idea was not to distract the stars with lovely combinations but to watch simple ingredients uplift our spirits as they team up with our signs. We ordered a Mexican burger for the Gemini, a Polenta and Mushroom Ragout for the Libran and Chocolate mousse for the Cancerian.
The disappointment of the menu and adornments began to vanish as the aromas from the kitchen filled up the eatery. As expected, the Cancerian known for her weakness for chocolate bit into the light and silky mousse within seconds of its arrival. It erased the tension marks on the forhead and resulted in a smile. The balanced cornmeal with mushrooms suited the fussy Libran. As for the junk lover Gemini, the cheese and beef wiped off the stress of the deadlines and the driving.
It was indeed a lovely way to end the day and while we were certain that the good service too had a role to play in it, we did give the stars a credit. A meal prepared as per the planets may not show instant results but in the long run they lead to good health and determine one’s food choices. Interestingly, we also learnt that many weight loss aspirants followed zodiac diets.
My last word for the foodies, if you stay in Gurgaon or nearby do stop by for a star-stuck meal, others gorge on more than what your stars dictate to make the visit worth it. As for the chefs, it’s time to toss a meal for the 13th sign, Ophiuchus, too!
Celestial choices
Aries: Salads, lentils and dishes prepared with dairy products.
Taurus: Meat delicacies.
Gemini: Pizzas, burgers, green beans, peaches, plums, spinach, broiled fish and shellfish.
Cancer: Eggs, yoghurt based dishes, fruits and chocolates.
Leo: Different varieties of cheese.
Virgo: Avocado, mushrooms and pasta.
Libra: Sweets is their weakness.
Scorpio: Hard core snack eaters. Grilled meats are their favourite.
Sagittarius: Sauces, chocolates and sugar.
Capricorn: Dry fruits and salads.
Aquarius: Cocktails and dry fruits.
Pisces: Potato chips, savouries or homemade eats like pakodas.