Trying an unfamiliar dish is scary, but changing the way you eat a meal can feel blasphemous. But as soon as you look at their menu, it becomes clear that is what Newbury is all about.
The concept of small plates and tapas isn’t completely new to Karachi but despite the best efforts of the Patio and Loco people still tend to order in a conventional way – two appetizers for the table, main course and dessert. Doing that at Newbury is possible but what a waste when you could instead explore a world of new tastes.
Their menu of appetizers is eclectic, interesting and fun.
Dozens of dishes span continents and culinary styles. Turn the menu around though and you could be at any café in the city- standard pizzas, pastas or steak. The thing to do here is ignore the “main courses” and choose a selection of appetizers. It can be just as filling and delicious once your mind gets over the hurdle of not ordering a traditional meal.
Creating a meal out of small plates is a little bit like planning a menu when you are cooking at home. You need to balance the light with the substantial and have a mix of flavors that go well together.
Cheese burger Spring Rolls are the perfect start. A clever twist on the classic comfort food these spring rolls combine the familiar flavors of a cheeseburger in a handy and crisp spring roll, allowing you to enjoy the warmth and gooeyness of a burger without the mess. The sharp bite of the pickle is the best part, cutting through the oozing cheese and the crispy wrapper for a bite that is both nostalgic and totally new. The ridiculous and amazing rolls will make you forget any diet plans and indulge in the flavor.
The antidote to this richness can be found in clean and refreshing notes of the tuna tartar which serves as a palate cleanser. The freshest ingredients have been combined and deliver uncomplicated yet real flavors. Elegantly plated, with avocado cream and a soy ginger sauce, the briny tuna practically melts in your mouth.
PHOTO: HANGRYWORDS
Next came the Yellowtail Tacos which confirmed the quality of fish available at Newbury. Light, crispy and perfectly balanced these are a personal favorite. The delicate notes of the yellowtail come through followed by the vibrant flavors of the wasabi cream and rounded out by the crisp nori strip. It’s the creative fusion of familiar flavors that makes these tacos different, and it just works wonderfully.
The only disappointment from the appetizers were the Peking Style Rock Shrimp, which we found out later were being tweaked. According to the menu they would have been served with pancakes but the new version was a very standard fried shrimp with a great punchy sauce. There was nothing wrong with the dish, but it wasn’t nearly as exciting or innovative as the others.
The Signature Salmon and Poke Bowl is another example of a refreshing blend of contrasting flavors and textures coming together in a balanced symmetry. The natural sweetness of the fish is layered by the creamy texture and sharp notes of the sauce capped by the crunchy vegetables for a flavor experience like no other. It’s a deceptively simple dish, that offers layers of distinct flavors, with each ingredient delivering its own unique notes without overpowering the other.The way each of these dishes is served feels thoughtful and specific.
The artistry and spectacle is even more present in the desserts. The Chocolate Bomba is a chocolate ball that sits unassumingly on a plate, and magically disintegrates as soon as the warm chocolate sauce is drizzled on its smooth surface. As fun as this is to watch, the actual eating is somewhat anticlimactic as underneath all the mystery and drama it is just a brownie with ice cream and a disproportionate amount of sauce.
Crème brulee Cheesecake on the other hand has both style and substance. The sugar topping is torched in front of your eyes to create a wonderful crispy caramel shell that works well with the texture of the thick custardy cheesecake. The cake is served with fresh fruit and extra crumbled crust to end the feast on an indulgent sweet note.
Newbury is the first restaurant attempt of owner Adnan Chinoy and is a breath of fresh air the constantly evolving culinary landscape.
Even the atmosphere is bright and laid back especially well suited to lunch. International cuisine is infused with contemporary and youthful vibe offering the best of global flavors with exciting new and inventive interpretations. The choice of flavorful small plates makes each visit different and special because you will never run out of combinations. I can’t wait to go again to try the miso glazed eggplant and carpaccio crisp, not to mention at least two buckets of those spring rolls.
