Nativ — Restaurant in Pune

Native, a window to true regional delicacies. Nativ recently started its operations in the Baner area, the place is located where earlier replay used to be. It has a calm vibe with beautifully done interiors. They have used many plants in the decor that brings in a soul-soothing vibe. The brown decor with solid wooden furniture adds an earthy feel to the entire experience. They have three sections, indoor, outdoor, and an upper deck. The indoor section has a full-fledged bar.

Let's talk about Mixology and Culinary. They have worked intensively on their drinks, the mar menu consists of some amazing cocktails specially curated for them. Every drink has a back story, make sure you indulge in a conversation with the bartender. I tried the following drinks:

The One Date - Have you tried Tequila with dates? Yes, dates (Khajur) this one is full of surprises. The dates and tequila blend so well together, I could not stop sipping. A perfect drink if you are on a date or otherwise too. The kafir lime on top gives a pleasant aroma while you sip.

Barrel-Aged Old Fashioned - They age their Old Fashioned, and have wooden barrels where they age this cocktail. The smokey flavor is a unique addition to this classic cocktail. This cocktail is a drama, the process of smoking the drinks creates lots of excitement.

Nativ Gin Fiz - A perfect afternoon drink to have a perfect chill vibe. It has an earthy Indian aroma mixed with the freshness of lavender flowers. Gin is a new vibe and this cocktail does justice to it.

From the bar now let's move to the kitchen. Their menu consists of some regional delicacies from all over the globe. They have hand-picked a few crowd favorites and a few unheard recipes, a blend to experience a delightful culinary. Let's see what I devoured during my dinner

Starters: Pika Pila Chicken: All the way from Arunachal. This spicy prep is favorite in that region. The chicken was perfectly cooked, nicely spicy (I love spicy food), and full of flavors.

Palak Patta Chaat: Nativ take on palak chaat. Deep-fried palak topped with potato, curd, and green chutney (spicy), mithi chutney, pomegranate, and sev. A real delight to have with your drinks.

Lalwani Aunty's Arbi Tuk: All the Sindhi people in the house make some noise. The most famous Sindhi preparation is available at Nativ and it is as close to as a household taste could get.

Tangra Chilli Paneer: A perfect Chindian preparation. This one comes from the Tangra region near Kolkata. It has well-balanced heat and a sweet and sour taste. Maccher Paturi: Oh my god!! This one tops my list, the fish is marinated in a lovely mustard flavor-dominated paste, wrapped in a banana leaf, and then steamed to perfection. I'm in just love with this one.

Mutton Ghee Roast: Ghee roast has always been my favorite, it's an art to achieve the perfect taste for the masala and here they have done it. Succulent mutton loaded with tasty Mangaloran flavors is heavenly.

After stuffing myself with these delicious appetizers we took a small break and moved to the main course. I tried the two things which are as follows: Mutton Rogan Josh: The authentic Kashmiri recipe, made in the traditional method brings out an excellent dish. I love this preparation and this one is one of the best I have tried in a longest time. If you eat mutton, it's a must-try.

Chicken Cacciatore: From Kashmir, we jumped to Italy. This hunter-style chicken dish was served with a portion of ice and sauteed veggies. I generally don't enjoy continental food this one was enjoyed quite well.

We ended our dinner with two desserts: Parsi Dairy Malai Kulfi: The OG Parsi dairy stuff. Yes, this, is not an impression or anything, they source it from the dairy and we all know it is mind-blowing.

Drunken Jaam: Its Gulam Jaam + Rabdi + Rum. You need to try this if you like high-spirited desserts.

My entire experience at Nativ was too good. This is something you will remember the next day and talk to your friends about. Everything here is just the way it should be, you get a happy vibe...

Let me take you around the best place in town. Nativ, new kid on the block has three impressive factors

1. The Ambiance : It has a earthy look with warm lights, a lot of greenery and solid wood furnished . The vibes get you feeling at ease. Three sections in seating indoors with the bar, outdoor and upper section.

2)Signature Cocktails – Best Mixologist in town. A lot of work has gone into making unique and distinctive cocktails. Innovative flavours that are pleasing, refreshing & I bet you never tasted before! #That One Date(Tequila with dates and kafir lime) you heard me right. The sweetness of khajur, citrus notes of kafir lime and tequila. Loved it

#Native Gin Fizz - Triphala infused gin with Lavender Saltzer. It was just too good!

#Barrel Aged Old fashioned – whiskey based with a showmanship of brining in the smoky flavour to the drink. Could have been more strong.

3)Food - Menu with Indian, Continental, Oriental and there is something for everyone. We tried their regional menu. It was outstanding. Small plates : #Anjuna Butter Garlic Prawns – Enticing with a buttery white sauce and proportionate seasoning.

#Lalwani Aunty’s Arbi Tuk - Double fried arbi tuk/ kachula a classic Sindhi style sider, Served hot, it was crispy & sprinkled with amchur. So toothsome one cant stop at one piece… Nailed it!

#Ghee Roast Chicken – very mangalorean with oodles of exotic spices, kadi patta and ghee. Chicken was loaded with a lot of masala gravy which I shameless polished off using my fingers. So appealing to my body senses!

#Machher Paturi – The thick rich Kasundi paste is quite a versatile marination and fish steamed paturi style ( wrapped in banana leaf) a delicacy. Here It was Surmai fish (not Betki). Nice

#Purani Dilli Butter Chicken – (White Butter Chicken) – Bite sized chunky boneless pieces in old delhi style creamy sauce. Tasted creamy, sweet and delicious. Although not my kinda preference, Kids will definitely enjoy.

They also serve tomato based tandoori butter chicken

The pyaaj (onions) served had a spicy mustard zing and I totally loved it!

#Wazwaan mostly includes Rogan josh. A delectable gravy with Kashmiri chillies, local spices and mutton. It is a treat in itself. This one was fantastic! Mutton was well cooked and sauce was finger licking good. Go for it red meat eaters

#Atya’s konkani Prawn Bhujne – A tangy gravy with tenderest prawns. A bit overloaded with kokum, feedback given. Goes well with rice.

Desserts:- #Parsi Dairy Malai Kulfi -creamy and delightful, reminiscent to good old days!

#Caramel Custard – That caramelised sauce was superb… sweet, bitter and slurpy. Custard was supremely delish.. Polished off in a jiffy!

Service is impeccable, cocktails were amazing, menu is vast. Live screening, parking, party section makes it a very attractive location. Definitely worth visiting. Thank me...

Nativ

I was recently invited to try out the newest addition to Baner's Food @nativ.pune & here's a quick overview of the place which managed to woo me in my very first visit Nativ refers to the window of nostalgia. A place that focuses on bringing back your forgotten memories with an elaborate food & cocktail menu. The place is dressed in earthy tones with hues of vivid green plants making its way to blend in seemlessly with the interiors. There's something about the rusticity if the interior that transports you back to the old times.

We tried three of their signature cocktails. "Issa Vibe" which was a whiskey based coctail was on the sweeter side with flavours of popcorn popping through that made it quite a unique blend. My personal recommendation would however be the "Kashmir in Glass" again a whiskey based drink. The cocktail is made with saffron sourced from the Pampore region & infused for over three days. I simply refused to believe how well the saffron blended with whiskey making sure that the flavours are popping through without disturbing the potency of drink

The next one was an ode to Pune's very own Mastani. A clarified cocktail on the sweeter side again which transports you back to the memory lane. With an addition their inhouse aam papad as you sip down on the drink. This is a must try for anyone who fancies Pune.

For the starters we had their New Market Lebu lonka Kebab featuring the King of lemons - Godhoraj from Bengal. An elemental surprise of freshness this kebab is a must try here. We also had the Rajasthani Laal Kebab that featured a red marination similar to Laal maas but a paneer base. A basic but well done dish.

For the mains we had their Chicken Kaala rassa, an ode to the traditional maharashtrian chicken curry with black gravy. The robust flavours of roasted coconut & onions lend this a beautiful flavour. Although a little thick for my liking, a great accompaniment to go alongwith the breads or rice. We also tried veggies in Hoisan Sauce with burnt garlic rice. I opted for noodles though which went along really well with the perfectly balanced sauce. The portion size here is also pretty huge so make sure you order accordingly. Plus points for their amazing Schezuan Chutney I can truely judge a place based on the quality of sides they serve & Nativ passed it with flying colours.

Some places don't need metrics to measure @ Nativ is...