Review: The Artful Baker Popup, Select City Walk, Saket

A pop-up is a temporary facility which specializes in authentic or specially prepared items (generally food). We recently got a chance to have a firsthand experience of The Artful Baker popup at the Select City Walk Mall, Saket. We were invited to taste Chef Sahil Mehta’s creations, an honor, he being India first Certified Bakery, Pastry and Chocolate Expert from Lenotre, France. He is man behind the upscale brands like Choco Diva, Renaissance and L ’Opera.

With a full scale patisserie and Boulangerie café coming up in Khan Market soon, the pop up was created to give the people a taste of what was coming up, a trailer for the things to come up in the future.

We couldn’t meet Chef Sahil as we were too late with the incessant rains playing the spoil sport and the traffic draining the energy out of us, but he made sure we were well attended to. With almost everything available being served on the table, we engaged in a short photo session (with the food, of course!) and then gorged on the items!

It seldom happens that you end up liking everything you eat at a restaurant. The Artful Baker was one such place. The Sourdough & Herbed Chicken sandwich was classy – the hint of sourness & the crispness of the bread, perfectly complimented the subtly herbed chicken. Whole Wheat Pesto Paneer sandwich was everyone’s favorite – it took us a while to believe it was paneer – the pesto has the perfect texture and taste and the bread was a perfect creation. Both the sandwiches are served cold – and they are perfect that way. Cheese & Ham croissant is good again – the croissant fluffy & crispy from the out and soft & moist from the inside.

Sourdough & Herbed Chicken sandwich

Cheese & Ham croissant

Whole Wheat Pesto Paneer sandwich

Done with savories, we were served Lemon Tart, Paris Brest, Monte Cristo & Macaroons. Lemon Tart is to die for – I have never tasted a thing better balanced than this; moist inside, crisp outside, tangy, and sweet – oh there was a medley of flavors and texture in my mouth. If you are here, a must try. Paris Brest, Monte Cristo and the Macaroons were delectable as well – but the Lemon Tart stole the show. I loved the macaroons as well – Chocolate, Raspberry & Salty – each one providing a whole new experience!