What’s in a name, I always wonder. Specifically, how do aspiring restaurateurs zero in on their vision with one or two words? After speaking with Mani, the entrepreneur behind Hawthorn’s new Indian eatery, Piquancy, I know the answer. Well, for this establishment anyway. The food at Piquancy is spicy and tangy — name and food are a perfect match.
After successfully running Indian eatery, Babu Ji in St Kilda, the team wanted to take on a new challenge. A location previously home to a health food store on Auburn Street in Hawthorn was a building the team couldn’t resist for their new venture.
The team didn’t just want any old building. It wanted one where they could incorporate something a little different, say, a cooking school. Situated upstairs, the spacious area is designed to host guests that want a deeper appreciation of what goes on their plate.
On the day I attended, one of Piquancy’s chefs took us through the spices used in the restaurant’s cuisine, and we had the chance to get our hands dirty. Neatly assembled in front of us there were all of the ingredients required to make a traditional samosa. The dough, potatoes, peas and all important spices. I can’t begin to imagine how many of these I have scoffed in my lifetime so the chance to make one was a nice treat.
Naturally the food at Piquancy is top notch. I’d recommend starting with the Pani Puri, delicate puff pastry orbs filled with chickpeas and potato covered in a tang and spicy sauce. Each one is a mouthful and provides an explosion of flavour.
The Beetroot Paneer, marinated curd cheese topped with lashings of beetroot sauce, was another winner on the night as was the scrumptious dill, lime, garlic Atlantic salmon.
If you’re a Hawthorn local or in the area I’d definitely recommend indulging in a Pani Puri or six at Piquancy.
– Rukmal
Co-founder of The Plus Ones, Rukmal lives and breathes events.
Piquancy
123 Auburn Street
Hawthorn VIC
www.thepiquancy.com.au
