Doctor share frustration as fine dining restaurant swaps Morels for Button Mushrooms
Doctor share frustration as fine dining restaurant swaps Morels for Button Mushrooms
A prominent surgeon from Delhi has taken to social media to criticize Indian Accent, a well-regarded fine-dining establishment, over a misleading dish served during a recent visit. Dr. Ambarish Satwik, director of hybrid vascular suites at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, expressed his frustration on X (formerly Twitter) after finding button mushrooms in a dish advertised as containing morel mushrooms.
Dr. Satwik had ordered the chef’s tasting menu, which featured a dish titled “masala morels with water chestnut, asparagus, and paper roast dosai.” However, he claims the dish served contained common button mushrooms instead of the prized morels. He described this substitution as “a deliberate act of chicanery,” likening the mushrooms to “counterfeit handbags.”
In his detailed critique, Dr. Satwik described the disappointment of finding ordinary mushrooms in place of the rare and expensive morels, which he suggested should be considered the “Rolls-Royce of fungi.” He questioned whether the replacement of the dish in under two minutes indicated pre-prepared food rather than a genuine fine dining experience.
Indian Accent responded by calling the incident a “simple misunderstanding.” They clarified that their version of “morel masala” includes a mix of mushrooms, including sliced morels, and other varieties. The restaurant stated that the description on the menu might have led to confusion due to its origins from a previous menu. They also offered Dr. Satwik additional desserts as a gesture of goodwill.
Morel mushrooms, known for their distinctive taste and health benefits, are typically found in the Himalayan foothills and are much more expensive than common varieties. The discrepancy in the dish has sparked debate about restaurant transparency and customer expectations in high-end dining.
Dr. Satwik’s post has garnered significant attention, raising questions about the authenticity and integrity of high-priced restaurant dishes.
