"While renovating, many were very confused when we bought these items from the junkyard. When we told them it was a part of our décor, they actually laughed," says Surendra Sthapit, one of the owners of De Rustic
De Rustic apparently used 75% recycled materials for their interiors. It has come together so marvelously that a casual customer wouldn't suspect a thing. But it begins with the walls itself. Instead of paint they opted for red mud and reportedly gathered their friends and families to mop the walls in traditional Nepali style. The result along with the artwork on the opposite sides is very authentic indeed.
They have also wrapped tires with jute ropes and turned them into surprisingly comfortable seats. They have used metal scraps to build their benches whereas dismantled drums can be seen applied on the walls and the bar counter. One can't help but be delighted by the clever use of waste materials.
True to their name, the place has a very rustic but refined vibe and it's already attracting a lot of people. In fact, people often do a double take whenever they walk past the restaurant.
Once inside, you are greeted by their cozy café section where they can enjoy a variety of baked goods and different assortments of coffee. The main menu is also very diverse. They seem to serve everything from Chinese, Italian to Newar dishes. They have all the basic palette of a Nepali well covered and that too at reasonable prices. De Rustic owners didn't want to alienate the average middle class customer. So in the entire Durbar Marg area they claim to have devised the most affordable menu.
Though for those looking for some specials, De Rustic has that covered too. In the short period of time they have been around, some of their specials like the Chicken Meatler on Sweet Corn and Grilled Fish with Vinaigrette salad has already gathered a small fan following. The chicken is stuffed with boiled egg and cooked in a rather ingenious way. It's the cooks own invention, we hear.
The grilled fish too is very succulent. It is served with rice that has a touch of saffron and a special Russian vinaigrette salad that is very refreshing. For those looking to drink, the Rustic Boar Special also proves to be the ideal dish to go with it. The flavors are kept uncomplicated and the boar is cooked to perfection.
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