Nifty First Dates

Helping you make the most of your first date—whatever the type you’re looking for—is our selection of restobars across the city that offer you everything from the best romanctic views in Mumbai to places where the two of you can show of your competitive side playing boardgames!   

By Raul Dias

For the music junkies
Raasta
This fourth floor, twin levelled restobar is perfect for a date night (or even afternoon!) where music is the binding factor. Offering up a selection of live music gigs with a slant towards Reggae, this place regularly hosts both local and international bands like BLOT that perform on its specially built balcony stage. With a vibe that’s pure Caribbean from its easy, laid back décor to its menu that has everything from meter high cocktails called bongtails, served up in…yes, you guessed right, bongs, to scrumptious finger food like jerked chicken and jambalaya, make sure all roads lead to Raasta for that ultimate first date.
Where: 4th Floor, Rohan plaza, Ram Krishan Nagar, Road no. 5, Khar
Call: 8655000811
Timings: 12pm to 1:30am
Approx. Cost for two with drinks and bar bites: Rs 2,000

For the city’s most romantic views
Asilo
As Mumbai’s much sought after rooftop destination at the St Regis Mumbai, Asilo is known for its decadent sundowners, lavish brunches and absolutely A-list parties. But it is also one of the most—if not THE most—picturesque places, offering unmatched vistas of the island city below. Impress your date by showing them the city from almost 40-stories high up as you two sip on cocktails like the rum and coconut based Aqua, while nibbling on sushi and smoked salmon rillettes. A great way to start something new, what say?
Where: Level 37, 462, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel
Call: 61628031
Timings: 5:30pm to 1:30am
Approx. Cost for two with drinks and bar bites: Rs 4,500

For the (board game) players!
MRP
Claiming to be Mumbai’s… nay, India’s first drinking games bar, MRP or My Regular Place for the uninitiated is a fun, casual mid-town restobar where the two of you can have a memorable first date playing all sorts of games with each other. From snakes and ladders to beer pong, each table here comes with its own box of board games with fun forfeits and wins. Among the drinks, make sure to try the Tiki Tori that’s made up of pineapple juice and three types of rums, while you fight over the last pork belly bao. Remember all is fair in love and games!
Where: Dharamputra Pritam Estate, Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Rd, Lokmanya Tilak Colony, Dadar (e)
Call: 9699990036
Timings: 12pm to 3:30pm and 6pm to 1am
Approx. Cost for two with drinks and bar bites: Rs 1,500

For the urbane sophisticate
Theory
With its almost 50 shades of black interiors, including a mammoth 100 ft-long pressed charcoal island bar, Theory oozes undiluted, slinky sex appeal and is thus the perfect place for a first date that’s designed to impress and be impressed by. Dress up to the nines and wet your lips with libations like the Asian Mojito, a vermouth and gin based concoction while nibbling on delectable bar bites like the paper thinly-sliced prawn carpaccio anointed with a yuzu-sesame-soy sauce. Decadence with a capital ‘D’, this!  
Where: Unit 1 C Wing, Trade World, Kamala Mills, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel
Call: 66666506
Timings: 12pm to 4pm and 7pm to 1:30am
Approx. Cost for two with drinks and bar bites: Rs 3,750

For the shallow pocketed
The Beer Café
Don’t worry at being called a cheapskate. No one said your first date has to break the bank! With beer starting as low as Rs 169 per pint, your money will go a long way at this fun, cool-n-casual beer café chain that’s done up in cheery shades of yellow with fun bric-a-brac décor strewn about the place. Not fans of beer? TBC offers a great range of inexpensive, basic cocktails like Screwdrivers and Mojitos that pair with bar bites like buffalo chicken wings and cheese poppers.   
Where: Shop 6-7, Ground Floor, Cambata Building, 42, Maharishi Karve Road, Churchgate. (also at Powai, Andheri (w), Kamala Mills, Mahim, High Street Phoenix and even CSIA Airport)
Call: 66153510
Timings: 11am to 12:30am
Approx. Cost for two with drinks and bar bites: Rs 850

For a cozy night out
Swey
Enjoy these last few fleeting days of rain as the two of you cuddle up together on one of Swey’s rather comfortable couches and watch the calm sea below from this not-so-high rooftop Worli restobar. Done up in soothing shades of white and ivory, the huge 15,000 sq ft space is divided up into several smaller nooks, each exuding a cozy vibe. Drinks like the kale-redolent Kale-n-Hearty pair superbly with nibbles like the American fried mac-n-cheese bars and the Goan stuffed squids.
Where: 4th Floor, Atria Mall, Opposite Poonam Chambers, Doctor Annie Besant Road, Worli
Call: 9820436666
Timings: 12pm to 1:30pm and 7pm to 12am
Approx. Cost for two with drinks and bar bites: Rs 1,750

For the nervous dater
The Bandra Project
Worried about making awkward conversation on your first date? Fear not! This brand new Bandra hot-spot is so buzzing and lively, that you won’t get a chance to fumble through the date. The fun, affable staff will take the edge of your first date with their quick and efficient service as they ply you with fun cocktails given a decidedly Bandra spin like the cinnamon-citrus Bandra Fest and the lavender-gin-based Joggers Park. And don’t forget to let the small plates like the chorizo-topped ragi pancakes and the prawn potato chops do all the talking, if things get a little awkward!
Where: 602, Doctor BR Ambedkar Road, Pali Hill, Bandra
Call: 62506800
Timings: 8:30am to 1:30am
Approx. Cost for two with drinks and bar bites: Rs 2,500

(An edited version of this article appeared in the 28th August 2017 issue of the evening edition of Mid-Day newspaper, India)

Desi Makeovers!

From the ubiquitous curry leaf and spicy cumin seed to the piquant burst of pani puri masala and zesty shikanji, cocktails around Mumbai are imbuing themselves with all things deliciously desi with a vengeance these days!   

By Raul Dias

MMS (Monkey Masala Soda)
Monkey Bar is a well-known destination for its unconventional cocktails that junk all the rules and strike off the sugary sweet concoctions—replacing them with a host of original, hugely trendy drinks. For the MMS, kaffir lime is muddled with vodka and a house made masala soda, making for a super refreshing, simple and smooth cocktail.  “It’s no longer about regular cocktails but a whole new spin, where innovation and freshness are firmly at the forefront,” says Nakul Chandra, Brand Head, Monkey Bar.
At Summerville, 14th & 33rd Road, Ground Floor, Linking Road, Bandra West
Call 26005215
Cost Rs 320

Pani Puri Margarita
​The piquant sum of its homemade pani puri water, tequila, triple sec and citrus mix, the pani puri margarita is an ode to Mumbai’s die-hard love affair with the street food staple! “My mother’s pani puri was something I always loved as a kid. One day, it was there for dinner and I had some tequila around so I decided to experiment and it was a match made in heaven. It’s more like mother’s love mixed with my favourite spirit—tequila. Best of both worlds,” says Pranav Mody, Manager and Mixologist, The Sassy Spoon Nariman Point.
At The Sassy Spoon Nariman Point, Ground Floor, Express Towers, Nariman Point
Call 9920003500
Cost Rs 490

Roadside Mule
Tamarind and dates and all the other ingredients—like house tamarind sauce, curry leaves, cumin, ginger, ginger ale—in this cocktail are inspired by the taste of the Indian street chaat which is put together to balance the flavour of the gin and the colour of the drink. “Tamarind and dates were added to the drink to remind the drinker of Indian street food. These also lend a certain freshness to cocktail that is a take on the Moscow Mule but with the Theory magic,” says Emma Pereira, Mixologist, Theory.
At Theory, Unit 1 C Wing, Trade World, Kamala Mills, Lower Parel
Call 66666506
Cost Rs 850

Thai-quilla
‘Same-same, but different’ is an oft-heard phrase when in Thailand and the Thai-quilla cocktail is like a drinkable version of this oxymoronic saying! This Indo-Thai mélange is an amalgamation of kokum and everyone’s favourite tipple tequila, along with Thai basil and fresh lime. “Kokum also known as Indian mangosteen lends a distinct sour element that blends exceptionally well with tequila. The basil adds a Thai twist that helps the cocktail suit our restaurant’s Asian flavours philosophy,” says Farrokh Khambata, Chef and Owner, Umame.
At 1st floor, Cambata Building, Next to Eros Theatre, Churchgate
Call 61110303
Cost Rs 550

China to Kolkata
Part of the special ‘Monsoon Cocktail’ menu at Shizusan Shophouse & Bar, this cocktail is another love child of fusion! The cocktail uses peaches which are native to Northwest China and gondhoraj which literally translates to ‘king of aromas’ and is Bengal’s best kept secret ingredient. “A hybrid of mandarin orange and common lime, gondhoraj is fruitier, crisper and sharper than the regular nimbu—giving the cocktail a more distinct taste that’ll transport you to the quaint streets of Kolkata. You could say, this one’s our take on the classic Peach Margarita,” says Tanai Shirali, Director of Operations, Shizusan.
At Shizusan, Skyzone, Highstreet Phoenix, Lower Parel
Call 7045004138
Cost Rs 525

Shikanji Sour
​An Indian spin on the Whiskey Sour, this cocktail is exciting from the word go. It is a mix of Bourbon, homemade shikanji (North Indian-style limeade) puree, sweet and sour mix, rose syrup, rose water and egg white. All this is garnished with some rosemary. “Indians love shikanji and most of them love whiskey. I wanted to blend two strong yet complimenting flavours that add a natural woodyness and sweetness altogether. Shikanji adds a great fragrance as well, especially when garnished with rosemary,” says Taufeeq Shaikh, Bartender, Estella.
At Nichani Kutir, Juhu Tara Road, Juhu
Call 7999998232/7999998212
Cost Rs 625

(An edited version of this article appeared in the 7th August 2017 issue of the evening edition of Mid-Day newspaper, India http://www.mid-day.com/articles/mumabi-food-six-mumbai-bars-desi-cocktails-twist-lifestyle/18487185)

Bowled Over!

Perfect for tucking into on a rainy day, we bring you a serving of a few all-inclusive meals-in-bowls offering exotic treats with everything from black noodles to Chinese fungus to suit your many monsoon moods  

By Raul Dias

Stay indoors and make take-away Tuesdays fun with…
Fatty Pho Ramen
A hearty and substantial meal, this ramen is the sum of its aromatic chicken broth, smoked chicken, ginger, fried onions, scallions and soft-boiled egg parts. Giving it a bizarre countenance and exotic appeal is the coil of black noodles that gets its hue from charred eggplant powder!
At The Fatty Bao, Oasis Complex, Kamala Mills, Lower Parel
Call 62371500
Cost Rs 425

The ultimate romantic meal for two…
Asian Poké Bowl
This cooked take on poké—the raw fish meal-in-a-bowl from Hawaii—is made up of a starchy base in the form of steamed jasmine rice. Onto this, fresh organic vegetables like avocados, green onions, coloured peppers and cucumbers are layered along with nuts. All this is topped off with either lamb meat or vegetable balls.
At Jeon, Hotel Sea Princess, Juhu Tara Road, Juhu
Call 26469500
Cost Rs 599

Craving some Asian comfort food? Then chow down on…
Taiwanese Aromatic Miso Milk Bowl
Claiming to be the Asian restaurant’s signature dish, this milky-looking broth is made up of udon noodles, tofu and the very wacky, if a tad slimy wakame seaweed. Though Taiwanese in origin, as the cuisine is strongly influenced by the food from China and Japan, this miso broth references by neighbouring countries’ flavours, hence the wakame and udon.
At Shizusan, Skyzone, Highstreet Phoenix, Lower Parel
Call 7045004138
Cost Rs 295

Curl up in bed with your favourite book and a bowl of...
Monsoon Bone Broth
Comfort food at its best and great for that lazy, rainy day, this bowl too uses udon noodles as its base. This along with smoked chicken stock, shredded chicken, sweet corn, mushroom, coriander and Malaysian sambal give it a great depth of flavour, while the rather outré Chinese black fungus lends to it an amazing bite.
At Toast & Tonic, Ground Floor, Jet Airways-Godrej Building, ​​BKC, Bandra East
Call 26534722/7777049774
Cost Rs 295

Perfect for those ‘no carbs’ Fridays…
Mediterranean Veg Bowl
Not only is this one vegetarian friendly, but it is also a zero-carb meal-in-a-bowl. Here, a blushing pink beet hummus meets a chickpea tabbouleh along with pickled vegetables and falafel. This then gets doused with lashings of sour cream and it’s ready to chow down. All guilt-free, of course!
At Theory, Kamala Mills, Lower Parel
Call 66666506
Cost Rs 415

For that yummy rainy-day fusion twist, try the…
Maggi Et Al
Can’t get your fill of fusion? Then this bowl is the one for you. Combining the flavours of India’s favourite noodle snack—Maggi and Mumbai’s street food staple pav bhaji is this one. Served up yin-yang style with the noodles on one side of the bow and the bright red bhaji on the other, this colourful meal is sure to cast all those grey monsoon blues away…
At Door No. 1, Ankleshwar, ONGC Colony, Bandra West
Call 65355355
Cost Rs 191

(An edited version of this article appeared in the 11th July 2017 issue of Mid-Day newspaper, India http://www.mid-day.com/articles/mumbai-food-six-meals-in-bowls-to-suit-your-monsoon-moods-guide/18411164)

Restaurant Review: Theory, Mumbai

(Published in the June 2017 issue of The Week's The Man magazine)

Shaken and yes…stirred!

With today being celebrated as World Martini Day, why not take your pick from some of Mumbai’s most wacky martini-style cocktails that feature everything from to the decidedly frou frou lavender to the typically Indian paan as ingredients    

By Raul Dias

Mon Cheri
Imbued with an experimental streak when it comes to his bar, Pranav Mody the The Sassy Spoon’s manager and mixologist, sends off this rather exotic looking, deep purple-hued cocktail with a generous pour of house-infused lavender-hibiscus vodka, and vanilla, along with a splash of orange liqueur and citrus mix. Adorned with a marigold flower to offset the colour, the drink is the ultimate ode to flower power.
At The Sassy Spoon, Express Towers, Nariman Point
Call 9920003500
Cost Rs 600

Smoked Aspacado
This martini cocktail one truly lives up to its ‘salad cocktail’ descriptor on the drinks’ menu. Here, Rakesh Pardeshi, the assistant bar supervisor first smokes avocado cubes and chopped asparagus that are then muddled together with simple syrup, lime juice and gin and garnished with a blanched asparagus spear.
At Estella, Juhu Tara Road, Juhu.
Call 7999998232, 7999998212
Cost Rs 895

Kale & Hearty
Though the whole hype around kale may be on the wane this year, it still shows up in this rather refreshing and ‘healthy’ drink. In this martini-style cocktail, the leafy veggie is muddled with spinach, cucumber, vodka and homemade ginger syrup, with a hit of lime-n-lemon sours and sent off with a crispy fried kale chip as the garnish.
At Swey, Atria Mall, Worli.
Call 9820436666
Cost Rs 500

Green Tea & Lavender Martini
This fragrant, floral vodka martini is made using a special in-house green tea and lemongrass infusion. To this, thyme and lavender are added to give more layers to the herbaceous, floral notes. A spritz of vodka and lemon juice finishes it off. All this jazzed up with the Theory signature garnish of fresh jasmine buds and a few sprigs of thyme.
At Theory, Kamala Mills, Lower Parel
Call 66666506
Cost Rs 860

Paan Martini
Bringing an Indian flavour to World Martini Day is this very desi Paan Martini Cocktail that’s often accompanied by a paan-flavoured ice-cream. Made with paan masala, gulkhand, vodka and lime juice and served with a garnish of betel leaf and rose petals, this cocktail was created by the bar’s head bartender who missed his father’s paan dani (paan case) and more so, the aroma of it! 
At The Sahib Room & Kipling Bar at The St. Regis Mumbai, Lower Parel
Call 61628422
Cost Rs 900

(An edited version of this article appeared in the 19th June 2017 issue of the evening edition of Mid-Day newspaper, India http://www.mid-day.com/articles/mumbai-food-world-martini-day-martini-style-cocktails-drinks-mumbai-bars-sassy-spoon-lfiestyle/18351183)

Waffle Mania!

Taking an interesting menu detour from the desserts’ section to the main one is the humble waffle. Making ‘savoury waffles’ the hottest food trend of the season at restaurants across Mumbai.

By Raul Dias

Spicy Jalapeno and Melted Queso Waffle
This one’s for those times when you want something savoury for that lazy Sunday brunch that still hints at something sweet… That’s when you should try this all-veg spicy jalapeno and melted queso waffle that’s topped with oodles of unctuous melted cheese. And for that added bite, you can also add some pico de gallo and salsa picante!
CHEF SPEAK: “We like savoury waffles, so we had to have at least one on our menu! We went for a meatless option so that everyone can enjoy these waffles, but some regulars do ask for crispy bacon for a more indulgent treat.”
-Chef Sandeep Sonawane, head chef
At Jamjar Diner, Aram Nagar ll, Versova
Call 26358880, 26368880
Cost Rs 270

Savoury Pumpkin Waffle
This take on a savoury waffle is made up of a gluten free waffle that’s filled with roasted kabocha commonly called Japanese pumpkin — a known aphrodisiac in many cultures — along with sage, caramelised onions and house made tulsi yogurt.
CHEF SPEAK: “Apart from having a chestnut-like texture and sweet potato-like taste profile, kabocha is high in beta carotene, iron, and vitamin C. The waffle is gluten-free and hence you won’t feel a drop of guilt as you savour this savoury waffle.”
-Chef Paul Kinny, culinary director
At 212 All Good, High Street Phoenix, Lower Parel
Call 62216020, 8655012212
Cost Rs 425

Crispy Khimchi and Fried Brocolli Waffle
The crispy khimchi and crunchy broccoli on freshly made tobanjan-spiced waffles, topped with wasabi flavoured sour cream and served with an apple and fennel salad work as a great combination. All this is further enhanced by a squiggle of horseradish mayo and a side of pickled cauliflower.
CHEF SPEAK: “Most people strongly associate waffles as a breakfast option. We wanted to bring out the versatility of waffles through our loaded savoury waffles.”
-Chef Aagar Thite and Chef Harish Devadkar, head chefs
At Swey, Rooftop Atria Mall, Worli
Call 30151682
Cost Rs 625

Waffles Croque Madame
A unique take on the classic French breakfast dish of Croque Madame, here a crispy-topped, fluffy-centered waffle is loaded with local ham, bechamel sauce and finished off with a sunny side up egg and served up with homemade bacon jam. ‘nuff said!
CHEF SPEAK: “The combination of this savoury waffle has worked very well in terms of taste that includes great flavours because of the ham and cheese. It enhances the dish and makes it unique.”
-Chef Kaustubh Gujar, chef de partie
At The Pantry, Kalaghoda, Fort
Call 22678901
Cost Rs 345

Duck and Waffle
While this one may be a clever riff on the Southern American classic fried chicken and waffle combination, here, the rather pedestrian chicken is eschewed in favour of the more game-y duck. So, what we have on hand is a citrus-spiced, slow cooked pulled duck, nestled atop a fluffy, rocket leaf-lined waffle and drizzled with citrus sauce. This is then topped off with the de rigueur runny fried egg. 
CHEF SPEAK: “Universally, the waffle is considered a dessert, but with chefs pushing classic dishes to innovate and educate people’s palettes and taste buds, the waffle has become a fun ingredient.”
-Chef Subhash Shirke, executive chef
At Woodside Inn, Woodhouse road, Colaba
Call 22025525
Cost Rs 695

Jackfruit Corn Waffle
Here, the rather sparingly used jackfruit is first tossed in homemade barbeque sauce and then set atop a corn meal waffle. Goat cheese is then added to cut through the tanginess, while caramelised onions add a hint of sweetness to the dish. Accompanying this is a side salad of lettuce leaves, endives, arugula and romaine all tossed in a vinaigrette.
CHEF SPEAK: “We at Theory use seasonal produce and fruits for many dishes. Jackfruit being the fruit of the season, we introduced a dish in a savoury and sweet combination.”
-Chef Clyde Comello, chef de cuisine
At Theory, Kamala Mills, Lower Parel
Call 66666506
Cost Rs 625

(An edited version of this article appeared in the 2nd June 2017 issue of the Mid-Day newspaper, http://www.mid-day.com/articles/mumbai-food-waffles-restaurant-menus-mumbai-guide-waffle-varities/18301156)

Purple Rain—Perfect Lavender Cocktails for Spring!

By Raul Dias

Paired with everything from the rather neutral vodka and gin to a more robustly flavoured red wine, and muddled with other fragrant botanicals like hibiscus and elderflower, the sweetly perfumed lavender blossom is enjoying a turn at several restaurants and bars across the country, making a lavender cocktail the perfect springtime tipple. We bring you a serving of a few such iterations that exude lavender with every sip!  

MON CHERI
Imbued with an experimental streak when it comes to his bar, Pranav Mody the restaurant’s manager and mixologist, sends off this rather exotic looking, deep purple-hued cocktail with a generous pour of house-infused lavender-hibiscus vodka, and vanilla, along with a splash of orange liqueur and citrus mix. Adorned with a marigold flower to offset the colour, the drink is the ultimate ode to flower power.
The Sassy Spoon (Nariman Point outlet), Mumbai. Rs600

LAVENDER ORCHID
As the signature cocktail of the award winning Mediterranean restaurant and bar, this lavender cocktail—that’s the creation of Olive’s bar manager R. Dhanendran—is the refreshing sum of its Grey Goose vodka, lychee, pomegranate and lavender parts. Perfect for spring, the cocktail sees fresh lychee and pomegranate muddled together and then shaken with vodka, house-made lavender syrup, fresh lime juice and ice cubes and served in a cocktail glass with an orchid as a garnish.
Olive Beach, Bengaluru. Rs650

LAVENDER DOLL
Even Mumbai’s newest Pan-Asian restaurant seems to be caught up in the lavender maelstrom. Not only is their lavender ice-cream the most in-demand dessert, they say, but another lavender-based creation is surging up the popularity charts as well. Imagined by beverage and cocktail developer Tanai Shirali, this cocktail is made with vodka, sparkling wine and lavender and wild flowers’ extract, with the lavender’s perfume lending a beautiful, sweet-scented complexity to this libation that’s stylishly served up in a champagne flute!   
Shizusan, Mumbai. Rs625 ​ 

15 BLOOMSBURY
Drawing inspiration from their bestselling Japanese-style deconstructed lavender cheesecake, this Park Street, Kolkata restobar has now come up with a liquid homage to the springtime blossom. A potent blend of homemade flower bitters, gin, tonic with a strong hit of lavender flowers​, this cocktail is named 15 Bloomsbury, in memory of the chef and co-founder Urvika Kanoi​’s​ chef ​school address in London, which had a beautiful lavender garden that would bloom in springtime.
Bodega Cantina-Y-Bar, Kolkata. Rs295

​

FLORAL SANGRIA
Taking a rather bold detour from the de rigueur pairing of lavender with vodka or gin, Ema Pereira, head mixologist ‘consciously couples’ a deep garnet red wine with dried lavender blossoms for her floral version of the wine cocktail. Served up in a gin and tonic coupe, bits of muddled apple, a sprig of thyme, and fresh jasmine flowers top it off.
Theory, Mumbai. Rs550

GREEN TEA & LAVENDER MARTINI
A rather subtle mélange of decidedly Eurasian flavours, this martini is made using a special in-house green tea and lemongrass infusion, with thyme and lavender added to accentuate the herbaceous, floral notes. A splash of vodka (in lieu of gin) and lemon juice finishes it off. And just like its sangria counterpart, this martini is jazzed up with the Theory signature garnish of fresh jasmine buds and a few sprigs of thyme.
Theory, Mumbai. Rs860

(A shorter, edited version of this article appeared in the 25th February 2017 issue of the Mint Lounge newspaper, India http://www.livemint.com/Leisure/pkGcW8z5s4q0ZGThYCkXaJ/RoundUp-Lust-for-lavender.html)