TGI FRIDAYS, MUMBAI

Nostalgia is what I feel about this place. During my Post Graduation Days, I think I used to drop in here at least once a month. It had become my "Adda" as they call it. One would think why I would fancy the place when I am a teetotaler. The Food! One of the rare places that serves a mean steak or should I say used to before the unpopular ban of Beef in this wonderful state of ours. But never the less, this is one place that lives up to my expectations when it comes to their food counter as well. 

Our first option for the day was actually Cafe Mocha, which has altogether stopped serving Alcoholic Drinks and even though it did not matter to me, my companion on the day wanted to down a beer or two and TGI's being in the same place, I could not turn it down. It is still the same and has the same vibes as it did then, even more livelier probably because it was still Happy Hours. Its been forever since I have entered a place during Happy Hours. By the time I leave office and reach anywhere, the good hours come to an end and have to pay full price. Actually, it does not matter much because I anyways pay full price as happy hours are mostly designed for those who like to drink. But never the less, Its always nice getting in at the time because of all the buzz you feel around you.

Designed like a Sports Bar in the 70's probably. At least I for one feel like it pays an ode to the 70's. It is done up in hues of red, I am charmed by the color red I guess, it adds an edge I have always felt and most places that are high on my rating list are done up in red including Red Box, The Unites Sports and even TGI's. 

Though you keep having to bring to the attention of the servers that you indeed require service, I would not put down their service. Its quite the contrary, I would say they manage well because there is not a single table that is not already occupied on the weekend and even in these circumstances, as soon as you call out for some one, they ensure that your are attended to without any delay, and if no one is available, the manager himself comes down to your table. So all in all, I have always believed service here to be above par. This is the only place that I have come across where the servers take a round at all the tables just as happy hour is to end, if they would want something else off the offers before the clock strikes 8.30! 

Since it was happy hours, we ordered almost everything off the Happy Hours Menu because hey! who does not like discounts :P So a mocktail for myself at Rs 77 only (cheapest I have had!) and King Fisher Premium for my friend and some starters, all of the happy hours menu which includes 2 plates of chicken pyramid, 1 chicken skewers and 1 Potato canapes. I think we ordered so many starters only because they mostly came at half price. The chicken pyramids are actually what we plainly called chicken samosas, at first when they serves samosas, I was disappointed, I mean you said chicken pyramids, this is cheating but then 1 bite and I was more than happy. So much that another plate was ordered for. The Potato canapes I was not a big fan of, it seemed liked baked spicy potatoes and I would have preferred wedges to it. I have a soft corner for potato wedges. The chicken skewers however were my favorite of them all and a winner, served on sticks, it was mildly spiced and was simply wow! A cross over between Indian and Continental is how I would put it (Also at Rs 77! such a steal, I tell you!) Since we had had a lot of starters, we ordered just one main course, because the one thing that makes me respect the place is that they are not stingy in their servings, probable because its an American outlet and the difference I find between Europe and America is that Americans are generous with their portions, the Europeans not so much ( Please don't beat me up if you think I am wrong :P I just say what I have observed in my experience). Since the menu had not been updated and The Steaks were still on the menu, I for a nano second felt maybe they are one of those rare places that is still serving Beef (as I think they should!) but when we asked, we were told that they don't which led to long faces on our end because if you are a beef-eater, you would know that this places whips up some of the best steaks and burgers in town. But alas! we make did with Sizzling Chicken Mexicali which was not bad but could have been better. I don't know if it was because I had come in with the expectation of steak, but though I enjoyed it, I would not repeat the same the next time I stepped in here. The sizzling cheese and the rice with mexican flavors were like a match made in heaven but the chicken breasts were just a little bit dry. They need to work on that.

The only thing that I really hope they change is their Taxes. Our Billing came upto 1600 Rs originally and all the taxes were around 400 Rs, 25% as taxes??!!You have got to be kinder to your customer.

All in All, chill, take it easy and for the next IPL match, land here simply because it is a good place to do so. The awesome offers on the Happy Hours help quite a lot. 

WHAT WE HAD - 1. Chicken Pyramids (Yum!)

2. Mini Potato Canapes (Not something to write home about!)

3. Spicy Chicken Skewers (Leaves you wanting for more!)

4. Sizzling Chicken Mexicali (Good!) 

5. November Breeze (Mocktail, Okay!)

TIP - Don't order Pastas and Pizzas when you step here, eat what the Americans would and you will not regret it. 

DAMAGES - Rs 2000/- Approx (Including drinks & Vat)

WHERE - Ground Floor, R City Mall, LBS Marg, Ghatkopar (W) - MUMBAI