Salt Water Cafe, Mumbai

SALT WATER CAFE, Churchgate

A friend staying in the vicinity who was paying visit to the city was the reason we stepped in here. Fortunately, I had a meeting on the same day in the area and hence traveling was no trouble. Otherwise on a working day, I feel just too lazy taking that extra effort to travel from one corner of the city to another.

This would have been his last night in the city in his also otherwise short stay and he wanted to ensure that he well can end it on a high note (high on Alcohol ;) ) and I as always look to be high on food, so this was what we zeroed in on. 

I have always admired this place from afar for the times I would have to drop in for meetings but could never pay visit because of the same meetings and well, I like enjoying my meals and this is not a place for a quick bite. So finally the auspicious day when I made it here.

Wood makes up the theme of the place and in that it is classy. It would befall in the fine-dine category. A place where you can have long meaningful conversations. There is music playing in the background but it's not blaring as such, that if you are in the right company and are talking your heart out, you wouldn't even notice it. I didn't. The service is at par with fine dine qualities with the staff asking you how was the food, providing their recommendations and even telling you to try the apple salad which was served along with one of the dishes, which I definitely didn't have. (Not a huge fan of salad, not their fault much)

For the appetizers we had called for the Grilled chicken with Singh's chutney (An Indian Tinge to it) and Prawns calamari (Did I mention I have a thing for prawns?? :P). The grilled chicken came in skewers along with chutney as we like to call it. The chicken in itself was amazing, the sauce served didn't really do it for me at least. Didn't feel like the green pudina chutney, if that was what they were going for. The prawns were huge pieces, which I appreciate (at the price they charge :P). It had subtle flavors, almost like it was grilled, came with a dressing of coriander, lime and ajilo. Beautiful is what it was. They also serve complimentary bread before getting into the appetizers which consists of all types of bread along with butter on the side. Have it only if you will have room for the real food, else this will feel you half up and yes it sort of goes well with most dishes your order. For the main course we had ordered only pan seared salmon, mainly because I was the only one eating (70% of the food including the bread was consumed by moi). My friend believes in having late late lunch. This is my first time having salmon, had always heard a lot on it, but I have never wanted to spend the money on it (priced at 1000 rs for one filet piece in a restaurant is over priced for and also a little not so affordable) I have also been a little wary as I am very picky with seafood except for prawns. However, since my friend said he would finish it off in case I didn't take liking to it, we ordered for it. We had asked for medium rare, however we felt it was well done. The fish tasted good, but your taste buds need to be developed for it. I almost liked it, only for the part where in the end there is a certain bitterness to it. My friend tells me that generally isn't the case which is why I think it was well done. They had given an apple and barley salad on the side, not a fan of either barley or apple, was not my cup of tea. 

I had actually not ordered a heavier main course for two reasons - I had a lot of the complementary bread and I wanted to have cheesecake!! The cheesecake didn't just look pretty, but tasted extremely well too. This one again was on the lighter side. Not as light as the Japanese ones, though I haven't had the privilege to have that yet. Their cheesecake is served warm, with cookie crumbles on the side. 

This place is date night material. Also, if you feel like living it up, order their Manhattan from the cock-tail section. My friend who has gone back to the Gulf, is still missing it. 

WHAT WE HAD - Grilled Chicken (Yumness)

                           Prawns Calamari (Yumness Personifiied)

                           Pan Seared Salmon (First Time and Yum!)

                           Warm Cheese Cake (Heaven on a plate)

                           Iced Tea

                           Manhattan X3 (My friends raves of this)

                           + Complimentary Bread Basked or sack (Yum)

DAMAGES - Rs 6600/- (With Taxes)/ Rs 5400 (Without Taxes)/ Rs 3000- 3500 (Without alcohol)

WHERE -Salt Water Cafe., 82, Nagin Mahal, Veer Nariman Road, Opp. Gaylords, Churchgate, MUMBAI