SPIRIT
You know what I absolutely hate? Having to rewrite. Its been a long time since I put up a post, partly because work has been a little demanding. Mostly because I hate having to to rewrite and that is what has happened. I wrote and just when I was on the verge of completion, magically the entire post disappeared from my saved drafts. I hate having to re-do things. So now I had to push myself to re-write.
I had seen this place on a no. of times while passing through the L.B.S. Road on Ghatkopar as it is located in close proximity to R-City Mall and even though I had always been curious of what the place would be like, it never really made to my to-visit list. Not that the place looked unattractive, on the other hand, it screams for attention. The place even for the exteriors is done up in red walls and high windows, the french kind and will arouse your interest. But it walks on a very thing road between being loud but attractive and shady-dingy types. So, when my friend told me we are headed to this place which is some-where near to R-City, all alarms inside me went off and all I could think of is please, don't be the place I think it is.
But alas! It was indeed and though I voiced my fear stating that I don't think this is a friendly enough place and looks more likely to be visited by the local-bar crowd, in came the valet/waiter to the rescue saying the place is divided into two parts. One is the lounge and one is the bar and we should head to the lounge. That calmed me down a little but not enough to give me the confidence to walk in. But a little push from my friend and I was like okay, how bad could it be and plus my page here is for the purpose of exploring what is out there. So if nothing, it will be an experience of a kind.
I have to say, that the place actually is not all that bad. Okay, it is in fact interesting and also has a decent crowd. More than just decent actually, which according to most of my guy-friends is at times missing in a lot of high-profile places. So surprised I was and my friend had a smirk on his face which translated to - "See! I told you so and you never trust me. Tsk Tsk."
The place is complete retro, inspired from the 60s & 70s with a lot of Marilyn Monroe type quotes and Posters hanging from the walls. I actually wished I had worn up a black dress and red-heels, and red lips, I would have gelled in perfectly.The only downer was that there was no music playing, probably because of the IPL which was being screened. I however wished they had put it on mute like most other places and played the music. The music plays a crucial role in a lounge (or a place which tries to be a lounge), it can make or break a place. But I had company and the conversation was free-flowing so I complained a little less I could say. :
The Menu is strictly Indian & Chinese and that made me give the look to my friend which translates to "If I wanted to eat Tandoori Roti and Butter Chicken, I would have gone to one of the many mughlai cuisine restaurants (Read my review of Delhi Zaika") which is located in the Kurla - Ghatkopar belt. There was not even french fries on the menu! What are you supposed to have with your beer? (Note - I am a teetotaller) Yet, it was me who was more concerned with the Chakhna as to how we like to call it. I have become accustomed to a mock tail and some sides to go with it while the rest of my friends down their drinks. Fortunately, upon asking the waiter he told us french- fries is in fact available and I was like whew! You know how they say don't judge a book by its cover?! Sahi kehte hain. Because the fries might not have been presented like you were seated in Five Star Hotel, but they did taste like one of the best I have had. It is actually the kind of fries that are made at home but then they are the best kind I believe, crispy but the right amount of soft as is needed. Served with no fancy dip but Green Pudina Chutney ( Mint Sauce). If you have not had fries with pudina chutney, you are missing out. So, again grudgingly I had to admit I was indeed wrong and that I actually like the place and also the food looks promising. We ordered for this Kabab whose name I do-not remember but it was garnished with melted cheese ( the only one on the menu, so when you get there you would know which one). It was spicy but the chicken was tender and was grilled to perfection I believed and the spices rubbed on it along with the hint of cheese tickles the taste buds and you are more than just satisfied. We were not looking to have a full dinner-meal types, so we did not really order for any main course, but we did order for a chinese style fries - The Chinese Green Stir Fries, though I had wondered how is anyone going to retain the crispiness and the tenderness of the fries if it is stir fried with vegetables, I have to say, it was the best of the three we had had. I would definitely be ordering again, if I visited this place. The flavor was subtle and not spicy, which I had thought it would be as having Chinese in India generally means that there is certain amount of Indian-ness put into it. ( and I for one do not complain, I like to call it fusion!)
My final words??!! This place is must visit if you do not want to spend 25% as taxes on the food and alcohol you consume without having to compromise on the quality and a place where you can down your drinks.
WHAT WE HAD - French Fries (Yum!)
Murg Noorani Kabab (Yum!)
Chinese Green Stir Fries ( Yummness!!)
Mojito (Flavored!) (Tangy!)
DAMAGES - Rs 1100/- ( Approx & inclusive of 2 beers)
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