145 Kalaghoda, Mumbai

145 Kalaghoda, Mumbai

Visit long overdue. This place is always overbooked and it is a task to even do reservations. I have tried twice and finally got lucky when we booked literally 18 days in advance. Yes, you can step in here anytime, they are not going to shun you but it will be a long long wait, something that I am not a big fan of especially when the wait will extend to an hour or even longer. Impromptu plans might not work here as such.

The ambiance of the place is like most other bars/cafes around the city, dimly lit. Only here, tables have singular lights placed above, in case you don't like things to be too dark. Smart thinking there. It especially helps in taking photos. :P I find this a problem in many other lounges/pubs/bars where you really want to take beautiful photos of the food but you just aren't able to because of the lighting. Well, it's technically not their fault. But still you know what I mean.

My first impression of the service was that it was great. The waiting staff is eager to help you with any food suggestions/ queries but as the night progresses and the crowd begins to increase, it gets to be a little difficult to draw their attention towards you. But once you do, they will make sure to help you out and even be a step ahead. An example of it would be of the dessert we had ordered, which was not available but then was made available or he cross checked and got it done. This particular dessert was also a game changer. You will know what I mean. (I talk like there is some big secret reveal. jaanne ke liye dekhiye...!! :P :P)

We ordered stuffed cheese naan, pavbhaji cones and chhota shawarmas. The stuffed cheese naan ranks the highest. melted butter on top, soft and melt in the mouth naan and stuffed melted cheese. It takes you to another level of heaven. The pav bhaji cones had a mixed reaction. We did like it, but the bhaji to bread ratio was higher, so you end up feeling that you are eating more of bhaji and I and the other girls prefer it the other way round. I scooped out the bhaji with spoon and had it first, so when I had finally the cone, it ain't so bad. Also, something feels missing without the lemon being squeezed on the bhaji. The shawarmas come not in a roll but rather with the chicken pieces in a skewer hanging down and min sized pita bread placed at the bottom. The concept as such seems appetizing but you really don't get the true flavors of a shawarma in there. For the main course we called for the Goan Prawn Curry & Noodles with Honey Tofu. The Goan Prawns Curry in taste was good, the serving size in terms of the prawns was hardly! A little stingy there. Also, I wished it had been accompanied with some condiments like raita/papad/pickle/fryums etc. Not all, maybe just one. I mean it's goan prawn curry, it is meant to be served with that way. The Noodles with Honey Tofu is great on the taste buds. We had requested to not make it sweet as such and they had obliged, which is another brownie point on them. The serving size of this is also good. 

The Dessert - Oreo Milkshake. The mighty Oreo milkshake, which I had been looking forward to from quite some time after going through so many pics of this particular item on social networking sites. Imagine my disappointment when they told me this was not available at the moment. My heart broke and it felt like such a waste coming till here. Yes, I had come here to enjoy this one thing specifically. I had wanted to try out other stuff as well, but this was a non-negotiable. But kudos to the waiting staff, who realized our disappointment and came back 10 minutes later with the news that they will make it. Our hearts leapt with joy! Is it everything I imagined it to be? OH YEAH! I think we went ballistic once it was served. A tall glass filled with Oreo shake and with a biscuit placed on top and the magic of whipped cream topped with marshmallows, kitkats, gems, oreos and also Oreos stuck on 4 sides of the glass (one wonders if they use super glue in this part as we just couldn't scrape it off and eat it up :P). This is something that made all our days and we still keep talking about how very awesome this was! 

Reasons to head here? Their menu is inclusive of VAT charges, which makes you very very happy because you know you are not going to be ripped off. Great Ambiance. Cheap Alcohol. There are very few such places left. That answered my question on why this place is always booked. 

WHAT WE HAD - Stuffed cheese naan (Heaven)

                           Pav Bhaji Cones (Yum)

                           Chhota Shawarmas (Yum)

                           Goan prawn Curry (Increase the serving of Prawns, Yum)

                           Noodles with Honey Tofu (Yumness) 

                           145 Mighty Oreo Shake (H.E.A.V.E.N)

                           Peach Iced Tea (Okay)

DAMAGES - Rs 2700/- (Approx, incl of Alcohol) (We were 4)

WHERE -  145 Kala Ghoda., 145, Kalaghoda, Fort, Mumbai

Havana Bar & Cafe, Mumbai

HAVANA BAR & CAFE, Colaba

Finding a place on a Saturday evening is a task in itself and after much deliberation we finalized on this. Th criteria for selection was that it should be happening enough but we shouldn't have to stand for hours (I am just not ready to do that!).

Is the place that happening? Not really. We were there till around midnight and I didn't really find the place to be what a Saturday night should ideally mean. The place is done spectacularly. I was especially taken with the interiors. They make really good back ground for photographs (Yes, I am one of those :P). The stair case leading to the main restaurant was surrounded by walls painted in hues of blue which is something else entirely. I am fond of the color blue, if you all are wondering. The main restaurant? Have you seen beauty and the beast? Well, you know when Belle enters the huge palace and it looks mysterious, inviting and a little bit scary as well? Not bad scary, the good scary, like where am I? This is what the place reminded me of. I find it more easy to describe while referring to something than just in plain words. Painting a picture by reference basically.

The service is just around average. Even though I wouldn't complain that we were not serviced or that the service was below par or even that we were not treated well. But it is little things that some times set you off. An example would be that for some peculiar reason everyone on our table felt that they wanted to get rid of us and give the table to some one else. I generally like service to be fast, but the service was just too fast that before we had even finished with our plates, we were asked if we are done with the dish. (Hold up a minute, please??!!) This didn't happen once but just again and again which irked us off a little bit. I get it that people who drink will be more profitable for you considering it is a Saturday night but otherwise you should just hand a sign board saying only if you order so many drinks will we be more welcoming towards you. We felt so rushed the entire time but even then we were firmly seated and just had the we are going to sit here till we want to vibe going on. Also, note that it wasn't like we weren't ordering. We were just having more food.

Well, obviously the next pointer in question is the food! For us non-vegetarians we ordered the non-veg sharing platter and the vegetarians opted for orange, gin and cubano berry marinated cottage skewers. The fanciest name on the menu many a times turns out to be the plainest dish on the menu. Word play helps sell it, I guess. This particular cottage cheese was just dressed with some sticky sweet sauce and had raw vegetables. The only reason why we ate it is because well we ordered it and didn't want it to go to waste. It is something that looks very fancy sitting on your table but is nothing more. The non-veg sharing platter is another story. Consisting of chicken & fish skewers, potatoes, nachos and wings is what you need on a Saturday Night with drinks in hand. Minus the drinks in our case. Next we had Spaghetti with herbs and feta cheese. It's good but not mind-blowing in any which way. We also had bruschetta of some sort which was just topped with raw tomatoes, cheese and some olives. I don't know about others but I prefer my bruschetta to be bakes like garlic breads generally is.The best dish on the day happened to be baked nachos with cheese. The portion is huge! Melted cheese is heaven and topped with salsa,olives and jalapenos makes quite the treat! This was the final dish ordered on the day and the goodness of it can simply be stated by the fact that we were almost full at this point and still devoured this like we haven't eaten at all on the day! For drinks, we had mostly rounds of iced teas around the table. The iced teas were okay enough. Lately, I have started to find that people can go wrong with iced teas as well. This one was just about okay. We also had ordered a glass of Sangria and I had a sip and once again I can say that I don't understand why people drink this stuff. :P

Would I end up here again? When they have a party scene going on a night, maybe. But solely for the food? Not, really. Combine that with the enthusiasm displayed for trying to get rid of us as soon as possible, probably not. Sometimes if your food is average but your service is spectacular, you might be pulled back for the warm welcome received. Here, not so much.

WHAT WE HAD - Non-Veg Sharing Platter (Yum!)

                           Cottage Cheese Skewers (Avoid!)

                           Spaghetti with Herb & Feta Cheese (Average)

                           Bruschetta (Okayish)

                           Baked Nachos with Cheese Sauce (Yummm..!!)

                           Sangria (No Comments)

                           Iced teas - 5 (Okayish)

DAMAGES - 25-30% Taxes on what ever amount you pay. (I have started to calculate Taxes because that's the pinch you really feel)

WHERE -  Havana Mumbai., The Gordon House Hotel, 5 Battery Street, Apollo Bunder, Colaba, Mumbai

Urban Tadka, Mumbai

URBAN TADKA, Ghatkopar

You know what is the USP of places like PopTates and Urban Tadka? (They come from the same chain) Their pricing. They are not as cheap as the dhabas and the local restaurants but the ambiance, service and food they offer, it is as reasonable as reasonable can be. Paisa Vasool in short. 

I was initially vary of going here, because family and even though my family is not traditional by its definitions, they are a little guarded and I still remember my mom's reactions, the last time I had taken her to a place where you see young couples and crowd, her reactions were to laugh at. But, I know she didn't approve or enjoy the experience which makes you realize this city has a shortage of real family type fine dines. Since then I have always avoided stepping in such places with family. Urban Tadka though serves Indian Food, it is supposed to be a place which attracts the young crowd and their music, ambiance, serving alcohol, all might make my family wince. However, I took the risk as my mom or dad were not accompanying us and it was a comparatively younger crowd. (The double life of this Bombay girl might make for an interesting read! :P)

Music improves everything and I am desi at heart, and I would always find myself swaying to Bollywood more than the Hollywood Pop. Listening to the music as we stepped in I knew that the rest of them were okay with it too. Hurrah! The place has an urban Dhaba feel. My fascination for lights makes me admire the chandelier made of bangles placed overhead. If only one could do this in our homes. We can, but imagine the electricity bills if we places so much fancy lights. The bar which is inspired and set like the road side Gola stalls was my nephew's favorite and also mine. Bravo to the interior decorator as restaurants around the city are now even pressurized to offer hatke ambiances, which this place does, yet keeping the Indianess alive. 

You know another thing I have learnt today? It matters how you treat and speak to the waiting staff as well. Courtesy My brother In Law. The waiting staff here were attentive but not intrusive or extra friendly. However, my brother in law made conversation with them, speaking to them in their lingo, pulling their leg even, all in friendly banter. The learning I got here was if you pay a little attention and are a little friendly they will give it 10 folds back.

I love it when I don't have to pay and then I don't even look at prices and I was specifically asked to not look at prices. So Yayy!! We ordered 4 starters - Kalimiri Paneer Tikka, because Paneer Tikka's are a mandatory order as my sister loves Paneer, Tandoori Chicken Lollipop - Tandoori Chicken on a lollipop, like is there anything more perfect??!!, Butter Garlic Prawns ( because Prawns is life), and Butter Chicken Kebab, the name itself triggers emotions. How was it all in reality? Stuff of your dreams. except for the Prawns. A long time ago, I had been to this small restaurant in Goa which served butter garlic fish and four years later, I still have not been able to find that taste anywhere and it still lingers on my tongue, so every time I read butter garlic, I give it a shot. But no, this was not it either. The Lollipop required more meat but otherwise was my favorite on the table. The Paneer Tikka was succulent, not spicy just as my sister prefers it to be. Butter Chicken made into Kebab is what real fusion is all about. For the main course we had Delhiwala Butter Chicken, Punjabi Tadka Murgh with assortment of bread - Roomali Rotis, Naans & Tandoor Roti and some super awesome Zeera Rice ( I tell you Zeera Rice makes everything better!!). The Butter Chicken was on the sweeter side and one of the most authentic versions I have had. The Punjabi Chicken was also standard fare. This place does not do some thing different for each dish. It is serving what it says, Butter Chicken is what Butter Chicken is supposed to be. Naans are soft. Paneer Tikka is well how you would want Paneer Tikka to taste like. This is what their USP lies in, they are not serving you Original things, they did't create anything extra ordinary. They serve you authentic stuff.

You want to down a drink or two with punjabi fare, because even though I have not tried it myself, its been said chicken tikka works best as chakhna when downing a peg or two! Well, you have found your place. Your teetotaler friends wouldn't mind either :D

WHAT WE HAD - Kalimiri Paneer Tikka (Yumness)

                           Tandoori Chicken Lollipop (YUM!)

                           Butter Garlic Prawns (Stick to Indian Fare)

                           Butter Chicken Kebab ( Yumnessss)

                           Punjabi Tadka Murgh (Blissfully Yum)

                           Delhi wala Butter Chicken (Yum!)

                           Butter Roti ( Dil Garden garden ho gaya)

                           Zeera Rice (Yum!)

                           Iced teas & other assorted mocktails (Refreshing)

DAMAGES - Rs 3500/- (Approx)

WHERE -  Urban Tadka., 3rd Floor, R City Mall, LBS Marg, Ghatkopar (W), MUMBAI

Leopold Cafe, Mumbai

LEOPOLD CAFE, Colaba

Leopold's, always been famous, and had been even more so after the Terrorist Attacks in November 2008. This is one place that is not just on my bucket list, but on probably everyone who sets foot in Amchi Mumbai. And Yet. Yet, I didn't make it here in 5 whole years of my stay in Mumbai. Sometimes you are so busy searching for something around you, that you do not see what is staring you right in the face. Like Seriously! Its right there, in front of you and you look everywhere but not in your own home. Is it me or does it sound like I am referring to a lover/Boyfriend who was always there?!! :/ Well, Leopold is exactly that. How many times have I passed by this place, not giving it a second glance, telling myself, too overcrowded and overhyped. I realize what a fool I had been, all this time.

Christmas is when I finally made it here, and you know what, there is no better time than christmas to be here. The place looks so full of energy and vibrant and it's addictive, maybe it was the spirit of christmas in the air, or probably not, because you don't exactly hear loud music and a bar full of people talking over each other on christmas eve. You think of gospels and choir and Santa Claus. But it is still christmasy, for lack of a better word. Truly? It reminds you of a typical bar scenario in England. I talk as if I have been to all these places, where as I havn't been beyond the lines of Maharashtra and probably a few others. But think Bar in England, and I am almost sure this would be the image that would have sprung to your mind as well. For this, I love it. Its been a long time since I have been to a place, where I have felt that I had been transported to another era/foreign lands etc. Its these little facts that add to the overall experience of a place.

I have to say kudos for the service, especially since on such a busy night, I didn't find myself waiting for more than 15 minutes. Initially, standing in that queue, I had seriously thought this is going to take up an hour. But it didn't! That in itself was a good start, I could not have been complaining otherwise as well if you have a look at how crowded the place actually is! They have made use of small tables, and have almost left no space between tables, crowded, but works efficiently for them. Your server is at your table every 15 minutes, just to keep a check if you need to make any more orders etc, so that is a good trick in their bag. Else, you would end up waiting for half an hour or even more for someone to show up, that's how noisy and crowded the place is. Noisy, it might be, but in the "Let set the Mood" way.

If you have recently read my reviews, you would have also read, how I have been looking for places that offer something more to me in taste and flavor. Things have started to become repetitive, in terms of ambience, menu, etc etc. I understand that you can't create something new on a regular basis and a lot of the items on the menu are infact going to be repeated. But a place should still have something that creates a distinction, this place has that. The only regret I have is that, why. why did I eat anything else before stepping here, as I had had a quick small burger 3 hours prior and had been to an ice-cream parlour as well. So all in all, I wish, I hadn't done that. Then, I could have had more food rather than just sharing a starter and one main course split three ways. For beginners we had the BBQ Chicken, and generally the BBQ chicken served in most places is chicken wings smothered with BBQ Sauce. Here, it was not so, it had BBQ sauce, but it wasn't just BBQ. I am not exactly great at identifying flavors/ingredients, in that am a rookie. But this is what I was saying when I said I want to have something different, not fried pieces of chicken dipped in BBQ sauce or something along the lines. I have had so much of these kind, that even though I enjoy it, I am not satisfied. I am looking for more. Here, I found that more. Another thing, that I have to point out is that thank you for giving those cucumber with dressing on the side. Most places just cut up beet-root, and cabbage and serve it up, which most of the times, goes uneaten. Here, I wanted more of that as well. The servings is the third thing. Its good. One Starter can easily be split 3 ways. For the mains, we ordered the grilled beef steak with pepper sauce. Even though I like beef, I find it to be really heavy and easily filling, which is I have it on rare occasions or eat from someone else's plate :P. The steak was good, however the mashed potatoes were a slight disappointment as it felt to be lacking. It felt more Indian Aloo ka Bharta, which is boiled and mashed potatoes sprinkled with salt, and a few condiments than the Original Mashed Potatoes. One thing, I have always wondered is how do people in the west eat their meals without some form of bread/rice on the side. The Hindustani in me is never satisfied till I have had something on the side, even if it is a piece of bread. You know that kuch toh missing hai feeling!! Yes, That. and mashed potatoes, though good, is not that. So to all the Angrez out there, how do you not eat rice/bread on like a daily basis?! Out of plain curiosity. We had four iced teas between three on the side as I am lucky enough to find people who love eating and not drinking as much.

All I can say is, don't be an idiot as I happen to be. Remember, some places are said to be legendary for a reason. The reason here is the vibe that this place has, its magic, you have to be there to truly feel it. The food definitely helps! I look forward to dropping in again. Sooner rather than Later. You definitely should too!

WHAT WE HAD - Iced Teas (Lemon, PeaPeach, Cranberry - We had it ALL. YUM!)

                           Barbecue Chicken (More is Less!)

                           Grilled Beef Steak with Pepper Sauce (Yum's the Word)

DAMAGES - Rs 1400/- (Approx)

WHERE -  Leopold Cafe., S.B. Singh Road, Colaba Causeway, Colaba, MUMBAI

Khar Social, Mumbai

Khar Social, Khar

I had been meaning to try their breakfast variant for quite a while, however, since most of them were located at far-off locations, it became difficult to do so, owing to my legendary laziness. Yee-Haw. You need to get up early and the only day I get off is a Sunday, I would much rather catch up on sleep in this 1 day that I get to myself. No longer though, since better days are here and also a month log staycation, which means I can compromise on my sleep for just 1 day (My hearts leaps with joy and dreads the end of this blissful period!). I had initially wanted to pay visit to the one in Todi Mills, having already been to the Colaba one. But what a timing, Khar Social opened up just 1 week into my vacation and nothing could have made me happier. (Easy Travelling!)

I don’t remember the last time, I had had a luxurious breakfast on a week-day with no worries about tomorrow, makes me almost, (only almost!) want to not go back to work (Future Boss, I don’t mean it. Well, I do. But I don’t :P) Khar Social is famous for its signature look, the whole grunge way it is done up, reminds me a little of the sets of the movie series – STEP UP! So much, that out of the blue, I think how cool would it be, if a group of dancers just apparated and took to the floor! That would be quite a thrill. They have a skating rink too, I wonder if anyone actually uses it. Come to think of it, maybe they did take inspiration from the streets.

The service this time was in comparison better to my experience in the Colaba Social, this could be owing to the fact that it was still morning, and not really crowded, though I have to tell you, people start dropping in here after 11 am, and I had initially believed I would be the only fool present. Apparently, I am not the only fool, there are a bunch of them out there.

Coming to the orders placed, I went for the Big Apple Breakfast comprising of Sausages, Homestyle Fries, Toast, Butter/Jam, Blue-Berry Pancakes, Eggs and Tea/Coffee. In short, everything I devour. I was undecided between the Traditional English breakfast which consists of Baked Beans and Hash Browns and well this. But after much deliberation, I realized, this has fries and pancakes which could beat bakes beans and fries any day in my books. So that was that. The home-style fries were excellent and though they say how can you go wrong with fries, these are pretty much the best I have had, if I categorize them in the non-sauce laden ones (Who can beat Poutine after all??!). The one thing I have got to give them is that though there was so much on my platter, I still didn’t feel as heavy as I generally do after such a heavy breakfast. Kudos to that. This probably was because almost everything felt baked/grilled rather than deep fried!). I don’t know if that is actually true, but that’s just how it looked on the outside. Oh, and I loved their jam, I wonder which brand they use, I am sure it’s not made in-house. My sister, who is as jobless as me if not more, owing to the end of her Third semester papers, went for the mile-high non veg club sandwich and the Ferrero Rocher Shake. I don’t remember if I have ever seen a club sandwich on the menu in most restaurants here. Again, annoying as it might be, I am going to refer to the middle-east where you get club sandwiches in local sandwich shops and they make it mean, I love them. Here, it is a luxury. The mile-high club sandwich was mile high, a three tier sandwich with fillings of vegetables, mayonnaise, egg, chicken and anything you can think of. Sounds ordinary?? It’s not. It has got to have the perfect blend and medley of the vegetables, the egg and the mayonnaise laid chicken (In the non-veg variant, never tried the vegetarian option). Colaba Social, did it right. Exactly, as it is supposed to be. Even though it is not on their must-try list, I would say, give it a try, you will definitely not be regretting. The Ferrero Rocher Shake, is as good as it gets, at least according to my sister. I especially liked the way it was presented, in a mason jar, with a piece of wafer biscuit, wrapped around it with a rope, and a Ferrero on top. Appeasing to the eyes and the taste buds.

I don’t think I need to tell you, to head here, because people are already flocking this place. If anything it makes the Mumbaikars happy to have one more social, in the city. Especially me, as this one is near-by.

WHAT WE HAD – The New York Big Apple Breakfast (I have a new favorite from the English Breakfast )

The Mile High Non-Veg Club Sandwich (Heavy, Yummy, and drool worthy)

Ferrero Rocher Shake (Yumminess!)

DAMAGES – Rs 900/- (Approx including millions of taxes!)

WHERE – Khar Social. Rohan Plaza, 5th Road, S.V. Road, Khar (West), MUMBAI

Colaba Social, Mumbai

COLABA SOCIAL

One down from My To-Visit list. This place had been on my must-visit list for a long time and I have even attempted to get in here, but the place being over crowded on weekends such that you don't have standing space, I left looking for greener pastures. I am not one of those people who can stand in a corner and gulp down drinks, I always always always want to have a table. I was met with similar luck this time, even though it was hardly around 3.00 PM, the place was still full but it looked like if we waited for a while, we might just find a place to be seated, so we decided on staying or rather I, leaving no option for the rest of my companions though they did give me several looks. :P So after almost a 30 minute wait, all of us feeling awkward, one group felt pity on us and were kind enough to finish their meals comparatively a little quick and emptied their seats for us! ( Thank You Stranger! :))

Colaba Social is famous for the quirkiness it has implemented in it design, where we were seated the couch was designed like the trunk of a car with tail lights, the ceilings are adorned with egg containers, and above the bar you can see Wine Bottles and even spoons and all hanging, There is a little swing set up in the middle of the place and I was almost tempted to sit there, only it would look a little stupid, and even though I have done a lot of stupid stuff, I did not want to look even more stupid than I generally do, so I dropped the idea. 

The servers are courteous enough but it can be a task some times, to get their attention. So the service though was not bad, was nothing to write home about. We were five in total, and having had a very light break fast were hungry as hell, so it did not take much time in placing our orders. A round of Margaritas for the Drinkers and good old Iced Tea for me, I have to say I was disappointed with the iced tea, not in flavor, because quantity wise and even my taste buds approved, but I was seriously expecting a very mini-tub, if you have gone through the many reviews and photos on Zomato of the place, this is one thing that sets the place apart from others, the quirky ways they choose to serve their drinks but for some reason, I received it in an over-sized glass reading Beer in Hindi. For Starters we ordered Jalapeno Cheese Nads, Prawn Sesame on Toast and the Sausage Fest. My favorite of the lot was the Prawn Sesame on Toast, which was made of minced prawns and other stuff toasted. I think I have developed a taste for Mashed Potatoes or maybe recently, I have been visiting places that do it just right because this place sure as hell serves good mashed potatoes with their sausages. The Sausage was chicken as well as pork, I chose to have chicken as I am a non-pork eater. The Cheese Jalapeno bites I did not actually try but I have been told they were a knock-out. This must be a first, cheese bites on the table and me not eating it. We had a Vegetarian on the table and would not have liked to see her go hungry. :P For the main-course, we ordered traditional items, but did not regret it, because it was oh-so-yummy. I have always liked Prawns, liked would be wrong, loved. Even loved would be an understatement but recently I have been ordering it around a lot. We went for the Mac N Cheese, Goan Prawn Curry & Lamb Massaman Curry. The Mac n Cheese was supposed to have a hint of jalapeno as was written in the decription, but very honestly I could't find any trace of it. The Star Dish for the day was the Goan Prawn Curry because the gravy hit the right note, even they way it was served, was impressive. I especially loved the way they made a hash sign from the cucumber served. The lamb was equally good, but the prawns was the clear winner. Even the Fish Flavored Papads tasted like it had been made my next door Goan Aunty (I don't actually have a next door neighbor who is Goan but that drives the point home). There was one dessert ordered - The Layer Cake, all was good with it if only it was a little bit bigger in size, the only complain from my dearest friend who had had nothing but that.

If you are ready to stand in queue, or even if you don't mind moving around with your drinks, or just being by the bar, this place is definitely not to be missed. The Music, the ambiance, the food and the drinks make one helluva combination, truly a place for getting your hair down. 

PS - They have some pretty mean break fast as well, something I look forward to trying out soon! 

WHAT WE HAD - Jalapeno Cheese Nads (Yum!)

                           Prawn Sesame Toast (Delish!)

                           Sausage Fest ( Sausage is a weakness for me!)

                           Goan Prawn Curry (Yum!Yum! Yum!)

                           Lamb Massaman Curry (Yuminess!)

                           Jalapeno Mac N Cheese (Yum but no trace of Jalapeno)

                           Iced Tea (Tasty but for the Presentation)

                           Lemon Margaritas (Hits the right spots!)

                           Layer Cake ( Delish!)

DAMAGES - Rs 4000/- Approx ( We were 5) (The Drinks Bill is generally on the higher side, but then it always is :P)

WHERE - Colaba Social 24, Ground Floor, Glen Rose Building, Behind Taj Mahal Palace, Apollo Bunder, Colaba, MUMBAI

SPIRIT, MUMBAI

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)

WHERE- Spirit, Ashok Mill, Nr. Damodhar Park, LBS Marg, Ghatkopar West, MUMBAI

WATERS PUB & GRILL, MUMBAI

It is quite a task searching for even a slightly happening place in this part of the city i.e. Thane, and it has become pretty crucial for me as I spend more time here than anywhere else and its convenient to travel directly after office hours. As it is after office hours, you feel dead tired and if you have to go out and about, the thought itself is dreadful because it involves traveling by trains and who wants to ruin a good outfit by doing that. Hence, as a rule I avoid pubic transport on holidays and Sundays but there is no option if its after office, but fortunately for me, it was a car day. The joys of having a friend with a car in a city like Mumbai is truly a blessing.

The occasion was a colleague cum friend's birthday and since this particular friend likes happening places more as such, it was quite a task. After shortlisting 3 places, this is one she settled down for and we were va-va-voom to go! 

Since it was not a weekend, the place was didn't have much of a crowd, but that didn't get us down anyway, because the music just gets you going, so I can imagine what it must be like on the weekends, and we did indeed ask, and we go to know there is mot much of seating arrangements on the weekends as everybody is on either on the dance floor or near the bar. Today there were a few other groups enjoying their dinner. 

The place I hear is probably the only decent pub in this part of the city and the first one if I am not wrong. This place is located in Mulund, and having a car to our aid, I did not mind at all. The place is all grey, yet it creates the right ambiance and does not actually make your mood grey in any which way which I expected so. I was particularly in love with the way they had done u their ceilings, using these white rods (I have no frickin clue what they are called) and the little light bulbs and it makes a good background for photos (Yes! you can capture them in the back ground for the many photo sessions you will have, as it does, when there a gang of girls! ). Infact even, the server was kind enough to get a group shot of ours with ensuring that the background as well looked good and added to our photo. There a re very few who do so, mostly it seems like a bother to ask them, so I was mighty impressed.

We wanted to use the high bar stools in the middle rater than the corner normal sofa-type seats, but because the table would prove to be small and it is idle when you are there to enjoy your drinks more than the food, and for atleast the night, we had decided to avoid drinks. I know most would go, what is the point of going to a pub then, but for at least me, the teetotaler, I can say that I can say that you don't need a drink in hand to get the rhythm flowing. 

We started off with starters and some mock tails, and as again, we had a vegetarian and a Jain one amongst us, so it was once again quite a task, I love those days when I can order what ever the hell I want, but this was not that day. :P The poor server had a hard time as well customizing our order and was really confused but he did the best he could and the food at the end of the day was totally worth it. So we had ordered cheesy Paneer Kabab and Spicy chicken Sliders ( I have developed a thing for sliders, I guess :D). For mock tails we ordered, a senorita, which was spicy and tangy at the same time. then a red ruby which was tangy and berrylicious like moi ( Finally a drink named after me), thought the one I ordered was a pink lemonade ( I think! :P) , but what ever it was, was gooood and finally the bar tender special which for the night was the mojito with an an apple twist. 

Lets talk about the food now!! The starters - the paneer cheese kabab? I have never had anything like it. The paneer and cheese were grinded and made into kababs, like the seekh kababs we have, and its like more is less. You get the whiff!! :). The spicy chicken sliders was exactly that. Spicy. You know when it comes to sliders or burgers, its all in the pattice I believe and to say I had been bowled over is an understatement. For the main course we had a pizza, wood fired, and cheeeeesseeeyyyliciousss!!! You can see the amount of cheese from the pic, it had so much cheese that with every bite, the cheese kept stretching, you know the way they show in advertisements and the way it is supposed to be! This was also Jain by the way, and next was sizzlers- Paneer in BBQ Sauce. Again, I was floored, on a bed of rice which was buttery and flavorful, I think it was the rice which added favor to the entire dish. I have always said, rice can change the game!! :P and once totally non-jain and non-vegeterian Pasta. Oh-the-joy. But to be honest, even thought the Pasta was great, I think I loved the other items more. Am I soon going to convert into a vegetarian??!! Hell, No! I am not going to let that happen -_-

So be it a weekend, or a week night, whether you want to gulp down some hard drinks or just sit down and have dinner to some lovely feet tapping Bollywood music playing in the background, the place will live up to all your expectations.

WHAT WE HAD - Paneer Cheese Kababs (Yum!)

                           Spicy Chicken Sliders ( Yum! Yum!)

                           Pizza ( Customized, Yum to the Power of 10)

                           Paneer BBQ Sizzler ( Yum! Yum!)

                           Chicken Pasta in Red & White Sauce ( Yum!)

                           Senorita ( Green, Yum)

                           Pink Lemonade ( Berry Lemony, Yum)

                           The Bar Tender Special ( Yum!)

                           Red Ruby ( Berrylicious, Yum)

DAMAGES - 2300 Rs/- Approx (We Were 4 )

WHERE - Waters - Pub & Grill, 36/37 Avior, Opp. Johnson & Johnson, LaL Bhadur Shastri Road, Mulund West, MUMBAI.