Fellas

jolly good fella ***

I’m the kind that likes the corner bookstore with a friendly bespectacled owner who’s always up for a chat, as opposed to the Landmark / Crossword variety, where books are tracked by a computer. (The kind often touted ‘romantic’ )  Much the same vein I’m drawn to cafes with soul where every cup of coffee does not have the same sort of factory made uniformity. Lucky for me, Mumbai has an increasing population of these sort of joints, tucked away in easy-to-miss corners of the city. Fella’s is one such. I must admit, my first visit was prompted by a very prominent sign outside which reads ‘Valet Parking’, a real treat in Khar/Bandra’s always packed by-lanes.

This first visit however, was followed by several more. Built in the garage space of a building, Fella’s offers juices, smoothies, wraps, sandwiches and pizzas. It seems to have it’s patrons ; always a few hanging around reading or working at their computers ( they have wi-fi ). On any odd day you are likely to have their two resident pet pooches for company: a rottweiler and a bull-mastiff, who hang out on the periphery nonchalantly. The staff is polite and enthusiastic, service is quick.

What I particularly like about the place is that they make fresh juices & smoothies ( not with canned fruit or poured straight out of tetra-packs ). Their coffee is not remarkable. The sandwiches and wraps are wholesome; and make a good snack. I like the Chicken Cilantro Wrap. The whole grain pizzas are fairly enjoyable, though the topping choices are limited and the crust is always a little on the burnt side. They do serve main course dishes , but I’ve only ever visited the place for a snack.  If what I’ve had so far is any indication, I don’t think you will be disappointed. All in all, it’s definitely a nice place to meet-n-greet or maybe just spend some alone time.

Location – 14th Road Khar West.

Damages – Rs. 200 – 300 / head

Gostana

Oxymoron **

After being prompted by several mentions in the social media, I decided to brave the Saturday evening traffic and made my way through the maze that is Pali Naka to eat at Gostana. There had been many-a-mention of Gostana’s burgers, which as I understood were supposed to tickle the taste buds while being kind to the waistline. I must mention though, that ‘healthy burger’ in many ways sounded to me like ‘vegetarian omlette’ or ‘chicken steak’ ; an oxymoron. Let’s get one thing straight, it’s not an omlette if I has no egg and it’s not a steak if it doesn’t come from something bovine. However,  as I’m always on the look out for guilt free food, I cautiously, yet curiously went to Gostana.

We ordered 2 burgers and some beverages among 3 of us. The two burgers of choice being the Ginger Chicken burger (multigrain bread) and the Gostana Chicken burger (whole wheat bread). I was charmed by the coziness of the place, the personal touches and very polite waitresses. However, the food didn’t live up to the buzz. The patties in both were dry and under seasoned. The sauces were very strong and overshadowed the meat. I was surprised by the lack of add-ons in the burger. I was expecting some fresh cut vegetables, lettuce, herbs etc. which I believe would  more aptly support healthy claims.

I can eat healthy yet bland food anytime, anywhere. I was hoping Gostana would give me more. I think for now I will return to my original belief system, which vehemently advocates that ‘healthy burger’ is indeed an oxymoron. I’d rather eat a lips-smacking, blasphemously indulgent burger and run around to battle the bulge. Moral of the story: want a healthy snack – make a salad.

Eat Around the Corner

Nip-n-tuck(in) ***

Bombay’s restaurants much like it’s population are in perpetual state of flux. Restaurants get bought over, renamed, revamped and made-over to whet Bombay’s unending appetite for the ‘new and improved’. The case in point, the swanky white washed ‘Eat around the Corner’ that used to be ‘Just around the corner’. The name is definitely a downgrade, but the place has received some much needed nips-n-tucks which makes it once again youthful and perky.

There are certain nice touches to the eating experience, the service is quick, the salad bar has a fair variety and it is one of the only joints that has a much needed community table. (Which by the way is made from beautiful rough cut solid wood, very stylish ) The place wins points for having some great burgers and sandwiches, and a variety of bread options.

You will not be able to resist the desserts. They are strategically laid out right near the cashier’s end of the bar. All mouth-watering and decadent looking, they will call out to you. You would be foolish to resist. I’ve tried the Fruit tart, the Orange Yogurt, the New York Cheesecake, the Baked Lemon Cheesecake, the Blueberry&Chocolate Mousse, and the Chocolate Danish. Visit the place enough times to try out all. I’m about half way there. They’re good enough to feel no guilt, although a workout after always eases the conscience.

In all honesty, the place does feel a little bit over priced, and the pizzas were surprisingly bad. A place that offers such nice sandwiches and deserts must work on their coffees, which are pretty sub-standard. However, you can always wash the coffee down with dessert.

Location – Junction of 24th and 30th Road, Bandra West

Bistro Grill

Limp *

After much deliberation about where to feast this Sunday afternoon, I chose Arthur’s theme. Tragically I reached the location only to find out that it had been shut down permanently. My much anticipated journey into Arthur’s tale was cut short. I frantically asked friends for suggestions, and was met by many suggestions. However, I ignored advice to visit Mangi Ferra and Silver beach Cafe, and chose instead to visit Bistro Grill, a place I had passed several times. I should’ve followed the advice I received. What can I say, curiosity kills the cat !

To start with, the restaurant’s name is misleading. Bistro grill is an Arabic restaurant, that claims to serve a middle eastern buffet. It sounds tempting; a pint of beer and an meal for rs.399. But don’t be fooled, you will be offered Oriental salad, Cold slaw, Pasta and mini pizzas, all in the name of  Arabic food. Much of the food was cold and things that should have been crisp were limp.

What was worse, was the ambiance. A very sad looking crooner sat in the corner belting out romantic songs. He was in tune and melodious, but far too loud and intrusive. The crowd that Bistro Grill attracts is much like it’s food; limp. My fellow dinners, like me seemed to have settled for this place out of either ignorance or convenience. I noticed no passionate patrons or enthusiastic eaters.

Avoid this place, unless you have a budget and want to eat large quantities, drink beer, and are not really in the mood for a refined experience. I suppose I am being harsh on the place, I’ve heard ordering off the menu is less disappointing.

Damages – Sunday buffet for Rs.399 + taxes

Location – near chowpatty, Juhu Tara Road

Indigo Cafe

The bumpy road bears much fruit *****

Among Mumbai’s many fashion forward restaurants, Indigo stands proud as one of the only truly stylish ones. Let me elaborate. Think of restaurants as women. Most will enamor you with a wonderful exterior, intoxicating perfume, a well staged pout and a very expensive push-up bra. But wake up the morning after, next to this poised princess and you might be shocked by the horrors an early morning reveals. However every once in a while you’ll find a woman who needs no air brushing and can tickle your pickle while lazing on the couch with an old pair of sweatpants. Indigo’s charm is much like this woman I speak of; simple, understated, honest and bloody delicious.

To me the visual experience of dining is just as important, so I’ll start with the decor. The place is designed to make the best use of natural light in the day, and makes everyone look radiant. The wooden furniture is elegant and simplistic. Three beautiful vintage teapots that adorn the walls caught my fancy; if these are ever stolen, please send the cops straight to my house.

Now coming to the most important aspect of dining, the food itself. To start with; the drinks. Being a dry day, we didn’t really get a taste if the bartenders skill. But if the mock-tails were any indication, the drinks will be very good. We started with chicken wings with a blue cheese dip. What first struck me was the generous portion. And thank god for the quantity, because the four of us almost fought for the wings; they were that good. The quarter pound steak was seasoned to perfection and tender as desired. We had the pan fried halibut, another very well rounded dish. The desserts were good, but next time I’m sure I’ll pass on the desert to squeeze in another one of the entrees.

The journey to Indigo might lead you through a bad potholed road, but like life’s many treasures, the fruit borne at the end is worth every bump.

Location: Near Laxmi Industrial Estate, Andheri West.

Damages : Rs.600-800 per head without drinks.