Restaurants
Thirteen years young
Indigo Deli at Colaba enters its teens with an extensive new menu
A five-minute walk away from the marvellous monsoon sea at the Gateway of India is the Indigo Deli. This Colaba eatery celebrated its 13th anniversary on June 30 and launched a new menu to mark the occasion. The menu, which is currently only available at this flagship outlet, has been curated by Chef Ganesh Devadiga and features a combination of its signature dishes along with flavours from across the world that retain a Western influence.
Meanwhile, if you are too far away to make the trek to South Mumbai, go check out their special Russian menu for the FIFA, available across the city at all 13 Indigo Deli outlets till July 15. You will find them everywhere—from Juhu to Malad to Ghatkopar to Kurla, Parel and Powai and now, most recently, even in Nerul at Navi Mumbai, to name just a few; deGustibus Hospitality, which runs the Indigo Deli brand, has clearly been on a roll.
The ambience
Indigo Deli at Colaba, launched in 2005, may be the sort of place that attracts an older audience that has relished all-day breakfasts or its Fish and Chips and Roast Chicken for years, but the vibe is youthful and it can be very noisy! The day we were there, a large group was celebrating someone’s birthday; they were invisible, at the upper level, but certainly, very audible. After all, it’s a happy sort of place, with goodies on display in the deli section—don’t forget to take something home—and a floor to ceiling wine display; a notice here solemnly states that the grapes have died for you.
What’s on offer
The new menu Newer small plates include Lemongrass scented Thai Corn Cakes, Tofu Shitake and Chestnut Wontons and Wasabi Prawns; ‘Gun Powder’ Potatoes, Tandoori Broccoli and Texas Barbequed Prawns served with mustard mayo. A favourite from Indigo Deli’s day specials, the Asparagus Phyllo Rolls with saffron hollandaise, also make their appearance.
If you must feel virtuous even as you wolf down some delicious food, try their healthful fare—the Burger Goes Green and Aglio Olio of Maize Fettucine.
Of course, if you don’t want to be adventurous because you have loved their classics for too long, you can always opt for the Chargrilled Filet Mignon and Mac & Cheese, or the Harissa Grilled Chicken or Almond Crusted Snapper and Wild Mushroom Risotto and Parmesan Gnocchi. “Everyone likes the classic tastes,” says the Indigo Deli manager Ramesh Kedar.
The day that we dined there, Chef Devadiga brought out an array of dishes, beginning with the wafer-thin Barbeque Chicken Pizza (Rs 910). We tried to be sophisticated—never eat pizza with a knife and fork!—but gave up and dug our fingers in. “That’s what you’re supposed to do,” smiled an Indigo Deli representative. The pizza was a delight, with the tangy and sweetish barbecue sauce that Indigo Deli is known for; we kept returning to the slices still on the table even as the other dishes came in.
Next came the Ful Medames (Rs 465)—a Mediterranean dip of kidney beans spiced with cumin, garlic and lemon juice, served with burrata, an Italian buffalo milk cheese. The soothing burrata and the flavourful dip make for a great combination on bread.
Another favourite the day we ate there was the Bagel & Lox (Rs 865). Lox is a fillet of brined salmon and we found ourselves picking the filling out of the bagel to eat on its own! The kale and quinoa salad and apple/walnut slaw made superb accompaniments to the salmon. The piece de resistance, however, was the wasabi prawns (Rs 535), beautifully served in a cocktail glass—crisply fried prawns with the sharp edge of wasabi to tickle the tongue. The Mango Mustard Rawas Tikka (Rs 445) was also tangy and delicious.
Indigo Deli’s extensive drinks menu includes a host of cocktails and mocktails and teas and coffees. The Raw Mango Fizz (Rs 375) is a must-try. If liquor is what you’re looking for, their special cocktails (Rs 515) include the punchy Passion Fruit Curry Leaf Margarita, the Date, Rosemary and Tamarind Coupe, and an unusual Smoked Fig, Black Pepper and Sage Old Fashioned.
The Russian menu
If, just for kicks, you want to eat like a Russian during the FIFA match, try Corporate Chef Kedar Bobde’s special menu for football season—appetisers such as Herbed Blinis, or savoury pancakes with smoked salmon (Rs 395); Mains, such as Chicken a la Kiev (Rs 765) or Pelmeni, which is lamb meat dumplings in a tomato sauce; and desserts such as Ptasie Mleczko, chocolate-covered candy filled with meringue—how decadent can you get! (Rs 315).
When you are done with eating and drinking at Indigo Deli, walk up to the display cases and take something back to continue the party at home. Or do this before you are done with the meal because otherwise you will be so satiated, you won’t want to look at any more food! And while you’re there, don’t forget to wish them a happy birthday.
FOOD
Mojito madness
Deep-rooted in a several-hundred-years history, the Cuban-born Mojito cocktail is set to get your spirits high. Renaissance Mumbai offers the The Mojito Week which brings an inventive and modern Mojito menu. From classic to fruity flavours, Mojito invites experimentation.
Where Fratelli Fresh, Renaissance Mumbai
When July 11 – July 17, 2018, | All Day
Price Rs 999++ per cocktail
Contact 22 6692 7540
Hot brews
This monsoon, JW Marriott Mumbai at Sahar has conjured a heart-warming Hot Chocolate menu at JW Lounge, a café by day and a lounge by evening. Indulge in a steaming cup of hot chocolate accompanied with Marshmallow S’mores and freshly made flavoured churros. One can also warm up with one’s favourite drink in a spiked version.
Where JW Lounge, Lobby Level, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar
When Ongoing
Price As per the a la carte menu
Contact 22 2853 8659 |9769485797
Show and a meal
The Royal Opera House precinct in South Mumbai now boasts an exclusive dining place, the “Botanica” Café and Diner. The new all-day, pure vegetarian cafe and diner offers exotic signature creations and New Age gourmet cuisine that is a medley of European, Asian and Indian food while adding a ‘twist’ to classic fare. The mocktails are the exclusive creations of Gaurish Rangnekar, a well-known mixologist. Botanica also has teas from Sri Lanka and roasted coffee from Arabia. For sweet endings, try the Classic Cheesecakes, Matcha Pastries and Coffee Rasgullas.
Where 2, Ground Floor, Patel Chambers, Opp Royal Opera House, Girgaum Chowpatty Bridge
When 12 pm to 12 midnight
Contact 022 2380 2828
Sizzle away!
What can be better than a sizzler on a rainy day? The Sizzlers Festival at The Resort’s High Tide restaurant offers a range of non-vegetarian options, from Lemon Chicken Chilly to Stuffed Grilled Chicken, Jallandhari Macchli and Aksa Samundhari Mela.
Where The Resort, Madh-Marve,
When Ongoing till July 15 (12:30 to 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.)
Price From Rs 500 to Rs 800 (Veg and Non-Veg)
Blue Burgers
Kaitlyn's Beer Garden offers pick-me-ups with vibrant Rainbow Bread Sandwiches and Blue Bun Burgers. Enjoy burgers like The Bandra 50 (Veggie Patty, Spicy Homemade Sauce) and The Hangover Chicken Burger (Chicken, Cheddar, Ranchito Sauce) encased in blue-coloured buns. Also savour sandwiches like Monte Cristo (Ham and Cheese), Herbivore (Goat's Cheese, Grilled Veggies, Chipotle Mayo), Kaitlyn's Club House (Classic Chicken Club Sandwich) and The Smoked Bbq Chicken Sandwiches that are made with slices of multicoloured, rainbow bread.
Kaitlyn's Beer Garden also has aromatic coffee drinks like Capuccino, Latte, Cortado and Machiatto.
Where 201-202, Khan House, Hill Road, Bandra West
When All day
Contact 022 33956191
Coastal menu with a twist
Taking you through a gastronomical journey inspired by his early memories of the coastal town Mahe, infused with global culinary techniques, Chef Sandeep Sreedharan presents a ‘modern coastal’ dinner at The Clearing House on July 13 and 14.
Fresh from his widely appreciated pop-up in London, Chef Sandeep deconstructs coastal flavours and uses eclectic combinations.
Start with an amuse bouche of Rasam Consommé and Yogurt-rice Mousse served with or without ikan bilis (anchovies). Appetisers include Morel with chèvre in potato curry; Avocado chutney with dosa crisp; and Confit Yam with curried cherry tomatoes and chèvre. Seafood options include Slow-cooked Mackerel with plums and coconut air, while vegetarians can opt for Black-eyed Beans with toori, spiced coconut air and coconut rice, among other things. Non-vegetarians can opt for Lobster with stew foam and kaima ghee rice and other interesting choices.
Where The Clearing House, 13-15 Calicut Street, Ballard Estate,
When July 13 and 14
Contact 2268 3030/ 2265 7007
Rainy day reveries
The 145, Kalaghoda, has a host of new additions for the monsoon. Prepare for a (cloud) burst of flavours, which includes appetisers, hot chocolate and desserts. For a quick bite, choose Kullad corn topped with melted butter and chilli or piping hot Maggi done in any way you want with options like fried egg. Try palak pakodas with masala chai. Desserts include favourites reinvented—a cookie platter, Red velvet biscuit bun stuffed with Nutella, Nutella Hot Cocoa Float or Nutella Cappuccino.
Where 145, Kalaghoda, 4, VB Gandhi Marg
When Ongoing, noon onwards
Contact 022 62339595
Food for the season
The monsoon is best enjoyed with hot pakodas and tea. Four Points by Sheraton offers Mixed Vegetable Pakoda, Onion Bhajiya, Chicken Tikka Pakoda and adraki chai. Dig in!
Where Four Points by Sheraton, Plot 39/1, 6 To 15, Sector 30A, Vashi
When Ongoing, 11 am- 6pm
Ginger-spiced cocktails
Enjoy the goodness of ginger as the rain pours down, with ginger-spiced cocktails. One Street’s concoctions are delicious, potent and antioxidant-packed. Try Ginger Sweet Tea, whiskey, ginger syrup, mint, soda, bitters and lemon; the all-time favourite Penicillin, Ballentine’s, lemon, honey, ginger and Laphroaig; or Mexican Penicillin, replacing the whiskey with Camino and much more. Cocktails are priced at Rs 400 onwards, exclusive of taxes.
Where One Street, B/2, New Kamal Building, Linking Road, Bandra (W)
When Tuesday - Sunday, 7pm-1:30am
Contact 81086 69680
Gear up for the finale
Get set for the final whistle of FIFA World Cup as Estella gives you the largest screen by the beach (20 feet width and 10 feet height).
With a DJ to set the tone, face painting, jerseys, create your own stadium vibe by the sea and enjoy the finale with entrees like Indonesian spiced Bbq skewers, Crab meat balls with cocktail sauce, Spicy Portuguese Bbq prawn peri peri and Estella’s signature Pumpkin falafel with smashed avocado.
Savour World Cup specials like Spicy Cherry Manhattan with Bourbon and port or a lychee martini with orange.
Where Estella, Nichani Kuttir Building, Juhu Tara Road, Juhu
When Sunday, July 15, 5.00 pm onwards
Contact 7506720111 or