Restaurants
‘Only At’ Hakkasan
An exclusive menu ‘Only At’ Hakkasan features a cuisine which is a blend of Indian ingredients and Cantonese methods
India China might have strained relations, but Indians love Chinese cuisine. Hakassan, of the London based Hakkasan Group, is famous for its authentic Cantonese cuisine- one of the eight types of Chinese cuisine and has been popular for seven years since it opened in Mumbai. A favourite with the biggest of Bollywood celebrities like Kareena Kapoor Khan and Karan Johar, Hakkasan, recently, incorporated an ‘Only at’ section in their standard menu, a global practice for the restaurant group in their Mumbai outlet. It is a must try for foodies.
The basic concept of ‘Only At’ menu section is, blending local produce and flavours with Cantonese cuisine specific to the Guangdong province of China. These flavours are blended with the commonly used ingredients in the respective country of the outlet - in our case Mumbai or India. Blending two authentic cuisines accurately is a matter of skill, which is mastered by their expat Head Chef Raymond Wong, who is instrumental in curating this menu.
But before we head to the food menu, their bar ‘Only At’ menu will be a perfect teaser to what your meal could be. Some local essences are fused with the drinks. Mughal Martini, is the best example of the concept. The glass rim of this drink has Biryani’s aroma, a heady feeling while you sip on your vodka. Chiku, Sandalwood, Fig are some of the other spices and flavours used in alcohol. Full marks to Matthew Hall, Bars Manager, Hakkasan Group, Asia, to curate a menu that pleases all the senses.
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The specific Cantonese methods like braising and fine slicing raw ingredients, among others, are used on Indian produce. Like grilled Konkan jumbo prawns with Shimeji mushroom with a well-crafted with charcoal mantou, a peculiar Chinese steamed bun. The rest of the menu has equally interesting permutations and combinations like - crispy tofu with Szechuan pepper and Kashmiri chilli, village style sliced chicken steamed in lotus leaf, braised Indian mutton with taro served in a claypot, spicy crab meat fried rice with Madras curry powder and the stewed noodles with king prawns in superior stock. A vegetarian might feel lost and misplaced, as this specific menu has only three vegetarian dishes. However, the good news is, all the three dishes are an experience for your taste buds. Mapo style stewed Indian eggplant and asparagus, crispy tofu with Szechuan pepper and Kashmiri chilli - are two that were tested and loved.
The experience is rich and for the rich too. The right-side of the menu is not for the faint-hearted. But, once in a while to treat yourself and your loved ones is always a good idea. The restaurant is divided into three sections- Ling Ling bar, Main Dining Room and a separate section if you wish to host 20 select guests. The décor is fancy, however, dim-light is not a photo friendly ambience, a glitch that can certainly be overlooked but is severely felt in this photo-crazy era.
Pluses Unique culinary experience, Haven for Non-vegetarians
Minuses Less vegetarian options
Price Approx Rs. 4500 for two
Venue 206, Waterfield Road, Linking Road, Bandra West
FOOD
Dual restaurant
El’Rancho and Pick Pocket have come together to celebrate Mexican and Lebanese cuisines in one setting. Located in the heart of Powai, the Quick Service Restaurant has a colourful and quaint vibe to it, immediately transporting you to these countries.
The menu at El Rancho ranges from Fries, Chicken Wings, Mexican Burritos, Hamburguesa – Nutella Grilled Cheese, Pesto Chicken, Uno Pizza Slices, Chicken Stroganoff with Herbed Rice and more. Pickpocket serves a variety of pockets - Jalfrezi, Hyderabadi, Chicken Sausages, Pahadi Chicken Tikka, Veg and Non-veg Berry Pulao, Veg and Non-veg Kabsa. End your meal on a sweet note with Turkish delicacies such as the Baklava and Umm Ali (baked pudding with croissant, nuts and milk), or classics such as Churros and Tiramisu.
“We are vivid music festival goers, and always had problems with eating on the go. Hence, we came up with meals in a pocket,” shared co-founder Shashank Shetty. Aakash Shelar, co-founder felt the city needed a good Mexican QSR. The restaurants are listed on Zomato, Swiggy, Uber Eats and Foodpanda.
Where Cypress CHS, Hiranandani Gardens Powai,
Timing 11am to 12.30am
Concept café
Coffee By Di Bella Exclusive now serves freshly prepared gourmet food from their own kitchen. The menu includes an All-day Breakfast menu; choose from a variety of omelettes, scrambled eggs and dishes like Eggs Shakshuka and the CBD French Toast. Or try Mac & Cheese, Loaded Nachos, Cheese Stuffed Fried Chicken Burger or the mushroom cappuccino. Keto dishes are also on the menu and so are smoothie bowls. The menu has been created to blend with the coffee palate.
Where Malad - Shop 3, Ground Floor, A-2 Wing Jagdamba Commercial Complex, Kanchpada, Movie Time Cinema, Link Rd, Malad West,
Bandra - Ground floor, Kiran Kunj, 24th road, off link road, Khar West, opposite elbo room,
When 9:00.am to 1:00. am.
Contact 091671 99555
Southern sojourn
JW Café, the all-day dining restaurant at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar makes a culinary journey across Southern India with the new Southern Sojourn festival, featuring delicacies from Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. The festival is on till October 6. Four chefs have been involved, with each presenting their signature dishes. Chef Swami from JW Marriott Pune showcases cuisine from Karnataka, Chef Chandra Kant Tarai from Courtyard Chennai presents Chettinad delicacies from Tamil Nadu, Chef Sherin Jude from Marriott Hotels Resorts & Suites Kochi offers Kerala cuisine and Chef Siva Tangdu from JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar creates dishes from Andhra Pradesh.
Where JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar
When Upto October 6, 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Price Buffet Rs 2,350 plus taxes per person
Contact 022 2853 8656 or 098990 44652
Mocktails andartisanal tea
Botanica Cafe & Diner has a special luxury Mocktail Menu. These non-alcoholic concoctions are curated by mixologist Gaurish Rangnekar. Try Botanical Cooler (pomegranate and cinnamon, mint), Botanical Martini (thyme and tonic water) and much more. They also have artisan tea and coffee to choose from.
Where Botanica Cafe and Diner, Opp Opera House
When Ongoing, every day
Timing 12 noon to 11.30 pm
Contact 022 33956004
Crab n Wine Festival
Mahesh Lunch Home, Juhu, is launching its much awaited 17th annual "Crab n Wine Food Festival". The festival will be held between October 5 and 31 and will feature dishes such as Crab Butter Corn Soup, Honey Mustard Crab, Thai Crab, Crab Taka Tak, Mountain Crab, Tender Coconut Crab Masala, and many other varieties. Butter Pepper Garlic Crab, Prawns, Lobster, Fish Tawa Fry and Gassi preparations are some of Mahesh Lunch Home's signature dishes that patrons from India and abroad relish. Wash each dish down with a complimentary wine or beer.
Where Mahesh Lunch Home, Juhu
When October 5 - 31, 12 pm to 3.30pm and 7pm-12.30am
Contact 09004655554/59
Vegetarian Oriental menu
OC - The Oriental Cuisine in Mulund has introduced an eclectic Veg Oriental Menu. Signature dishes include Schezwan Style Baby Potatoes, Padh Thai Pak, Cantonese Spinach Noodles, Tteokbokki and Chinese Bamboo Rice with Herbs and Spices. They also have a variety of soups and broths.
Where OC - The Oriental Cuisine, Mulund
When Ongoing, until October 3, 12 noon - 3.30 pm and 7 pm to 12 midnight
Contact 7738333121
British high tea
London Taxi has launched the ol'fashioned authentic London styled high tea menu called Tea Stories. Hi-Tea Stories features artisanal teas by award-winning tea designer Gitaanjali Taneja, who spent four years sourcing ingredients such as Rhododendrons, Chrysanthemum, Rooibos from countries like Africa, China, Villages in Egypt and the Himalayan range to create concoctions which are believed to help in gut cleansing, weight loss, lower cholesterol and resolve kidney problems. To complement these, Head Chef Nagraj Bhat has put together treats featuring cucumber and chicken sandwiches, brioche bread served with in-house Earl Grey and other teas, buttered warm scones, vanilla sponge cake and loads of bite-size delights.
Where London Taxi, Kamala Mill
When During the day, from October 4 to 11
Offer for the week Avail a cup of tea
Workshops
Adventure Camp
For those of you who want to go camping but don't feel confident enough to strike out on your own, this one day workshop from Life Away From Life will put you at ease in the great outdoors for a camping adventure. The organisers who have been conducting group camping trips and vacations since 2000, will teach participants basic skills like how to be warm, dry and comfortable during camping, the use of gear and equipment necessities, first aid safe fire starting skills and cooking.Plus ideas for fun activities!
Where Campsite around 127 kms driving distance from Mumbai.
Website www.lifeawayfromlife.com
Contact 66096693 / 9869158351
Carpentry Farmstay
Utopia Farmstay is hosting the second edition of their Personal Carpentry Workshop in Nashik designed for beginners and anyone above the age of 10 can attend it. Their in-house furniture designer, Adwait Kher, will take you through the basics of carpentry and woodworking techniques. At the end of the three-day workshop, each participant will have completed making their very own teak takeaways— a wall clock, wine bottle holder, bookshelf or photo frame!
When October 5-7, 2018
Price Rs 7,000 for children and Rs 12,500 for adults
Contact +91 8779621583 | Website www.utopiafarmstay.com
Guided Tour cum Story-Writing Workshop
Join this guided tour of the ongoing exhibition 'M.V. Dhurandhar: The Romantic Realist' at the NGMA, Mumbai and observe how Dhurandhar depicts people, emotions and their settings, creating interesting narratives through the use of multiple characters. Afterwards,courtesy the Bhau Daji Lad Museum,Vinitha Ramchandani, an established children's fiction writer and editor, will guide the participants to craft a story inspired by their favourite Dhurandhar painting!
When October 6, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Entry NGMA Mumbai entry charges applicable. All materials will be provided free of cost.
Register: [email protected]
Limited seating on a first come, first serve basis.