Food: These two Mumbai eateries failed to impress

Food

Enticed by the pretty blue doors, we stepped into the well-lit newly opened Rustico at Fort. It exuded a warm and chic vibe, with a separate bar section sans alcohol, private dining rooms and brick walls adorned with white bicycles and chandeliers. Even with two levels of seating, it was packed on a Sunday night. A good sign, we thought. Five minutes into waiting, we were ushered to a table by the courteous staff.

Ginger Pear Martini

The vegetarian multi-cuisine restaurant offers North Indian, Chinese and Continental options. Excited to spot Pav Bhaji Fondue on the menu, we ordered for it. "It's not available today, ma'am," the waiter told us.

Disappointed, we picked Roomali Cheese Papad. That, too, was unavailable. Taking refuge in a section titled Naanzas (or naan pizzas), we asked for Fiamma. It promised toppings of spicy sauce, cheese and a vague ‘deviled garnish'. "Sorry ma'am, that's unavailable too," said the waiter as if on autopilot. Upset, we returned to the menu, looking for options.

Caramel Custard with Smoking Cold Popcorn

We settled for Crackling Corn (Rs 285) and Cottage Cheese Galettes (Rs 445). Arriving on rustic, carved wooden platters, both the dishes failed our taste test. Piled on a bed of crispy spinach, the corn was chewy, spicy and lacked water chestnut, as promised on the menu. The Cottage Cheese Galettes, served with pesto couscous and paprika sauce, were below average. The unappetising cottage cheese patties (we suspect they were fried in dalda) didn't go well with a mound of green coloured couscous and a bland white sauce, passed off as paprika. For desserts, we called Caramel Custard With Smoking Cold Popcorn (Rs 355). Assembled on a plate, the freshly made popcorn was a great munchie and the wobbly custard was perfect. However, we'd have preferred caramel popcorn instead of the regular variety, especially for the price we paid.

Sweet, spicy and refreshing, the Ginger Pear Martini (Rs 245) lifted our spirits. Unfortunately, it was a mocktail. If only they'd have spiked it, because we needed a drink by then to forget the evening.

Time: 7 pm to 1 am (all-day from January 1)
At: 48 Bank Street, Khatau Building, opposite Old Custom House, Fort.
Call: 22647200