11 September,2010 08:04 AM IST | | Dhvani Solani
The guy who gave us China Gate and Red Box now wants you to put on your dancing shoes at his latest Bandra nightspot that opens in a couple of weeks. The GUIDE went on an exclusive tour of Red Ant to bring you a first look
They all have their idiosyncrasies. Ekta Kapoor has a 'K', Rakesh Roshan also has a 'K', and Krishna Tamang has 'red'. It's the colour that drives the entrepreneur, while bringing him a dose of good luck.
u00a0And so, while his Bandra eatery Red Box had the colour feature in its name, China Gate saw it splashed on the walls. Up next is Red Ant, Bandra's latest restobar up for a launch in the next few weeks.
Red lands a cameo appearance on the Lego-like brick walls, wallpaper and a square bar that emits a spaceship-surreal orange halo. "Who likes red ants? No one. But we want to challenge perceptions and shake up things around here," says Tamang. Are we buying that? Not quite. But as the wise say, only time will tell.
Pop-hued lighting meets old-world charm as seen in the brick walls on the
upper level of Red Ant. (Top) Prawn in Sambal sauce (Rs 350)
Get a French Kiss from a bartender
Nestled inside the Link Square Mall, with Global Fusion, Theobroma and Mumbai Times Cafe for neighbours, the lounge is split into two levels. The lower one features a circular bar where we watched the bartender juggle bottles and concoct a French Kiss. This suggestive-sounding cocktail uses a blend of bananas and strawberries with a splash of vodka -- innovative.
Next drink? A mocktail called Choco Mip comprising chocolate, pineapple, mango and vanilla ice-cream.
One sip, one lick, and we realised it's not all that bad.The elevated section houses four tables reserved exclusively for the VIPs. The volume is turned down in this section for guests to indulge in small talk without having to raise their voices. This is just the place if you plan to take your parents out for dinner, but for a wild night around town, we suggest you head to the top section -- where the action unfolds.
Big Brother is watching you
First impressions? A gyrating Mallika Sherawat followed by an annoying Mika Singh belting out a badly phrased, Something Something on one of the four giant LEDs. But don't let this dissuade you. At the square bar, you'll be in the company of Retro, RnB, Hip-Hop, House, and we are guessing even commercial music if there's demand, while you down your tipple.
The bright lights under the bar counter and shelves gradually change from a striking pink to purple and green. We found the long community table broken up into tables for two, too close for comfort. Stretch your arm and you risk toppling your neighbour's drink. But the few scattered sofas, especially the ones adjacent to the door, make for an intimate setting.
Those who like a cigarette with their drink can head to the smoking section relegated to a tiny room at the far end of the bar. Dancing shoes can totter over to the tiny, elevated dance floor near the giant LED, which doubles up as a stage for live band performances.
That's a good catch
Since Asian cuisine has been Krishna's stronghold, Red Ant primarily features Chinese, Continental, Japanese and Indian hors d'oeuvres -- with a designated chef for each cuisine. Feast on the massive Lobster Toban, Crab in Black Pepper Sauce, Baked Cheese Prawn or the Seafood Pizza that includes salmon, octopus and red snapper.
Before the vegetarians get disheartened, there is scrumptious Baked Tomato stuffed with bread crumb and chilli, mustard and tomato sauces. Steamed dumplings come in moneybag and crescent shapes, filled with options like cheese and corn, water chestnut and carrots, spinach and asparagus.
At: Red Ant, Link Square Mall, third floor, opposite KFC, Bandra (W).
Call: 42631000
