Apart from borrowing the central suburb's name, Dadar, Mumbai-28 does justice to the middle class neighbourhood's foodies
Apart from borrowing the central suburb's name, Dadar, Mumbai-28 does justice to the middle class neighbourhood's foodies
Walkers and joggers around Shivaji Park must be a worried lot. A few extra rounds could be in the offing with the opening of Dadar, Mumbai-28 in the heart of this middle-class neighbourhood.
That's going by the crowds we encountered when we walked in on a weekday. In its previous avatar, it was a popular watering hole called Sanman.
When the owners decided to reinvent, naturally, the local folk must've rejoiced after having to bear with weary and dated choices for far too long (Gypsy, Nebula, Ovenfesh).
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The eatery is tough to miss on the the busy Veer Savarkar Road, thanks to its artfully done signage in the Devnagri script.
We settled for a table on the upper level; six footers and their ilk had better watch out, though.
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The bar counter fits snugly along the landing at this level. The interiors are practical, although we noticed the absence of couple seating on either level.
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Clearly, the plan seemed to be working ring in the families, as long as the food is good and the Plasma TV does its thing.
From Chinese to Mughlai and Continental, it was a distracting two minutes scanning the menu before we plumbed for the Veg Tom Yum Soup (Rs 89) and Salt & Pepper Prawns (Rs 300).
Distracting, because every left-hand page of this intriguing menu features a Dadar connect, from Maharashtrian surnames to neighbourhood street names.
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Giving our starters company were the cocktails, a Gimlet and Bloody Mary (Rs 250 each).
The soup was riotously hot enough to clear the sinuses, thanks to the chef who probably used red chilli powder instead of the fresh Thai chilli.
Soon, and we mean really soon, our piece de resistance Salt & Pepper Prawns arrived. The portions were huge and silence prevailed as we tucked into the fresh catch.
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The flavours were perfect; the salt and pepper didn't overpower each other. And if there were any such after tastes, our nicely done cocktails tamed it.
Around us, portions of Dimsum and Tangdi Kebabs were devoured even as beer seemed to be the preferred beverage. From Sol Kadi and Varan Bhaat, the Dadar resident has come a long way.
Next up, we checked with our waiter on the specials. As we dug into the Chicken Pahadi Tikka (Rs 225), it felt like a cross between Hara Bhara Tikka or any other tikka variant with a coriander inspired marinade.
Disappointing. As if on cue, Dadar 28's version of the Mutton Seekh Kebab (Rs 275) quickly made amends.
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The meat was well done and tender; the spicing made us break into a contented smile. Dessert had to be foregone.u00a0
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AT: 377, Amarkunj, Veer Savarkar Road,
Shivaji Park, Dadar (W). CALL: 24448866
Dadar, Mumbai-28 didn't know we were there. The GUIDE reviews anonymously and pays for meals
