Restaurant Review: New cream parlour gives a slice of Mahableshwar in Mumbai

The entrance

Those of us who've walked the misty slopes of Mahabaleshwar are aware that no trip to the hill station is complete without tucking into a jar of strawberries dunked in cream. So, recently when the newspaper vendor slipped in a menu announcing the launch of Bomberry, a Mahabaleshwar-based cream parlour a stone's throw from the writer's home, we couldn't stay put.

Located on the ground floor of Hormzad Mansion opposite Tardeo's Bhatia Hospital, Bomberry: Fresh From The Valley of Mahableshwar is hard to miss. The entrance resembles the front of a truck with flickering headlights. Once you step in, you're insulated from the din on the main road. The space is compact and can accommodate 15 people. The time we were there, there were three others, who we assume are the owners (They requested our feedback and subtly monitored our reactions to the food). Brightly lit with monochrome tints dominating the decor, the space spells all things Mahableshwar. Pastel-coloured boards highlight the famous points of the hill town -- Vienna lake, Table Land and Elephant's Head Point.

The Strawberry Cream

All creameries and shakes here are made out of locally sourced produce from the owner's farm in Mahabaleshwar.

The menu is divided into shakes, smoothies, corn fritters, sandwiches, berry creameries and seasonal mastanis (Pune's famous thick milkshake churned with ice cream). We get straight to business with the signature Strawberry Cream (R289), because our first preference, the Berry Cream (fresh mulberry and strawberry chunks, cream and mulberry ice cream), is unavailable. Which makes us wonder how they plan to sustain the business considering certain berries are seasonal. "Strawberries are available nine months of the year, but we are figuring a way around mulberries," says one of the owners, almost on cue. A few days from now, we are assured of more options like raspberry and gooseberry.

The boards highlight Mahableshwar's famous points

Our dish arrives in 10 minutes and looks promising. The strawberries have been generously thrown in, but there's an unusual aftertaste that sinks in after a few bites. This, we guess is what happens to fruits kept in the deep freeze for long. The Healthy One smoothie with kale, berries and banana (R270), is a glass of goodness. A muddy red concoction, it's light on the tummy, but can pinch your pocket. We also call for the Italian Cheddar Corn (R88) which is value for money. The spice in the seasoning is cut by the cheese and makes for a great snack.

Cheddar Corn

While we enjoyed our experience, the prices seem steep. But, if you don't mind the pinch on your pocket, this place could come close to providing a slice of Mahableshwar on the streets of Mumbai.

Bomberry didn't know we were there. mid-day reviews anonymously and pays for meals