Mumbai Food: Chilled out vibe, menu by Ranveer Brar await you at Lower Parel

First look: Live music, a chilled out vibe, eats by Ranveer Brar and lit cocktails await you at the the Lower Parel corporate hub’s latest entrant

With pungent garlic pods, crunchy papad and fried-till-crisp chickpeas, we also taste nostalgia in Fried Garlic Channa ('150) that we try from the bar bites section, or as Ranveer Brar calls it, The Shetty Quarter Bar. "It's inspired by the fried chana I love at Harish Lunch Home in Irla," the chef tells us, as we sit across from him at FLYP@MTV Café and reminisce about our dive bar sojourns. Brar has been roped in to curate the food menu for the chain, which launched in Delhi over a year ago, and opens in Lower Parel next week. 

The 6,500 sq ft space houses a stage, which will host music and stand-up comedy acts. Our nostalgia trip is accentuated by elements that dot our peripheral vision -- walls fitted with audio cassettes, rows of Hot Wheels cars and Pacman memories painted in the al fresco section. The all-day space also doubles up as a co-working venue.

The first drink that arrives from the well-stocked bar is #Coffeeholicsanonymous ('290), a silken smooth and potent concoction of vodka, kahlua and espresso.

Bombil Fry

We pair it with Bombil Fry ('225), another item on the bar bites section of the menu, which features comforting, flavour-packed Bambaiya, north Indian, Continental and Asian fare -- all with a twist. For instance, the curry leaves-mustard tempering atop the crisp, rawa coated strips of Bombay Duck.

#Coffeeholicsanonymous

The smoked scent of Tandoori Momos ('295), from the Theka Desi Sharaab section, reaches us much before the skewer appears on our table. "They're a typical Delhi North Campus thing. I'm sure Mumbai will enjoy them too," says Brar, as we bite into the marinated momos, stuffed with minced chicken filling, which come undone at the prick of the fork. We wash them down with M For Mexican: M For Mumbai ('360), a citrusy, tequila-based cocktail from a horn-shaped flask rimmed with chaat masala.
From the Asian fare, we enjoy Yangoon Bao ('325), where the warm, sponge soft baos, topped with cheddar and apple sesame relish, give way to the umami flavours of mushroom stuffing.

Another must-try is Scallops And Kale Saag (available as part of a seven-course dégustation menu on 24-hour notice). The succulent scallops are laid on a bed of creamy saag; its tart flavours balanced with pear pieces. It reminds us of the fare we've tried at Brar's all-veg restaurant in the same neighbourhood. "But that is a totally different animal," he laughs, bringing us back to this space with the comforting Nalli Nihari ('449), with fall-off-the-bone mutton, a hat-tip to the chef's Lucknowi roots.

Opens on October 27, 11 am to 1 am
At Gate No 4, Trade View Building, Kamala Mills Compound, Lower Parel. Call 49710144

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