Topless! The only way to dine
Written By
Mini Ribeiro
| Updated:
In recent years, a growing number of luxurious open-air restaurants have begun mushrooming in Mumbai.
As the weather begins to turn, and the temperature drops, open-air restaurants are seeing business soar…here's why
In recent years, a growing number of luxurious open-air restaurants have begun mushrooming in Mumbai. Perhaps, that's the only way to escape the dusty, hectic city, and soak in nature's bounty.
The sheer size and magnitude of Mumbai is best experienced from the Dome, the terrace sky bar at The InterContinental, Marine Drive. Seated on a sofa on a balmy night, one can enjoy a Kir Royale, like nowhere else.
A bird's-eye view of the Mumbai airport can be had only from Mostly Grills, the open-air fine dining restaurant on the rooftop of The Orchid. And if you thought only rooftop dining was a breathtaking experience, think twice. Currently the hottest ticket in Mumbai, is Fashionably Flames Resto-Bar at Le Royal Meridien. The cool evening breeze and the lush green gardens with a sparkling waterfall, soothe your tired nerves.
The Dome, acclaimed as one of the 'Most Romantic Restaurants', has three distinct areas: The Dome Terrace, with white floors and low plush sofas, is lit only by the glittering candles on the tables; the Rouge Bar, is a pink hued enclosed space which houses a DJ console and an island bar counter; and the Pool Deck is a spacious deck flanking the pool.
The idyllic setting of Mostly Grills is captivating. The décor transports one into a Mexican village. At Fashionably Flames, the torches burning amid the sprawling greenery near the poolside, creates the perfect ambience for outdoor dining. The lively podiums where chefs are in action, further adds to the décor.
Amit Bharwadwaj, executive chef, InterContinental Marine Drive, says, "The Dome is the only al fresco Lounge Bar in South Bombay, with live music matched with exquisite wine, spirit and cocktail selections. The food is largely grill-based, or sautéed in our live kitchen.
The current Winter Menu features specialities of the season like Char-grilled lobster with a chives and lemon beurre blanc, Grilled gremolata sea shrimp, Curried Sri Lankan tenderloin, Tandoor spiced cottage cheese, Oven roasted mushrooms with a red onion wine compote, and much more."
"The ambience maybe Mexican, but the cuisine is truly international with a wide choice of barbecues. It is a fusion barbecue restaurant serving new range of grilled delicacies," explains Sanjay Bahl, executive chef, The Orchid.
He adds, "The elaborate menu caters to every taste bud. Hawker's Delight and the fiery Chicken Isabella are popular dishes. Vegetarians, too, have their choice of grilled delicacies. The Taverna Bar serves a variety of spirits, wines, liqueurs and cocktails along with snacks."
Executive chef, Santosh Jori or Sandy Jo as he is "fashionably" called, ensures an up-to-the-minute dining experience at Fashionably Flames. One can embark upon the gastronomical journey with the tuna fish salad served with beetroot goat cheese jelly and cream of mushroom soup.
Lobster medallions served with saffron potatoes in Rosace truffle dressing; Pancetta wrapped scallops on a bed of sherry pine-nut vinaigrette; Escabeche of tiger prawns; or Five-spiced squid enveloped in saffron sauce are some of the main course options.
Watching the chefs preparing a 'fresh to order' sea bass, T-bone steak, and beef filet is an incredible experience. Chiroux, the popular Mexican dessert, is a rare treat in this weather.
What sets the open-air restaurants apart, is their ambience. And in a bid to relax in nature, gourmets are making a beeline for them.
thesaturdaypaper@dnaindia.net
In recent years, a growing number of luxurious open-air restaurants have begun mushrooming in Mumbai. Perhaps, that's the only way to escape the dusty, hectic city, and soak in nature's bounty.
The sheer size and magnitude of Mumbai is best experienced from the Dome, the terrace sky bar at The InterContinental, Marine Drive. Seated on a sofa on a balmy night, one can enjoy a Kir Royale, like nowhere else.
A bird's-eye view of the Mumbai airport can be had only from Mostly Grills, the open-air fine dining restaurant on the rooftop of The Orchid. And if you thought only rooftop dining was a breathtaking experience, think twice. Currently the hottest ticket in Mumbai, is Fashionably Flames Resto-Bar at Le Royal Meridien. The cool evening breeze and the lush green gardens with a sparkling waterfall, soothe your tired nerves.
The Dome, acclaimed as one of the 'Most Romantic Restaurants', has three distinct areas: The Dome Terrace, with white floors and low plush sofas, is lit only by the glittering candles on the tables; the Rouge Bar, is a pink hued enclosed space which houses a DJ console and an island bar counter; and the Pool Deck is a spacious deck flanking the pool.
The idyllic setting of Mostly Grills is captivating. The décor transports one into a Mexican village. At Fashionably Flames, the torches burning amid the sprawling greenery near the poolside, creates the perfect ambience for outdoor dining. The lively podiums where chefs are in action, further adds to the décor.
Amit Bharwadwaj, executive chef, InterContinental Marine Drive, says, "The Dome is the only al fresco Lounge Bar in South Bombay, with live music matched with exquisite wine, spirit and cocktail selections. The food is largely grill-based, or sautéed in our live kitchen.
The current Winter Menu features specialities of the season like Char-grilled lobster with a chives and lemon beurre blanc, Grilled gremolata sea shrimp, Curried Sri Lankan tenderloin, Tandoor spiced cottage cheese, Oven roasted mushrooms with a red onion wine compote, and much more."
"The ambience maybe Mexican, but the cuisine is truly international with a wide choice of barbecues. It is a fusion barbecue restaurant serving new range of grilled delicacies," explains Sanjay Bahl, executive chef, The Orchid.
He adds, "The elaborate menu caters to every taste bud. Hawker's Delight and the fiery Chicken Isabella are popular dishes. Vegetarians, too, have their choice of grilled delicacies. The Taverna Bar serves a variety of spirits, wines, liqueurs and cocktails along with snacks."
Executive chef, Santosh Jori or Sandy Jo as he is "fashionably" called, ensures an up-to-the-minute dining experience at Fashionably Flames. One can embark upon the gastronomical journey with the tuna fish salad served with beetroot goat cheese jelly and cream of mushroom soup.
Lobster medallions served with saffron potatoes in Rosace truffle dressing; Pancetta wrapped scallops on a bed of sherry pine-nut vinaigrette; Escabeche of tiger prawns; or Five-spiced squid enveloped in saffron sauce are some of the main course options.
Watching the chefs preparing a 'fresh to order' sea bass, T-bone steak, and beef filet is an incredible experience. Chiroux, the popular Mexican dessert, is a rare treat in this weather.
What sets the open-air restaurants apart, is their ambience. And in a bid to relax in nature, gourmets are making a beeline for them.
thesaturdaypaper@dnaindia.net