From the launch event of Upsatirs - The Asian Bistro, Tardeo !!

SoBo people, “Upstairs” is another place to add to your Go-To List. Located in the midst of Tardeo, Upstairs set to differentiate itself from surrounding lounges with its amazingly soothing ambience, feel good music, great pan-asian cuisine & offers a drinks experience like never before.

We were there at the launch party and it was full of epicness; everyone was geared up to experience the new talk of the town. And fret now, for all the Good Reasons, it stood upto the expectations.

                                            

“They more you drink the less you pay” – first of its kind concept in Mumbai. As you keep on ordering, subsequent drink get cheaper and Not only this, the 4^th drink will be free so that there is no stepping down !! This place boasts of some mind blowing drinks and one drinks that tooks us from ‘upstairs to infinity’ is the ‘Upstairs Infinity Shot’ where one has to sniff the burning alcohol, take the burning shot and following which the bartender give you a circular ride amidst the last cheering from the crowd !!

 Speaking about the food, Upstairs has curated a menu which put together dishes from 15 different Asian destinations. The culinary experience includes dishes originating from Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Other popular Asian dishes from around the world.

So we have tried a number of dishes and believe me it was a gastronomical culinary experience. One advice is to go here with a open mind while ordering food as the menu is curated by some well-travelled Gourmand and they are successful in bring the best of the flavours of the oriental/ pan-asian cuisine.

 

Grilled Basa lemon butter

Malaysian Curry with Jasmine rice

We have tried a number of dishes , but here are few we are totally in love with – Katsu Chicken (for the love of Friedchicken), Grilled Basa Lemon Butter, stir fried chicken in chilli basil, Vegetable and Chicken Murtabak, Crunchy Lotus Roots

Jade Dimsum

Mushroom Yakitori

Chicken Corriander Momo

For the Main Course – Malaysian Curry with Jasmine rice, chicken teppanyaki

Chicken Teppanyaki

Desserts were the star, though they didn’t have many options but the one they had were definitely worth relishing. Do look out for Honey Noodles with the coconut icecream and the yummy cheesecakes.

 

Cripsy Honey noodles with coconut icecream

As they are in conception stage, Service was a bit slow and they need to work on the food a bit before they settle down!! The prices will add to another advantage.

                                   

PS – As this review accounts for the launch party, you can except the service at these parties is not the normal service experience. It might be that Chefs are putting extra care perhaps in the kitchen. So its really tricky to judge a restaurant from its launch party !!! 

Tosha, Versova

Tosha is a go to place for value for money chicken Starters and Mughlai Food. This place is highly recommended for Non-Vegetarians.

                                  

Though I am not a big fan of their main course, but there starters are worth the hype. Their legendary Russian Cutlet have been featured many times in various articles for a value for money savoury snack. And yes,it stands up to the expectations.

Chicken Crispy Pav

Chicken Russian Cutlet & Chicken Crispy Pav

Other savouries to try out here include - chicken Crispy ( a crispy batter Fried chicken strip) w/o pav, Chicken Drumstick, chicken pakoda and various type of tikka and tandoori chicken.

Salad Basket

 

This place offers a good value for money experience as it is just a take away joint. If you have a 100 rupees to spare, then you can stuff yourseft with some good amount of really good chicken.

 

PS - For main course - they have a different menu for different days of the week.

Peninsula Next, Sion

Peninsula is a landmark Restaurant chain located at Sion circle, with 3 different branches in the vicinity, they are serving multiple cuisine, comprises Goan, Mexican, Thai and Italian cuisine.  

                 

Peninsula Next is a casual dining and a multi cuisine restaurant with North Indian, oriental and Mexican offerings..

The decor is elegant and subtle.  This place is started in 1994 & it is  just as original with a charm of a 90's restaurant - old paintings, Golden railings, flowerpot on table and background music. Probably for the same reason, this place is recommended for family dining or the middle age group people.

Peninsula chain of restaurants are known for its hospitality, and Peninsula next is par with it, backed by it's friendly and warm service.

Speaking about food, I have loved the  Indian Cuisine out here, as chefs were successful in bring out all the flavours alive. But the food was quite filling, thanks to the portion size and generous use of butter and cream !!

Some of the Indian dishes to try out for - Paneer Lababdar, Ahmedabadi Kofta, Veg makhani and Veg Reshmi.

I was excited to mention their ‘Hongos Con Espinica’ - an entree from their Mexican main course Section. I couldn't say if it was authentic but yes, it was yummy.  A dish with stuffed mushrooms on the bed of Cilantro Rice.

We haven't experimented many dishes from the oriental section but notably few of the dishes which are worth mentioning  are  Sauteed vegetables in Hot garlic sauce, paneer burnt garlic, veg crunchy and Hashcorn vegetables.

It provides an ultimate Fine Dine experience and that makes it a little costier affiar.

                           

PS - As it is a pure veg restaurant, it a sheer attraction for Gujjus, Marwaris !!!

Lotus Cafe, JW Marriott Mumbai

It's always been a pleasure to visit this place. Especially for its lavish spread and Luxurious Buffet that not only satiate your hunger but definitely offers a feast for your guests.

        

Speaking about the buffet, the spread is just massive and equally marvelous. So you can treat yourself with the unmatched spread at leisure. Set at a grand Hall with high ceiling overlooking the generous and well-manicured lawn & a close glimpse of beach - this cafe look stunningly beautiful.

The buffet was accompanied by several live counters, offering mosaic of Flavours and cuisines which includes Maharashtraian, Mumbai Chaat, Pizza, Pasta, Ice cream, Scallopni counters naming few. Special mention for all the Indian Delicacies which will lure you with its authentic flavour, ‘Rogon Josh’ being my favourite.

We haven't tried the Ala- carte as it was never an option for us because of our love with their buffets. The staff is on their toes to serve you the best and the service is totally impeccable.

             

Well this is a coffee shop that is open 24/7, so it's the perfect late night coffee spot. But it gets loud and noisy sometimes when you have people feasting besides you.

Tea Villa, Bandra(W)

This place has got raving popularity. Right from introducing the concept of a Tea Cafe, to the beautiful interiors with a pleasant and a happy feel, the beautifully curated menu and the beloved waffles.

This is the place with the right mood. The presence of zodiac signs , a lady dressed and standing with tea cups, tea trivia posters and a colour combination of black & white will make you stay back and you will walk out with a complacency of time well spent.

                            

Service is quick but i found the staff little less attentive. And this is one of the cafes with a wallet parking and in area like Bandra, we are all familiar with the perks of that.

This place is known for their varieties of Tea. And if you are not a tea person then also, tea villa will not disappoint you with its vivid varieties of coffee and other beverages.

Speaking about the food they have some really impressive options and the best of it are their waffles. I am obsessed with their waffles, they are the best & something not be missed - fit to satisfy your soul.

As mentioned above, they also have some really good and unusual option to munch and feast on. You can choose from pancakes, waffles, pizzas, starters, soups, salad fries, dimsums, burgers sandwiches, bagel, pasta, sizzler, completing the lot with some options of lebanese, pan-asian, Mexican & continental dishes. So you can eat anything that suits your mood.

                     

PS - Perfect place to spend some composed and calm time* sipping your favourite beverage with some delicacies.

*Composed time doesn't come with empty space. Tables are generally full on peak hours.