Well-crafted?

Sitting in a secluded corner of Bandra Reclamation,the roaring chaos that is Mumbai seems very far indeed.

Sitting in a secluded corner of Bandra Reclamation,the roaring chaos that is Mumbai seems very far indeed. All thats required to make ones evening memorable is warm conversation and good food. At Masalacraft,the latest addition to the growing list of restaurants that offer al fresco dining,the elements seem to align perfectly; unfortunately,as you go further down the menu,the good impression made at first sight diminishes rather noticeably.

Frequenters of Candies next door will remember that just over a year ago,this used to be China Bistro. The latters food didnt win it any favours. Masalacraft has changed more than just the management and the namethe food is delectable here,at least to begin with. The starters and drinks set the bar fairly high. Both our Black Russian and Appletini were value for money at Rs 175 and Rs 165 each. The Karara Palak Chaat,priced at Rs 80,lived up to its name,being both crisp and flavourful,and the Basil Garlic Paneer Tikka,Rs 120,was wonderfully fresh. But the winner on the list was the Lemon Chickensucculent meat,delicately flavoured with lemon.

Unfortunately,thats the last outstanding dish we had at the restaurant. The Nalli Nihari (Rs 180) was chewy and the Murgh Lahori (Rs 145) suspiciously similar to Kadhai Chickennothing inventive here. The Laccha Paratha (Rs 25) was,thankfully,quite soft and flaky,but the Cheese Chilly Naan (Rs 30),instead of being stuffed with cheese,was simply garnished with it. As for the chicken biryani,although reasonably priced at Rs 150,weve had better the rice was just too sticky. The portions were generous,and had wed enjoyed the food,it wouldve been an advantage. We were full to order dessert,but we werent desperate to have a sweetthe overwhelmingly sweet Dum Aloo Lahori (Rs 120) put us off desserts for a while.

Its sad that the food left so much to be desired,because as far as the ambience is concerned,Masalacraft has it all. While one has the option to dine indoors,the green seclusion of Masalacrafts corner of the Reclamation makes the outdoor dining area the perfect choice.

The service too,while a little on the slow side,is courteous and well-informed. But one wonders,with patchy performance food-wise,and a location that can best be described as out of the way,how the future bodes for this restaurant.

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