Raising the Bar
As three new bars open in Mumbai, Talk gives you a lowdown on what to expect.
Interiors of Radio bar. (Source: Express photo by Kunal Chandra)
Radio Bar
The Khar stretch of Linking Road finally has a space that matches its frequency. Opened last week, Radio Bar is a refreshing concept complete with iron swings for chairs, an outdoor bar and even a basement, very That ’70s Show. At the entrance is a wall full of vintage radio sets, with their year of birth marked on them. Similarly, the basement has a wall-filled with cassettes. Ideal for large groups, the menu has something for everyone. Cocktails here are boozy; we took an instant liking for the radio special mojito — a shot of tequilla and white rum served with fresh orange juice. The food is a mix of global cuisine thrown in either on the same plate — Thai spiced prawn and crab risotto with kaffir lime — or, as a stand-alone dish, such as South African shito skewers.
Meal for two: Rs 2,500 (with alcohol)
Monkey Bar
Touted as India’s first gastropub, Monkey Bar has finally made its way to Mumbai (the first outpost opened in Bangalore in 2012) with its signature cocktails and a menu that celebrates Indian regional cuisine, but with a twist. There are subtle hints of molecular gastronomy too. For instance, the opening night of this Bandra bar saw servers dressed in all black pass around pani puris with spicy pani turned into spheres laid on a bed of potato mash, and all of this stuffed in crispy puris. Cocktails have quirky names and quirkier combinations. Mangaa is a mix of vodka and aam panna and Copper monkey is a sweetish concoction of whisky, passion fruit, mint and lime served in a copper tumbler. Expect traditional regional fare such as Litti chokha, Dal Pakwan and kurkuri bhindi turned into bite-sized bar food. Look out for Laal maas phulka served with chilli pickle and ker sangri sabji and steamed baos stuffed with keema. The 3,500-square-foot space is relaxed, offers many Instagram-worthy nooks and corners with vintage frames and mismatched lights.
Meal for two: Rs 1,800 (with alcohol)
Todi Mill Social
Lower Parel’s buzzing mills have a new addition with the second outlet of Social making its way to Todi Mill. Housed in a 8,000-square-foot mill area, the décor reminds one of the bygone era. It is also features a boardroom, locker facilities and has an in-house 3D printer.
While the menu features its signature drinks and dishes that have now become popular on Instagram, the new additions include pork belly pops, and aas apna apna — eggs made to order and wraps. The cocktails continue to add an element of quirk. For instance, The Lantern, a mix of Jim Beam and smoked orange marmalade, is served in a lantern.
Meal for two: Rs 1,500 (with alcohol)
meenakshi.iyer@expressindia.com
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