She’s youthful, she’s vibrant fun, she’s quirky and high-energy. She’s Asian but Delhi-born. She has just set up in Bandra, Kala Ghoda and Ghatkopar too. Mamagoto (means “play with food”) has caught the imagination of the fickle Mumbaikar. The result? Three packed restaurants across the city. Packed restaurant and no-reservations policy. So I land up before opening hours each time. Push through the door and you’ll be bombarded with coloured graphics, Asian Ninjas, yellow-striped tigers, sea blue, imperial yellows, radiant reds and celadon greens. All this in an industrial-chic space, with a bar. This vibrant vibe of the ambiance infuses the design of the overcrowded menu and the food too. From Japanese Robata Grill to Thai, in dish after dish there is a determination to find a balance of sweet, sour, salt and spices and garlic. Mama’s Thai soul asserts itself through her Kaffir Lime and Thai Basil-infused rich creamy curries. Unique salads, Grilled Fish with Asian dressing, garlicky Eggplant Robata, Basil Cups with chatpata veggies and more. Back-to-childhood kind of Caramel drizzled Sponge Cake too. Many of the dishes have either no flavour or too much of it muddled together, be it the batter-heavy Calamari, the gooey Goreng, overcooked Prawns with Red Chilli, flavourless Steamed Fish, lacklustre Lamb Massaman Curry or the gelatinous cheesecake. Vibrant, high-energy ambiance infuses the robust, rich flavours of the food. We need some toned down, pristine and simple options too (there are too few). The tantalizing seasonings, the cheeky decor all add upto a great experience, if only the colourful, Mama wasn’t so noisy…!
Critic reviews are anonymous and all bills are paid by them.
Written by: William Shakespeare
Directed by: Aniruddha Khutwad
This is a play by the students of The Drama School, Mumbai. Watch these budding actors enact one of the most spoken about work of Shakespeare#39;s - Romeo And Juliet. This is a story of love, betrayal, dreams and death which has been retold multiple times by various writers. This play isn’t the glamorised tale of star-crossed lovers that we have seen in the past. This is the story of Juliet - who chose love at every turn and refused to let the anger and impulsiveness of those around her change her heart. Like every girl she knew what she wanted and that is when her Romeo comes along. Watch the play to see how this story curveballs.
Tickets: Rs 150 - Rs 200
Tickets available on Bookmyshow.com
Directed By: Yasmina Reza.
Playwright By: Preetam Koilpillai
This play in English language revolves around the life of two set of parents and their kids who run into a scuffle at school. The fight is resolved amicably by the parents but soon things turn awry. Find out what happens and if peace is restored in this play.
Show Timings:
March 9 - 9 pm
March 10 - 9 pm
March 11 - 7 pm and 9.30 pm
Ticket: Rs 300 - Rs 400
Tickets available on Bookmyshow.com
Directed by: Quasar Thakore Padamsee
Written by: Stella Kon
Cast: Jayati Bhatia
Watch Khatija take you through the life of an orphan girl who grows to become a Queen Bee of South Bombay society. Follow her exploits, her struggle to get the #39;most favoured position#39; with her in-laws, how she gets pressurised by her eldest son Aziz and her continuous battle with her sister-in-law Shiraz.
Ticket: Rs 175
Tickets available on Bookmyshow.com
Directed By: Rabijita Gogoi
Written By: Purva Naresh
Cast: Ahlam Khan Karachiwala, Prerna Chawla, Gagan Riar, Jim Sarbh, Nishi Doshi, Sarika, Aanchal, Rahul Sharma, Mayur More and Gopal Datt
Hindi play, #39;Ok, Tata, Bye Bye#39; tackles the sensitive issue of caste - based prostitution. The story is about a dedicated filmmaker couple, Pooja and Mitch that wants to shoot a documentary on the topic but has to face a lot of difficulties and roadblocks. It is a serious and sensitive drama involving a passionate film maker, a brazen sex worker, a rogue trucker and a village where you need to pay a price for everything.
Ticket: Rs 300
Show timings: 5.30 pm and 8.30 pm
Tickets available on Bookmyshow.com
Once you leave the nest, you start valuing a lot of things that you probably didn’t notice before, and the foremost of this is mum’s cooking! If you agree with us, like the boys at The Bombay Canteen do, then you’re in for a treat. The progressive dining kitchen that’s known for bringing hyperlocal preparations and ingredients to the plate is giving the city a delicious one-year birthday gift with the Mother Of All Menus. Showcasing their maa ke haath ka khaana, this month long menu is packed with signatures made by the team’s moms. So you get handpicked dished from home kitchens as varied as Beef Cutlets to Payesh all through February.
As we settled at the table, we were handed over a notepad that had the menu printed on top and blank pages inside where you can share your mother’s recipes, which will be reviewed by the team and added to the menu. We started our lunch with Pressure Cooked Sardines On Toast (Rs 160) served with tomato, onion, coriander and lemon made by Chef Floyd’s mother Beryl. The appetiser made us miss a heady drink, so we found respite in the Strawberry Tulsi Shandy (Rs 400) – their take on shandy made with fresh strawberry puree, homemade basil tincture, lime and beer.
Chaat never fails to impress us and Sunita aunty (co-owner Sameer Seth’s mum) brings her Agra style with her Dahi Gujiya Chaat (Rs 225), while her Phool Gobi Mussallam (Rs 375) gave cauliflower a whole new identity when paired with green pea stuffed kachoris. Bringing in the flavours of Cochin is Aunty Cynthia (Chef Thomas’ mother) who’s cooked up Crab Mappas (Rs 950), which are served with coconut rice. While the curry is bursting with the fragrance of curry leaves, the rice is elevated with flavours of a coconut curry. But what made us miss our Aai the most was the dish by Renu aunty (co-owner Yash Bhanage’s mum). Her Konkani Kolambi Curry (Rs 500) and rice made us want to dig in with our fingers, just like we do back home! We ended the meal with her Ulta Pulta Pineapple Cake (Rs 275) with caramelised pineapples and brown sugar that was wiped out in 60 seconds. And as every Bengali mother says, “No birthday celebration can be completed without Payesh”, so Iti aunty (communication head Radhika Mishra’s mother) added her special Komola Lebur Payesh (Rs 190) that came topped with santra segments and pistachios.
This is one meal we suggest you line up for before it’s over!
Price: Rs 2,500 for two
Timings: 12 pm to 1 am
This weekend Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel brings back local flavours with Rhome Secrets. You can enjoy the taste of Bengali cuisine which is famous for its subtle flavours. This week’s special guest chef is Sumitra Choudhary and she will be showcasing her secret Bengali recipe at the Lake View Café Sunday brunch. One of the most traditional dishes from Bengal, Chapar Ganto is special mix vegetable dish where a variety of veggies are cooked in spices along with lentils soaked overnight.
NCPA brings to you Chandni Raatein, which is an evening for dance lovers. Fashion stylist, actress and trained classical dancer Pernia Qureshi will showcase her talent in Kuchipudi and Kathak dance. Prepared to be enthralled with her live performance, choreographed by Padma Bhushan awardees Raja Radha Reddy and Kumudini Lakhia.
Entry: Free
Eyemyth is a festival that celebrates art, entertainment and new media expressions. The line-up has been curated from established and emerging artists from around the world as the festival showcases the diversity of audio visual content. This will be a special presentation of the Japan Media Arts Festival (JMAF) too. All together featuring works, performances and workshops by Japanese artists who are progressing the frontier of new media expression. EyeMyth wll also be showcasing an indie gaming playstation and gaming art exhibition as well as early Indian animation screenings.
Free Entry for exhibition at Sitara and screenings at Edwards
Passes available for performance + party at Edwards
Schedule and details available here.
Directed by: Lillete Dubey
Cast: Asif Ali Beg, Pravishi Das, Danny Sura, Rajeev Siddhartha and Anuschka Sawhney
The Primetime Theatre Company showcases its first play for children. The Dancing Donkey is a delightful English tale based upon a one-act play by Leon Chancerel – the great French pioneer of children#39;s theatre – in which a donkey is stolen by two scoundrels, who disguise themselves afterwards to sell the stolen donkey back to its original owner.
Tickets: Rs 300
Tickets available on Bookmyshow.com
Written by: Mirza Muhammed Hadi Ruswa
Adapted by: Purva Naresh
Directed by: Hidayat Sami
Cast: Neetu Chandra, Shubhrajyoti Barat, Piloo Vidhyarthi, Shabnam Wadhera, Aman Uppal
The play is adapted from the novel Umrao Jan Ada by Mirza Muhammed Hadi Ruswa. Umrao, who is often seen as the first female protagonist of Urdu literature, was a young girl abducted from her house and sold to a brothel. As a young woman, she learns to rely on herself for earning her keep. As an old woman, despite the riches that she enjoys, she looks back and wonders what her life has been worth.
Ticket: Rs 300
Show timings: 6 pm and 9 pm
Tickets available on Bookmyshow.com
Directed by Raghav Dutt
Cast: Gagan Dev Riar, Bhushan Vikas and Shikha Gupta
A young writer, Chinmay works with his actor friend Vicky and girlfriend Neha. While working on a story he creates a fictitious character who wins at words but never at love. The play talks about the existence of soul and life after death.
Show timings: 6pm | 9pm
Tickets: Rs 250
Tickets available on Bookmyshow.com
Saptami- the multi-cuisine all day dining restaurant at Holiday Inn Mumbai International Airport, Sakinaka, Andheri East takes you on the silk route which the ancient traders used to take and is showcasing the varied cuisines of this erstwhile route.
The dinner buffet will offer Cantonese and Hunan delicacies from China Town, Sprinkle of dishes from lesser exposed cuisines of Japan and Vietnam. From Tepanyaki to Yakitori style preparations, creamy Thai currries and Mangolian dishes, everything awaits the patrons during the ten day long fest. The vegetarian and non vegetarian soups in the menu are Minestrone Milanese, Pao cai Dao fu Tang ( Spinach and Beancurd soup ), Xie Rou Yumi Tang ( Corn and Crabmeat Soup ), Tom Kha Gai ( Chicken and Galangal Soup ) and more.
The starters consist of Udang Sate (Prawns Sate with Paw Paw Sauce, Cha gio ( Crab and Mushroom spring roll ), Ayam Sandon ( malay fried chicken with chilly plum sauce ), Yumi Qui Sichuan ( Schezwan syle corn dumplings ), Pisang goreng kacang ( malaysian banana fritters ) to name a few. The main course dishes include Mangolian Teppan Fry ( 12 types of exotic Vegetables, Lamb, Chicken, Prawns thin slices, soya, chilly, peanut, and curry sauce ), Ikan Maris ( malasian Hot chilly crab ), Tsukune ( Japanese poached chicken meat balls in teriyaki sauce ). Live counter will have Burmese Khousey, Malasian Laksa. The noodles bar will have steam noodles, Pad thai noodles, soba noodles with vegetables and accompaniments.
A large variety of desserts from the region which include galangal honey rock cake, green tea tiramisu, Caramelized Crispy Crepes with ice cream, Chinese Egg tarts, sweet wontons, oriental fruit with phyllo cream cup will be served during the fest.
Pricing: Rs 1,418 (all inclusive)
We live in the age of Tinder and Snapchat, so whirlwind romances aren’t really top priority. It’s tough to set our heart on one thing, so while we may know what we want for dinner, we’re unsure about everything else. That’s exactly what the students of The Drama School in Mumbai are trying to change, by ringing in old school romance, Shakespeare style with their first ever full-length play – Juliet Aur Uska Romeo. We caught the premier show over the Valentine weekend before they take off on a national tour.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The students have chosen to do this play as an adaptation fit for contemporary times. Not only because Shakespeare has a special spot in the heart of every drama student, but also because this play has resonated through more than 4 centuries. The story is relevant even in modern times, where petty issues like gender, religion, cast, creed, class, culture and social status are still in play.
The play has been translated from English to Hindi by Sangeet Natak Academy awardee Amitabh Srivastava and directed by Aniruddha Khutwad. Just like the original Romeo and Juliet, here too the lovers’ fall in love at first sight and are inseparable afterwards. Juliet’s part is played by petite Niharika Lyra Dutt, who has managed to be a delicate darling in the first half and a braveheart later on. Her Romeo, Rushab Kamdar, is true to his name and is a dreamer. Performed in a black box environment with large square room with black walls, the story grows on you thanks to the strong performances by these talented students.
Even though we know the story, the climax left us on the edge of our seats. As does the act where Juliet confronts her family about her love. The play is broken into multiple small acts synced together with a local marriage band performance that adds humour to the proceedings. The chorus by band members Kaustav Sinha, Sagar Bhoir and Shreeram Chaudhari singing 80s Bollywood songs will make you chuckle.
Not all love stories have a happy endings though and neither does this one, but it sure puts across a strong point about how love can change a person. It’s a must watch for everyone, as it reminds you about the beauty of unconditional love. Go catch it!
When: February 20th and 27th @ 7 pm | February 23rd @ 6.30 pm
Where: Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh | NCPA
Our otherwise sticky and humid city is getting a much needed break this winter. With the New Year vibe still going and the season being perfect for a drink on a terrace or a romantic candlelight dinner, we#39;ve put together this list of rooftop spots you can admire the view and enjoy the weather from.
HIGH END
Bring out your party best and be prepared to sip Champagne at these fancy rooftop hot spots sitting atop some of the best hotels in the city.
Dome, Marine Lines
Dome on the 8th floor of the InterContinental Hotel has a view to die for. You can see the entire Queen’s Necklace Road (Marine Drive) along with a beautiful sea view from here and also dip your feet in a pool or lounge in their sink-in couches. Candlelight, cocktails, premium wines and cigars, and a menu of international grills make Dome the chicest walk in around. Woody, the Sax and Flute artist also performs here on select days. If you’re looking for a place to ask your lady love out, this will sweep her off her feet!
Price: Rs 3000 for two
Timings: 6 pm to 1 am
Asilo, Lower Parel
St. Reigus Hotel#39;s Asilo is one of the slickest bars in town. At any given time of the evening, you are sure to chance upon a few famous socialites hobnobbing and taking in the view. From the 38th floor the city looks spectacular and that view is what you pay for. A pint of beer costs Rs 400 here and cocktails start from Rs 600. Looking to party with your close friends and don’t mind spending a few extra bucks for a special occasion? Then this is the place for you.
Price: Rs 2500 (redeemable cover charge) for two
Timings: 8 pm to 1.30 am
Aer, Worli
When you say rooftop, the first name that most people yell out is Aer. Housed in Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, this lounge is on the 34th floor. Although it has been shut for a while, we have confirmation that the space reopens towards the end of August, so make sure you are the first to be there. Aer makes for a perfect romantic spot for a sundown party.
Price: Rs 3000 for two
Timings: 5.30 pm to 1.30 am
POCKET FRIENDLY
The party destination of the city, Bandra, has lots of options when it comes to rooftop restaurants and pubs. With great music and cocktails at an affordable price, these make for great post work or weekend hangouts.
Bar Stock Exchange, Bandra
Bar Stock Exchange has not one but two terrace areas. All through the week, you’ll find the place packed as it plays commercial music and is super VFM. The outdoors area has a mix sitting and you can opt for tall bar chairs or comfy coaches. Although there is no view for you to enjoy, the place still has a charm that makes you want to revisit.
Price: Rs 2000 for two
Timings: 6 pm to 1.30 am
Bonobo, Bandra
Giving tuff competition to Bar Stock Exchange is Bonobo. They recently started the concept of Old School Bar Night, where they offer guests bar food such as Corn on the Cob, Bacon Cheese Fries, Chicken or Pork Hot Dog and the likes along with drinks like? Jose Cuervo, Jagermeister, Jameson, Absolut, and much more at a discounted price. They serve craft beer by the glass, which makes it a hotbed for beer lovers and is our favourite Monsoon spot.
Price: Rs 3000 for two
Timings: Noon to midnight
Rude Lounge, Bandra
With a number of outlets across the city, Rude Lounge has a lot of college-goers coming in. The pub has superb offers on alcohol and plays the latest commercial music. Their Bandra outpost has a rooftop with relaxed seating and a view of Hill Road.
Price: Rs 2000 for two
Timings: Noon to midnight
Café Terra, Bandra
Earlier known as Executive Enclave, Café Terra is a great place to go pre-drinking. The place is tastefully done up in white and turquoise with a menu that is mostly European. They also serve wine and liquors at an affordable price.
Price: Rs 1000 for two
Timings: 5 pm to 1 am
SEAVIEW SPOTS
How can Bom-Bay (as we fondly call it) not have a few places with a sea view! Here are a few spots ideal for a date thanks to the great views they offer.
Café Marina, Colaba
Café Marina serves up an uninterrupted view of the Gateway of India, which is a plus in itself. The café serves Indian and Chinese food along with a good selection of alcohol, and although service is slightly slow, you’ll hardly notice it thanks to the view.
Price: Rs 1000 for two
Timings: 3.30 pm to 11.30 pm
Bay View Cafe, Colaba
The view from Café Marina and Bay View Café is identical. This casual spot does a brilliant English breakfast and is open all day. Don’t expect a fancy evening here as we suggest you stick to basic food and drinks.
Price: Rs 1500 for two
Timings: 7 am to 1.30 am
SKKY, Powai
Not exactly a sea view, but we can pass on that for a beautiful Powai lake view that you can see from here. Skky at Ramada serves Pan Asian cuisine and their décor has a lot of drama with white and water as the theme. If you are in the vicinity and looking for a good place for a romantic dinner, this is a fair bet.
Price: Rs 2000 for two
Timings: 5 pm to 1 am
DINE ON THE ROOF
You don’t always have to get drunk to be on top of the world… We suggest you check these places out for memorable meals.
Breeze, Powai
Breeze is a one-of-its-kind place in Powai, which is tailormade for a family dinner. They do not serve alcohol and have an all vegetarian menu, making it a hit among patrons in the area thanks to its view.
Price: Rs 2000 for two
Timings: Noon to 3 pm and 7 pm to 11.30 pm
Koyla, Colaba
The food high you can expect here is of the brilliant Dal Makhani and Biryani. Koyla at the Gulf Hotel dishes out fine Persian food as well and its décor will make you feel like you are in a Middle Eastern country. While you wait for your food to arrive, sneak up to the Machan to get a view of the pier.
Price: Rs 2000 for two
Timings: 7.30 pm to 1.30 am
La Patio, Andheri
This is Andheri West’s most famous rooftop! The place is very pretty, has happy hours from 6pm to 9pm and serves Indian and European fare. Although we suggest you don’t go with hopes of a good view, because all you’ll see around here are skyscrapers.
Price: Rs 2000 for two
Timings: 6 pm to 1 am
One of the biggest resolutions of any year is to be fitter and eat better, but not many of us end up following that through. Well, all that is changing now thanks to enterprising restaurateurs and start-ups offering healthy eating options. And now the city’s crêpe maestro Suzette is also jumping on the bandwagon with the launch of Suzette Co this Wednesday.
Yes, you read that right! If you work around Lower Parel, the about-to-be launched online delivery service will bring fresh food to your desk, as long as you work at One India Bulls, India Bulls Finance Centre, Peninsula Corporate Park or Peninsula Business Park. In a test form for now, they will add more areas soon. On the menu will be fresh, healthy and calorie counted meal options such as soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps, Suzette’s signature chocolate in a bottle and a selection of desserts to choose from. Salads start at Rs 220 for a 400gm bowl, whereas sandwiches start from Rs 200.
Co-founder Jeremie Sabbagh told us, “The menu is different from Suzette (save for a few specials) and has significantly lower prices, but embodies the same philosophy of using top quality ingredients, healthy eating, traditional recipes and innovative flavour combinations.”
The highlight will definitely be their salads packed with super foods such as kale, quinoa and sweet potatoes. You can also treat your sweet tooth with fruit bowls of homemade granola and yoghurt along with desserts such as chocolate mousse caramel and peanut crumble, banoffee, and indulgent Nutella-brioche sandwiches.
Order here starting January 6th between 9am to noon for your meal to reach you between 12.30pm to 1.30pm on the same day. The service will be available Monday through Friday.
