F BAR Restaurant Review World Cuisine

F BAR

Restaurant Review

World Cuisine

    It is the first friday of 2013 and I begin by quoting an old saying, “When Mohammed does not go to the mountain, the mountain comes to Mohammed.” And that’s my wish for you for 2013... may your ‘mountain’ of desires come easily and swiftly to you. As if by sheer serendipity, my guests today seem to specialise in doing this. The charming global gourmet couple Bela and Micky Dalal (long time fans of the sublime Swiss Spruengli chocolates) are now making sure that these exquisite handmade chocolate creations are available to us in India for exclusive caterings and customised gift boxes too. Their dapper son, Rohan Dalal (co founder of the unique Doorbell pharmacy) provides customers with a unique, convenient and efficient way of tracking and ordering their monthly medicine and fitness supplement requirements. The Dalal family (including their son Jay, economics major, DJ by passion currently rocking NYC) has dined at Vineet Bhatia’s restaurants (in Switzerland and Mumbai), and couple of months ago, I had an amazing meal in London’s Rasoi (Vineet Bhatia’s Michelin starred restaurant). And after Azok, Ziya in Mumbai, Bhatia’s food is served in F Bar too.
AMBIANCE Mumbai’s very own F Bar sashays in (of all places), into the city’s latest high-rise in a business district. It has it all... Fashion TV, 10,000 sq ft sprawling restaurant, dance floor, terrace and Vineet Bhatia’s food too. That it chooses to locate itself in the somewhat inaccessible location on the third floor of the One IndiaBulls Centre (Lower Parel,) doesn’t seem to be a deterrent for Mumbai’s clubbers. But does it make for a destination for the diner? Be prepared for a long walk through the gleaming lobby and corridors of IndiaBulls Centre and into a dark, twin-levelled space with mesmerising images of the FTV channel on four large
walls. Both, the bar and restaurant, share a theatrical black ceiling and upper wooden ceiling that rolls like a wave. God help women with heels who go up the steep stairwell (to the restaurant). No matter which table you sit at in the square-shaped restaurant area, the Fashion TV images are visible.
FOOD Vineet Bhatia’s starters, flavoursome and generously portioned Tandoori Wasabi Curry Leaf Prawns, Tawa Rosemary Seekh Kebab and the unusual Peanut Butter Chicken delight. Bhatia’s Fashion Bites, Saucy Bowls, Naaninis and Pizzans, strut the menu. It is the Tawa Ravas, stylishly served in a spoon and made delightful with the tequila glaze, that we all recommend. As we do the robustly spiced, succulent Patiala Chicken with Whisky Flambé. Worth trying too are the strangesounding Naaninis (naans like paninis served with curly fries, are stuffed with Chettinad Potatoes and crisp Urad Dal). Interestingly, the other strangesounding dish of Pizaans (naans topped and prepared like pizzas) layered with Paneer Makhni and the other with Rogan Josh-smoked Cashew Nut Pizzan (with soft bases) good too.
MINUS POINTS The regular pizza (not Vineet’s) is too hard and is smothered in a sweet sauce. While Wasabi Curry Leaf Prawns are good, they are overcooked, ditto for the Papillote Fish with Olives Capers. Maa Dal is too tomatoey and Baby Corn Asparagus, too tough. The desserts look better than they taste, be it the Rasmalai Mango Lasagne, Blue Curacao Rabadi or the sugar-free Apple Cinnamon Kheer, Granola, or the Guava Kulfi. Avoidable Coconut Panna Cotta, Bubblegum Jelly and Paan Laddoo. And the price points are high ( 5000 meal for two).
MY POINT To check out its nightclub avatar, I had popped in here on an earlier Saturday night (with my young rocking buddies Jivesh Bhojwani and Anandita De) to find long lines of clubbers waiting to get in and the place throbbing to the DJ’s commercial music. But for dining, the space is too dark and at night, the music can get obtrusive. However, for those in the area and those looking for an interesting twist to Indian fare (served through the day), F Bar is the answer.
FOODLINE I am feeling like a kulfi here in freezing Delhi but your messages are warming me. Fabulous to receive your Twitter, FB and e-mail feedback. Mail (rashmiudaysingh2012@gmail.com, FB, Twitter @rashmiudaysingh) or sms (77380 22873) to be listed here. Due to space constraints, I am unable to carry your messages.
New Lunch Buffet @ Pritam Da Dhaba, Kurla The Power Lunch Buffet at Pritam Da Dhaba is popular amongst the corporate circle in Kurla and BKC. With a spread including starters, main course, salads and desserts, this lunch is also suitable for kitty parties. Guests can have mouth-watering food, groove to Punjabi tunes and also receive personalised service. This buffet is spread all through the working days of the week. Price: 600 for a meal for two. Buffet priced at 399. Timings: 12 noon to 3:30 pm and 7 pm to 12 midnight. Where: Pritam Da Dhaba, Level 2, Kohinoor Mall, Kurla (W). Call: 022-3190 9933/44
The Swim & Sangria Sunday Brunch @ C’est La Vie, Bandra (W) The Swim & Sangria Sunday brunch at C’est La Vie serves up a delightful assortment of mouth-watering dishes. Serving Paella, Goat Cheese and Spinach Cigars, Crisp Calamari and an opulent range of desserts, guests are bound to be spoilt for choice. One can relax by the pool with a sangria one hand, great food in the other and unwind from a stressful week. Timings: 11:30 am to 3:30 pm. Price: Brunch with beverages is for 1800 and without beverages (including Sangria) is 1200. Where: C’est La Vie, 164, Hill Road, Next to Godrej Nature’s Basket, Bandra (W). Call: 022-6132 2222/2643 1631 Fun and Food @ Golden Chariot Outlets Looking for a place where you can unwind? Get to Golden Chariot, where you’ll find a scrumptious meal and fun-filled events. Savour dishes like Butterfly Prawns, Dum ka Murg, Sabzi Seekh Kali Mirch and more. The Ghazal Nights are a part of the evenings everyday, except Tuesdays, and there’s a Candle Night dinner on Mondays and Thursdays. Patrons can enjoy 25% off on their purchase of Indian spirits. Timings: 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm and 7:30 pm to 12 midnight. Price: 700 for a meal for two. Call: 022-2854 7258/2854 7259 (Kandivali)/ 022-2686 6867/2686 6869/2686 6766 (Goregaon)/ 022-2812 4546/2810 6066 (Mira Bhayandar Road) Bakes and More @ The Rolling Pin, Ghatkopar (W) Introducing the latest addition to Mumbai's food scene, The Rolling Pin, a live bakery and confectionery. This place has freshly baked, 100% vegetarian and eggless items. The choice of cakes, pastries, desserts, mousse that are made from imported 100% Belgian Couverture chocolate and breads such as Rye Sourdough, 100% whole wheat, multigrain, bran, Foccacias. Not only that, they also have a huge selection of cookies, snacks, puffs, jams, oils, dips. A must-visit for people with a sweet tooth or love for breads. Timings: 12 noon to 11:30 pm. Where: The Rolling Pin, R City Mall, LBS Marg, Ghatkopar (W). Call: 022-6642 8444 READER’S REVIEWS ON TIMESCITY.COM Shanghai Club, Parel: Wow! This was an awesome experience. Great service I would say... we had many things and all was just wow... perfectly cooked and served... we had a nice time and perfect date here. — Amarverma. Food: 4, Service: 4, Décor: 4
Vista, Bandra (W): The food at Vista was awesome... went there last sunday and had an amazing experience... ambiance was perfect... striking interiors and comfortable seating arrangements was all at the place... service of the restaurant was fast and friendly too... food was delicious. — Ranachitra. Food: 4, Service: 4, Décor: 4
Gopal, Malad (W): I come all the way to this place for their Lemon Bhatt, Rasam, Idli and Murruku. Low rates of the food. Average interior, super food and very pocket friendly cost is what makes Gopal a desirable place to have food.— Priya_rana. Food: 4.5, Service: 4, Décor: 3.5
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Rashmi Uday Singh

(From left to right) Bela, Micky Dalal and Rohan Dalal at F Bar

TIMES FOOD GUIDE F BAR One India Bulls, 3rd Floor, Senapati Bapat Marg, Next to Gold’s Gym, Lower Parel. Call: 022-6650 5820 Timings: Noon to 1.30am Price: Meal for two is 5000 RATING:
• Food: 3.5

• Service: 3
• Décor: 4