LEVANTINE
Hallelujah! A star is born. It has risen in Kala Ghoda. It sparkles with flavour, authenticity and nostalgia and recreates the Levant. What is the Levant? A place? A flavour? A region which serves up tastes of all cultures in the Southeast corner of the Mediterranean? All this and more. And the three month old Rue du Liban not only serves up these authentic flavours but does so in a refined, gracious fine dine ambiance. The perfect place to dine with the charming gracious couple, leading cardiologist, specialising in echocardiography Shahrukh Golwalla and Dina Golwala. Both well-traveled Levantine cuisine buffs. It’s delicious and healthy too… just what the doctor ordered.
DÉCOR
Walk in and Whoosh! You’re transported into the gracious and vibrant era of Beirut when it was “Paris of the Middle East”. Glamour suffuses the dramatically dimly lit space. Every detail orchestrates that feeling: art installation of suspended transparent olive leaves, maroon booths, green walls with watermarks of olive trees, filigreed lights, mirrors… Kudos UK’s Atelier Rosendale Design.
FOOD
Joy of joys! My metaphors get mixed up when I taste the perfect “Mouhamara” — walnutty, garlicky, red peppery and pomegranate molasses notes harmonise in the most classic creamy, nutty, spicy, sweet and tangy symphony. Smoked Aubergine “Rahib” crowned with pistachios delights. Spell it “hommos” or “hummus”, the crucial point is the taste and texture factor and RDL aces the Hommos Beiruty. Dish after dish sashays in handcrafted crockery, bespoke brassware.
Cheese lovers mecca — Go for the Grilled Haloumi Cheese with Pomegranate Molasses. Love what they do with Labneh Goat Cheese, top it with sumac and fried mint (Labneh Meizeh), strain the creamy yoghurt spike it with garlic and dry mint (Labneh Mtawameh). Aged and dried Shanklish Cheese is a must try. As is the hot-off-the-grill Signature Shish Touk with that delightful “toum” (creamy garlicky) sauce. Vegetarians go for the tasty Okra (Bemeieh Bziet) and the Haricot Beans (Loubieh Bzeit). Delicious beef Lahme Meshwi, charcoal grilled to perfection and served on freshly baked bread with Biwaz and Shatta is a must try. Sweet finale of multi textured Ossmallieh Vermicili Pastry, velvetty Tahini Icecream and rich with pistachios icecream are our recommendations.
MINUS POINTS
Grilled meats are one of the major draws of this cuisine. Unfortunately the mixed grill platter Mashewi Mshakal serves up dry overdone meats. Ditto for the home made Lebanese Lamb Sausages (soujok). Even the Fish Samka Harra lacks moisture. No alcohol license and open only for dinner. Small portions are the other drawbacks.
MY POINT
Ushering in the “Paris of the East” glamour that Beirut was once known for. Suffused with the gracious fine dine vibe that is rare in todays “casual café” world. Rue du Liban serves up Levantine fare of the “fertile crescent” in the Mediteranean region that was the cradle of civilisation, more than 10,000 years ago. I love this ancient cuisine of Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, Syria, Turkey, Egypt and Cyprus. It retains it’s fresh yet exotic, healthy deliciousness. To ensure authenticity, RDL has brought in Beirut’s famed consultant chef Athanasios Kargatzidis to mastermind and monitor the menus. I dined unannounced and met him bustling in the kitchen along with Devendra Ketle. So he is obviously there on a regular basis. Add to that the glamour dripping ambiance, super service and you know why we’re rejoicing at this sexily glamorous new arrival. Kudos Juhi Chawla, Jay Mehta, Arja Shridhar, Sam Malde. Pity we cannot a raise a toast to you in your restaurant. Hope you receive your liquor license soon. Marhaba!
Biggest rooftop party for NYE 2018 @ The Orchid Hotel
Lavish Spread @ The Orchid Hotel, 70/c, Nehru Road, Adjacent to Domestic Airport, Vile Parle (E)
Ring in the New Year at the grandest roof top bash on the last weekend of the year as you approach 2019 with an attractive theme ‘Angels and Demons’ at The Orchid.
Indulge in a scrumptious 14 course lavish buffet along with an unlimited service of imported premium liquor brands.
DJ Clyde, DJ Mani will play popular Bollywood tracks along with Emcee Cheryline and Leanne setting the dance floor on fire. The exclusive dining options at Boulevard and South of Vindhyas restaurant includes a seven course prolific buffet spread along with unlimited service of premium liquor brands.
New Year Event Packages (Allinclusive): Cascade `5000 per person Upper Deck ` 7000 per person Restaurants: Boulevard and South of Vindhyas @ `3500 per person Time: 9 pm onwards Call: +91 8433959703 / 9136906481 / 022 2616 4000 / Ext: 3536 Visit: www.orchidhotel.com
Ring in New Year’s Eve at The Empresa Hotel with unique offers
Unique Offers @ The Empresa Hotel, SAB TV Lane, Oberoi Complex, Off New Link Road, Andheri (W)
If you are still wondering how you’re going to spend your New Year’s Eve, we’ve got the perfect plan for you. The Empresa Hotel, home to some of the best restaurants in the suburbs, has celebrations planned at its restaurants — Loco Loca and The White Charcoal.
Loco Loca offers two seating for its guests. From 8 pm to 10 pm, there is no cover charge; and from 10.30 pm to12.30 am guests can enjoy any dishes from the restaurant by paying a cover charge of `2,000*.
The White Charcoal offers two seating, one at from 8 pm to 10 pm at no cover charge; while the 10.30 pm to12.30 am seating offers diners a choice of ordering any of its delicious preparations for a cover charge of just `2,500*.
With a choice of gastronomical delicacies, experience highly rated hospitality, beverages and cuisine this festive season and ensure that you set foot in 2019 on the right note!
When: 31st December’18 Time: Seating at 8 pm and 10.30 pm Price: `2,000 (Loco Loca) and `2,500 (The White Charcoal).
Taxes additional, as applicable.
Call: +91 22 4542 4242 / +91 9137528772
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