The three storied Art House of NMACC now has a cafe of its own — Arts Cafe. If you think that it’s a cafe amidst installations and artworks, and might visualise a cramped-up place, you are in for a surprise. Its expanse is anything but cramped. Artworks adorn the walls, but don’t over power the cafe’s serenity and vibes. Warm, welcoming vibes is the charm of the place that has the main cafe, a lounge area, al fresco and a PDR.
Fluffy Paloma |
Their signature cocktails are their take on some of the classics. Fluffy Paloma — their take on the traditional tequila-based cocktail — comes, as expected, with a foam. The beauty is that the blended foam doesn’t overpower the basic Paloma notes, which they serve as a shaken concoction. A lick of the powdered spice garnish and a bite of the charred grapefruit that tops the glass lends the umami to the drink.
Their Popcorn Negroni is a regular negroni that comes with a popcorn cone attached to the glass as a garnish. They add five to six drops of popcorn syrup to the negroni before stirring for the flavour. A negroni fan like me would prefer if they float a few in it for flavour instead of the artificial flavouring. They have their own versions of Picante, Manhattan and Martini as well. One of their own creations, The Monk Of Arts Cafe, made from Old Monk rum is worth a try for the notes of coconut and mango.
Kafir Lime Crème Brûlée |
Recommended with Fluffy Paloma by Aishwarya are BBQ Chicken Wings and she is bang on. The juicy wings, fit to be eaten with hands like a kid, are excellent companion to the drink. Not fiery, not too flavourful, just rightly delicious. You can also try the Lamb Kebabs served with peanut sauce.
Popcorn Negroni |
The Fire Roasted Shishitos Peppers are another delicacy that’s rarely seen in restaurants but often in Gujarati and Marathi households. Big, green chillies that are used for bharwan chillies (or peppers as they call it) are coated with already mildly roasted quinoa, sesame and soy glaze and then mildly roasted and served with whipped ricotta cheese as dip. Vegetarians, this can be your go to but has tough competition from Arts Café Naan. Thin but fluffy naan pieces served with hummus, babaganoush and labaneh. Their babaganoush comes with a hint of chilli oil drizzle as does the hummus and the labaneh is avocado labaneh. The staff is generous and offer to serve an extra portion of the dip that you like.
Arts Cafe Naan |
The Arts Café Caesar’s Salad can be enhanced with shaved cauliflower, fennel and almonds or bacon for the non-vegetarians. Recommended for non-veg eaters is the Asian Chicken Salad that has crispy noodles that add texture to the salad.
They have a good choice in mains. If you are the one who prefers traditional food, then go for the Gujarathi or North Indian Sampler — a thali with veggies, dal, rice and breads. The others should go for Corn Agnolotti — a traditional homemade agnolotti stuffed with roasted corn swims in a lemon-chilli pesto laced with pistachio. The subtle taste delights you.
Fish lovers should try the Crisp Skin Seabass. Marinated in soy marinade, grilled with skin gives it a crisp on top, delicate inside texture. Served with Asian veggies, this is a delectable dish.
Dark Chocolate Kahlua Cremoux |
Chocolate & Kahlua Cremeux is a dessert that leaves you asking for more as it disappears in the mouth as soon as you eat. Do not order Skillet Cookie. Because it is not a cookie that’s freshly baked in a skillet, but a prebaked cookie served with ice-cream, plated in a skillet. Disappointing.
The pricing is interestingly low. That’s the concept — comfort food, served differently, at affordable rates — I was told.
Average cost for two: ₹3500 (with alcohol)
