19 August,2011 07:19 AM IST | | Aviva Dharmaraj
Theu00a0I bar in bandra has potential, but a large part of that hinges on their pulling in the crowds to engage in some 'I' for 'Interaction', which is what this new lounge, Its owner claims, is all about
It's been less than a fortnight since I Bar opened, minus the customary fanfare, in this already crowded lane opposite Bandra's Lilavati Hospital. Its 22-year-old owner and ex-bartender of Zenzi, Lakhan Jethani says that the decision to stay low profile is by design. Speaking of which, the roughly 1,500 sq ft space houses nine tables, a 20-ft bar, another 8-ft bar, which they hope to soon covert into an iPad kiosk, and an 'Interactive Table' that we presume is at least part of the reason for the 'I' in I Bar.
How does it work? Anything placed on the table and then dragged along its surface, ranging from your hand to your dinner plate, creates a glittery trail, which we're told is a good way to get conversations going. Aaah!
The basic idea behind the I Bar is to get people to "interact" and -- sadly or otherwise -- technology, and not your helpful BFF, is the enabler in this business of "ice-breaking". Another way Jethani hopes to get people talking is the beverage list; a significant portion of which is dedicated to molecular mixology. So, if you're bored of sipping on the ordinary Pina Colada, you can request instead for a Pina Colada Shot with Coconut Foam. For those more adventurous, they also do a Joey Cheese Cake Shot with Vanilla Foam. Each shot is priced at Rs 250. We sampled the coconut foam, which tasted like a coconut cloud. Fun, fun.
The food menu is big on starters and finger foods. There aren't too many options, but the management is planning on cramming in a few more specials in about a week's time.
Cheese badi hain must must
We recommend the Sun-dried Tomato Cottage Steak (Rs 325 plus taxes), which had sun-dried tomato pesto sandwiched between two chunks of marinated cottage cheese.
They also do more robust meals, including a vegetarian Polenta (Rs 450 plus taxes), which they serve with a tangy ragout and a couple of baked pasta dishes.
The I Box (Rs 200 plus taxes), which is not yet served in a box, but a bowl, is for those feeling more than peckish, but less than hungry. Filling, but rather ordinary.
Future plans include plugging in a few iPads, bartending sessions for women and designated music nights, all in the bid to emphasise the 'I'.
While we don't know yet about the 'I', 'we' would wait a few months for them to sort out their teething troubles first, so that they can get this show on the road.
At 7, 8, Gleki, ONGC Colony Building 2, Bandra Reclamation, Bandra (W).
Call 26400277u00a0
I Bar didn't know we were there. The GUIDE reviews anonymously and pays for meals.
