Raise a toast to the Arabian Sea

Au00a0sea view and the Goan bar manager ensures that the terrace, chowpatty's new lounge, keeps you in high spirits

What would pull a non-vegetarian to a restaurant that serves vegetarian finger food? That question was topmost on our minds as we drove down to the new place on Chowpatty located on the terrace of Ikxia Lounge, called, well, The Terrace.



On reaching and climbing three narrow flights of stairs, we blundered into a smallish space with three wooden gazebos, three tables under canopies, a 'VIP lounge' tucked away in one corner under a low roof and five bar stools along one end of the wooden railing running along the length of the terrace. And then, we saw the sea.

From the high terrace, the crowd on Chowpatty looked like a colourful swirl bordering a dark gray sea. From the other corner, Britto the bar manager's booming voice rang out, asking if we'd like a drink.

Sipping on a chilled, deliciously thick Watermelon Caprioska (Rs 495) we sighed and knew we had found our answer. Next up, Britto hands us the Green Apple Martini (Rs 495).

Pointing at the kitchen where co-owner Moin Ahmad was putting the last minute garnishing on the Mozarrella wrapped in Spinach Creole and Panko Crumbed (Rs 275), he said, "We always had an understanding that if Moin were to ever open a restaurant, I'd manage his bar. So here I am. Coming up next is the Mango Martini (Rs 495) ufffd it's sour, sweet and strong."

Opened two weeks ago, The Terrace had a good weekend run before the rains hit the city ufffd "The Met Department predicted it would be a week late, but it came a week early instead," said co-owner Shriraj Bhukhanwala, ruefully ufffd due to which the place had to shut down. It will re-open on the weekend with a plastic roof that Bhukanwala promises will keep out most of the water and not much of the view.

We tried the Chilli Bean Galouti Kebab on Melba with Peach Tamarind Sauce (Rs 245), prepared with rajma and saffron water. The kebabs could have done with more time over the charcoal grill, but its flavourful saffron offered us a glimpse of the world of vegetarians.

The food is sourced from the supplier who stacks up the shelves of the Baristas and Cafe Coffee Days in the city but the menu, Bhukhanwala assures us, is customised to suit the discerning vegetarian's taste buds.

The Bruschetta tray with Black Olive, Tomato and Basil (Rs 275) is powdered over with flakes of Parmesan Cheese. We found the Bruschetta appetising, as the crunchy olives and the final twang of cheese neatly offset the flavour of basil. We were ready for the next finger food, Potato Grits with Sichuan Mayo (Rs 185). Now, we're not a fan of boiled potato, unless it's sweet potato soaked in lime, but we could picture this dish go well with a Martini, which it did. Our only gripe is that it was cold.

The Terrace might be the hangout place for those who want a good drink, are feeling peckish and get a high with views of the Arabian Sea.

At Third floor, Ikxia Lounge, Chowpatty Sea Face, Marine Drive;
Call 9920010729;
Time: 6 pm to 1.30 pm