A big bang entry in Bandra

Looking for an open space in the bustling suburb of Bandra can be a nightmare, but new restaurant, The Big Bang Bar & Café, which is perched on the third floor of a building at Linking Road, can come to your rescue.

The al fresco section of The Big Bang Bar & Cafe. Pics/ Sameer Markande

Easily traceable with its big, yellow light signage, it was hard to miss it on the day we decided to drop by. Soon, we found ourself outside a lofty wooden door, which when opened, exposed us to a huge, aesthetically designed place - a good start to our food soiree.

Tuesdays are termed as lighter days at restaurants; so, we weren't surprised when we didn't see every table occupied. The expansive place has two
al fresco sections and one indoor area sandwiched between the other two. Since it was a pleasant January evening, we opted for the outdoors, overlooking the Bandra bustle below. While the interiors sport high bar chairs, a DJ console and a bar, the outdoor area has comfortable seating options, soft music and a design element with flowing water.

The Chicken Strogonoff was tasty but needed to be a bit creamier

After being sufficiently impressed with the ambiance, we turned to the food. The place offers several cuisines: Italian, Mexican, Continental and Indian. We started off with Chicken Popcorn (R250) and Paneer Shashlik (R230), which we ordered when our first choice, Paprika Potatoes, was not available (teething issues, we figured).

The staff was courteous and even the food was served to us in no time. We first dug into the chicken and were happy to satiate our hunger with this delectable preparation, which appeared like chicken nuggets, only smaller. Next, was the turn of the paneer dish, which was equally appetising with soft and tender cottage cheese, marinated in Indian spices.

Satisfied with our appetisers, we decided to lose no time before we ordered our mains. From the wide choice, we zeroed in on Chicken Stroganoff (R300), a Basil Pesto Pasta (R280) and Mutton Keema Pav (R280).

This order arrived quickly, and soon, we were staring at our three dishes. To begin with, the Chicken Stroganoff served with rice, tasted great, but soon we realised that the creamy bit is missing from the dish. Although the taste, complete with mushrooms and chicken, was in place, we felt that it should have been creamier. On the other hand, the green-coloured pasta made in basil pesto was scrumptious, but a bit too cheesy for comfort.

Now, if only the dose of cheese is reduced, it's bound to get more fans. Finally, the Kheema Pav left us making a dash for water, every two minutes. The minced-mutton dish, served with pav, was extremely spicy, but flavoursome. u00a0The Big Bang Bar & Café is a good option to unwind and relax, and will not burn a hole in your pocket, for Bandrau00a0standards.

Eating out
The Big Bang Bar & Cafe
Food: tastyu00a0
Service: attentive
Ambience: impressive

At Kenilworth Building, Third floor, above KFC, Linking Road,u00a0Bandra (W).
Call 26008833

The Big Bang Bar & Cafe didn't know we were there. The Guide reviews anonymously and pays for meals.