16 November,2017 02:55 PM IST | Mumbai | Dhara Vora Sabhnani
An Airoli eatery gives a fun twist to the idea of self-service with an aerial conveyor belt that passes your order directly to the kitchen
The search for novelty so that your restaurant stands out from the competition, never ceases. And thanks to social media, the stakes are higher as people are privy to every trick in the book because of an unending stream of food posts. At most eateries, especially in Bandra or Lower Parel, such novelties are accompanied by hype and a hefty price tag. Airoli's Bruciato Food Factory (BFF), however, won't burn a hole in your pocket (though your diet is guaranteed to go for a toss).
The USP of the eatery is a conveyor belt made of bicycle chains. It turns above your head to pass your orders directly to the kitchen. All you have to do is jot down your order on a paper slip attached to a magnetic clipboard, stick it on any of the chains whirling above you, and wait for the attendant to bring your food to the table. Though this system doesn't fully omit the need for a server (he will need to step in if you wish to change your order), it's fun to try out. The high stools, meanwhile, ensure that you reach the belt regardless of your height.
(Clockwise from top) The interiors of Bruciato Food Factory; a slip attached to a magnetic board to place orders with; the reporter places an order
The small eatery is full when we pay a visit on a Monday night. We realise it can get cramped when all the tables are occupied. But taking the crowd to be a healthy sign of things to come, we write down a long order. For starters, we call for french fries served with a cheesy dip ('60) and a veg garlic ranch calzone ('130). The fries are crisp without being oily and disappear in a jiffy. The calzone sets an example of what to expect from our following orders - generous portions dripping with cheesy sauces. Topped with marinara sauce, the crust of the calzone is just the right amount of crispy to hold the sauce-laden filling of onions, mushrooms, corn, peppers and cheese.
Virgin mojito & Jalapeno lime chicken burger
A virgin mojito ('60) keeps our spirits high with its fizzy, citrusy flavour. Our cheese stuffed volcano pizza ('280) is another good bet with its drip- ping cheese, veggies and a spicy Mexican sauce. We now shift our focus to their non-vegetarian offerings and pick a piri piri chicken pizza ('250) with a crust stuffed with hot dogs ('50). A true meaty delight, this fares better than the veg pizza. The hot and spicy chicken sub ('150) is better than what you would get at a chain.
Piri piri chicken pizza
While they get our nod for the price of the jalapeño lime chicken burger ('150), they win us over further by proving that when it comes to taste, they offer much more than what they charge. The burger could do with a little more zing from the lemon, but the judiciously cooked pieces of lemony grilled chicken stuffed in toasted buns with a cheesy jalapeño lime sauce win our hearts. Sadly, the desserts were unavailable. All in all, if you love sauce- and cheese-laden grub that is value-for-money and mouth-wateringly good, BFF is your new BFF.
Time 12 pm to 11 pm
At Rainbow Tower, Airoli.
Call 7666416565
