Restaurant Review: Enjoy fusion cuisine at this pocket-friendly Juhu bar

Spaghetti with Chicken Meatballs and Marinara Sauce

True tramm trunk
Food: Tasty
Service: Efficient
Ambiance: Grungy

Wonder what 'too damn drunk' would sound like after a few drinks? We're guessing it would be 'True Tramm Trunk'. That's what a two-week old bar and lounge in Juhu has decided to call itself. It made its intentions clear with an 'alcohol you later' sign stamped in block lettering on an exposed brick wall at the entrance. Stepping in, we found ourselves staring at a 75-seater space, including an al fresco section featuring the done-to-death warehouse-meets-quirk décor. The lone table that stood out was a community one with ice scooped into a partition made in the centre, running along the stretch of the table. A great way to keep your beer chilled, we thought. The bar also made up for the drab setting with an interesting drinks menu that included cocktails inspired by different Indian regions (Tharra from UP and Santra from Mumbai), golaritas and chocolate-infused shots too.

Spaghetti with Chicken Meatballs and Marinara Sauce

Slurp, slurp
First up, we called for the Tequila N Strawberry Golarita (Rs 300), which brought back memories of slurping golas at Juhu beach, incidentally a few minutes away from here. With strong flavours balanced well by the icicle, we loved this version of the margarita.

Graffiti at the entrance

Next, we tried Tharra (Rs 250), expecting it to include sugarcane or wheat husk a la the rustic brew from UP. What appeared in a desi daaru bottle was a concoction of house-made citrus rum and lemonade. While we could barely taste the tangy lime, the citrus rum was potent, and complemented the eats.

Bhavnagar to Italy
A fusion of local and global flavours, the food menu features nibbles, charcoal-grilled fare and even, pre-plated meals. We started with Cheese Stuffed Bhavnagri Chillies (Rs 250). The crispy, not-too-spicy stuffed chillies were appetising and the mayonnaise dip added to the drama.

Tequila N Strawberry golarita. Pics/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

While we were keen to try the Malvani-style Crispy Fried Tempura, the coastal-spiced masala was unavailable and so, we settled for Tandoori Fish Tikka (Rs 375). Grilled to perfection, the well-marinated chunks of fish were melt-in-the-mouth. From the limited meal options, we picked Spaghetti With Chicken Meatballs and Marinara Sauce (Rs 350). With portions sufficient for one, the tender and spicy meatballs complemented the spaghetti cooked in a tomato-based sauce.

Cheese Stuffed Bhavnagri Chillies

Satiated and buzzed, we'd be happy to return to this pocket-friendly lounge, especially to down a few shots and then, take up a tongue-twister challenge with the bar's name.

Time: 6 pm to 1 am AT True Tramm Trunk, next to Options showroom, first floor, VL Mehta Road, JVPD Scheme, Juhu.
Call: 9769696050
True Tramm Trunk didn't know we were there. the guide reviews anonymously and pays for its meals.