Care to dine at hall of dead?

Not only does SoBo eatery Valhalla introduce you to Spanish cuisine, its gothic appeal says Mumbai's restaurateurs are growing adventurous

Though it may seem to have a Middle-Eastern ring to it, "Valhalla" is actually derived from "Valholl", a magnificent Palace that, according to ancient Germanic mythology, housed the dead warrior Gods who served Odin, the pagan God of war and wisdom. Poets have depicted this "hall of slain heroes" with a roof of golden shields and here, it was believed, the heavenly warriors feasted on inexhaustible supplies of food, drank liquor the stocks of which were magically replenished each evening and fought each other for sport.

The decor at the fancy new Churchgate eatery is an aesthetic amalgamation of both, the grandeur and gloom of the mythological Palace. Glorious chandeliers and an over-sized throne are teamed with dim lighting to keep the tone mellow.

The lounge offers Continental cuisine, with emphasis shifting from Italian during lunchtime to Spanish cuisine for dinner. We assume the selection is based on the preferences of the corporate crowd that form the bulk of their lunch-hour clientele. There's a Continental breakfast available too and the restaurant has a high-tea menu that includes your choice of beverage with an assortment of cakes, biscuits and sandwiches for Rs 550 per head.

The staff was attentive, but with barely two tables to attend to, that must be expected. The waiters were happy to offer recommendations, but their pronunciation of terms on the menu needs working on if the restaurant hopes to appeal to well-travelled customers. The use of "Jamunu2026" instead of what should have sounded like "Khamon" is inexcusable at an eatery that charges Rs 525 (plus 12.5% VAT) for a serving of the Spanish ham. And it didn't help that the "Jamon Serrano" was average at best.

We enjoyed a Mango-kiwi-soda (Rs 250). It was refreshing but the fresh fruit should have been sliced thinner to keep it from clogging the straw, or avoided altogether. And excessively generous seasoning unfortunately robbed of Assorted Mushrooms (Rs 300) of all flavour. We recommend the Crab Cakes (Rs 525), Smoked Asparagus Salad (Rs 300) and Seafood Paella (Rs 400 for a side-order).

Atu00a0Eros Theatre Building, 1st floor, Churchgate.
Call 67353535

Valhalla didn't know we were there. The Guide reviews anonymously and pays for meals