Mango twist your palate this summer

From making its way into Japanese Sushi to inside a French Crepe, the humble Mango is going places. Melissa D'costa went Aam tasting across the city to find you seven exotic Mango makeovers


The bartender making a mocktail at The Tasting Room. PIC/BIPIN KOKATE

SHAKEN AND STIRRED, THE AAM WAY
Using raw mangoes as the main ingredient, the Tasting Room dishes out two cool summer drinksu00a0-- Green Mango Extravaganza, a juicy drink prepared with mango juice, vanilla ice cream and a dash of Khus, and Raw Mango Sunburst, a refreshing margarita made from mangoes, Curacao and a dash of Tabasco, served over crushed ice.
For Rs 130 for Green Mango Extravaganza and Rs 150 for Raw Mango Sunburst
At The Tasting Room, Good Earth, Raghuvanshi Mills Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel.
Call 65285284


FOR A SUGAR AND MANGO RUSH
A variation on the all-time Indian favourite, Mango Rasmalai is a heady delicacy, with rasgulla discs soaked in delicious mango syrup. The Mango Rasmalai made by Rajdhani is served with the thali. For an added sweet-toothed experience, request for an extra serving of Mango Rasmalai that's separately available.
For Rs 30 a piece
At Rajdhani outlets across the city.
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GO NUTS OVER THIS MANGO THALI
Gorge on a Summer Thali at Soul Fry Casa, where as a special treat you can also enjoy the Ambe Sasam (mango and grape salad). This is a salad from Karnataka, which is prepared using ripe mangoes, green grapes, scraped coconut, mustard seeds, jaggery and tamarind, and is served in a coconut shell.u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0
For Rs 249, plus taxes, for the thali
At Soul Fry Casa, Currimjee building, MG Road, Fort.
Call 22671421u00a0

AAM IN A JAP AVATAR
Desi aam gets a Japanese twist, thanks to Executive Chef Paul Kinny's take on the sushi. Innovation, presentation and taste come together in these two variants of the popular delicacy ufffd Fresh Mango Sushi Rolls with Paprika Scented Cream Cheese and Fresh Alphonso Mango Nigri. "The former is prepared using Philadelphia Cheese, and is sweet and mildly spiced, while the latter is made using the Nigri sushi technique, which is basically hand-pressed rice.
"A luscious mango slice serves as a topping," adds sous-chef Vishal. Accompaniments include Wasabi and pickled ginger.u00a0u00a0u00a0
For A plate of six pieces cost Rs 625, plus taxes
At Dome, InterContinental, Marine Drive, Churchgate.
Call 39879999

THE FRENCH CONNECTION
Crepes are considered a national dish in France, and served with different fillings. However, since Mumbaikars are known to prefer a fusion of flavours, Crepe Station does the needful with their Mango Crepe. A thin pancake with slices of mango inside, garnished with almond slivers and mango sauce served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Your best bet for a yummy dessert or appetiser. Bon AppEtit.u00a0u00a0u00a0
For Rs 110
At Crepe Station outlets at Fort, Bandra, Versova and Malad.

CHEERS TO THE SPIKED AAM PANNA
The Tini Martini is what sexists typically refer to as a "girlie drink". But Tini or not, Martini it isn't. Fresh mango juice with a generous splosh of pineapple and a less generous splosh of vodka, not gin, are the main ingredients that go into this refreshing cocktail. Served shaken, strained and straight into a chilled martini glass, it's perfect for those nights when you want to scope out the singles' scene at the only singles bar in town.
For Rs 450
At The Elbo Room, Plot 500, Sant Kutir Apartments, behind Levi's Showroom, Linking Road, Khar (W).
Call 26483316

MANGO MAKEOVER FOR THIS PIEu00a0
Masquerading as a pie, this dessert is actually a mango pudding made with fresh mango slices and mango pulp that's served in a tart shell. The pie is garnished with a dusting of crumble made of sugar, refined flour and butter that's cooked till crumbly. This delicious dessert is bound to tempt Apple Pie traditionalists to switch loyalties.
For Rs 295
At The Orchid, near Domestic Airport, Vile Parle (E).
Call 26164040

FLAVOUR OF THE MONTH MANGO DELIGHT
Temperatures in the city have hit boiling point with the arrival of summer, but you can breathe a sigh of relief as you cool off with Gelato Italiano's flavour of the month, Mango Delight. The delectable soft and creamy frozen dessert has a tangy and sweet taste, and is prepared with fresh mango pulp.
For: Rs 9
On: Today
At: Gelato Italiano outlets across the city.