Tequila kebabs by the pool

Zerza, the new rooftop open-air poolside grill and barbeque lounge styled in Mediterranean influences, is as charming as the tri-level Moroccan New York City restaurant it's named after

Fusion food has fascinated many restaurateurs of late, resulting in numerous needless casualties with the exception of a few, like the dislocated Laughing Cavalier.

Zerza, Tunga Hotels' chic new rooftop lounge, housed atop new business hotel The Regale by Tunga, gets it right where others didn't with inventive fusion food. The ambience, decor and chilled-out music get brownie points.

Ambience: MBAs and yuppies from adjoining corporate houses in MIDC were pouring in on a Monday night.

Before 9 pm, it was a full house at both, the restaurant and open-air poolside. Despite this, the spacious design ensured it did not feel claustrophobic.
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There were plenty of open spaces for guests to move to and fro, and to let the summer night breeze flow through. The lounge music was audible, yet never so loud as to drown outu00a0 a conversation.

Although the restaurant is air-conditioned, we recommend the poolside for its view of the placid pool and open kitchen.

On the menu: For the variety of fresh ideas on the menu, the prices are reasonable. Tequila Kebab (Rs 210); tender chicken leg marinated with tequila tops the appetiser list, followed by Chingri Aur Maas Mille Fuille (Rs 275) that has spicy prawns and fish wrapped in filo pastry. Cabbage Dolmas (Rs 225) are interesting but meagre.
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The Lucknowi Dum Biryanis (ranging from Rs 210 to Rs 275 for veg, prawn, mutton and chicken) burst with flavour and personality.
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The dals are delicious and the rotis (we liked the Sundried Tomato and Olive Naan, Pesto and Cheese Naan, and Varaqi Paratha) are good enough to eat on their own, however, the pizzas and desserts were a big letdown.

You don't need to skimp on the drinks here. Instead of drinking the regular way, order cocktails by the pitcher (Long Island Iced Tea, Margarita, Bloody Mary or Strawberry Daiquiri) and you are set with 5-6 glasses of well-mixed drinks for Rs 850 to Rs 1,000.

Service: The attendants were quick and polite to start with. But as the evening progressed, the service became painfully slow. The food arrived in installments, while each dessert took 40 minutes to reach the table... after reminders. If you can grin and bear the snail-slow service, Zerza is perfect for post-work dining or even a romantic dinner.

At: 7th floor, The Regale by Tunga, Plot no. 31, Central Road, MIDC, Andheri (E). From from 7 pm to 11 pm. Call: 66726672

Zerza didn't know we were there. What's On reviews anonymously and pays for meals.