So long, Wine snobs

A soon-to-open wine caf ufffd and bistro, Ivy Grand ufffd aims to make the wine-drinking experience as simple and affordable as a beer-guzzling session. THE GUIDE dropped by to soak in the ambience and looks forward for an encore later this week, without having to burn a hole through its pockets

A soon-to-open wine caf ufffd and bistro, Ivy Grand ufffd aims to makeu00a0the wine-drinking experience as simple and affordable as a beer-guzzling session. THE GUIDE dropped by to soak in the ambience and looks forwardu00a0for an encore later this week, without having to burn a hole through its pockets

Lanes in Bandra are taking on a character of their own. A couple of years ago, a lane off Linking Road had a few vegetable vendors where aunties in polka-dotted dresses could be heard making a bargain in broken, Anglicised Hindi. Then, sometime back, a lonesome Domino's on the sleepy lane found company in Caf ufffd Mangii.
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Soon came along heavyweights including The Tasty Tangles and Sancho's. But even as Taco Fresco shut down, another neighbour emerged ufffd Ivy Grand ufffd (they pronounce it as "gron-dey", though we are sure the French would object), a wine caf ufffd and bistro that takes the Ivy brand, popularly known for its Worli outpost, forward.


Take help from the hand-painted 'aroma wheel' on the wall that helps
you categorise your wine based on its aroma, in the al fresco section of
Ivy Grand ufffd. PICS/ RANE ASHISHu00a0

The bistro isn't grand, as the name might trick you into believing, but seems charming with an al fresco area from where you can watch the pitter-patter, and snug interiors that sport a teeny wine library and a section reserved for wine books and accessories. A largely wooden d ufffdcor is interspersed with hand-painted murals (we loved the one outside with a massive aroma wheel ufffd a visual graphic of the different categories and aroma components that one encounters in wine), bursts of bright walls, and smiling attendants.

Considering Ivy is a Chateau Indage brand, it's only obvious that this one sees a wide range of wines from their homegrown winery, apart from a few imported brands from South Africa, Italy and Australia. "We aim to break down the elitism attached to wine-drinking and make it available to all," says owner Sanjay Mirani. Sure enough, a glass of Vino red wine costs Rs 75. You needn't have perfected the swirl-sniff-sip-spit routine to step in here ufffd Mirani promises that the servers will help you pair your food with wine, and even help establish your preference if you are a novice.

Considering the 'grand ufffd' part of the name surfaces from their extensive menu, we sampled a few dishes. The Farmville Salad (Rs 125) had tossed veggies in yoghurt dressing. A tad unimpressive but don't take our word ufffd we aren't the biggest salad fans. What we absolutely loved was the Mushroom Soup (Rs 99) ufffd a creamy concoction; perfect to seek refuge in on a bluesy day.

The Pomodoro E Basilico Pasta (Rs 210) with farm fresh tomatoes, olives, olive oil and basil had perfect amounts of everything, while the Meat Lasagne (Rs 249) was meaty without being overly cheesy, a practice that almost every Lasagne in town does an overkill of.

The breakfast favours the non-vegetarians, while the rest of the menu, though not particularlyu00a0 experimental, seeks comfort in its familiarity. There are starters (Jalapeno Cheese Poppers, Chicken Nuggets) and salads (Caesar, Greek, create-your-own), sandwiches (Paneer Tikka, Creamy Tuna Panini) and burgers (Lamb, Veggie), risottos (Verdure) and pizzas (Classic Margherita, Chicken Feast). You can also choose from wine coolers, sangrias, mocktails, smoothies, coffees and teas. Their desserts are familiar ufffd Tiramisu, Choco Hazel Mousse and Strawberry Cheesecake. A meal for two wouldn't cross Rs 1,000 ufffd a reassuring figure in these times.

Coming soon: another Ivy Grand ufffd in south Mumbai. You don't even need those Jimmy Choos to step into this wine bar. Sneakers and shorts are welcome.

At Ivy Grand ufffd, junction of Khar Pali and 14th Road, in the Catwalk showroom lane, off Linking Road, Khar (W). Opens June 16

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