All abode?

The latest European-style bistro on Bandra needs to work harder to make 'guests' feel at home

The latest European-style bistro on Bandra needs to work harder to make 'guests' feel at home

'Cozy', 'quaint', 'quirky': words that typically jostle for space in a city like ours. So it's no surprise then that Chez Moi tries (to be) and -- for the most part is -- all of that. Right from its faded to look jade(d) door to its old-fashioned wooden desk, nestled in one corner of the mini L-shaped eatery, the effort is to make you feel at home, which is not unexpected given that Chez Moi translates to 'My Home' from French.
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We were happy to sway our heads to the French music trilling in the background as we were ushered to a table closest to the bar. And despite there being just one of 'us', the management was kind enough to accommodate us on a table for two. Merci!

But we're not sure why we needed to thumb through the well-worn pages of a French fashion magazine to place our order. The 'idea' seemed more of an after thought and we wish they had tried a little harder than that.

The Stuffed Mushrooms (Rs 190) come highly recommended by the co-owners, who are still around to take orders and welcome guests inside: a testament to how new the place is. Far from spectacular, but still good, the mushrooms pass the 'squelch' test.

Is that chicken on my plate?
For our main course, we ordered a Cottage Cheese Steak Paprika (Rs 260), which arrives at our table with a serving of mashed potato, steamed veggies and a mushroom sauce. Or so we think! Just before we were about to take a bite of our steak, we realised it was chicken and not paneer! A mix-up that the owners apologised profusely for, but a mix-up that is unpardonable.

When our cottage cheese steak does arrive, it is good. The steak is juicy and well-seasoned, even if it is just a hunk of paneer we're talking about. We parcel the pasta in Gorgonzola (Rs 185), which is creamy without being overwhelmingly rich, so on the food front, no complaints. Having said that Chez Moi is going to need to invest a little more soul if it wants to make this house a home.

At 13, ONGC Complex, Candies Lane, Reclamation, Bandra (W). Call 7738382407; Chez Moi didn't know we were there. The Guide reviews anonymously and pays for meals.

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