Cocktail Bar Akki Frequents That’ll Beat Rivals Stiff

Gourmet South African nibbles, a plush vibe, star mixologists, and the best cocktail bar in the burbs make a night at Marimba one heady mix

Gourmet South African nibbles, a plush vibe, star mixologists, and the best cocktail bar in the burbs make a night at Marimba one heady mix

A number of slap-happy soccer fans in their favourite football team's tees trundled in near midnight last Wednesday, to watch Man U in a final dual with Barcelona.

Within minutes, the vastness of the spanking new lounge that we feared might work against it, had all but disappeared in the free-flowing jollity and booze.

Barely a few days after its unofficial opening, Andheri's South African lounge and bar Marimba is already going house-full.

Chick magnet Akshay Kumar and soul mate Twinkle Khanna were spotted there in the opening week, while actor Shefali Shah was heard going gaga over the DJ console; it's suspended 8u00bd feet above the ground.

The beauty is in the details: especially the custom-made handcrafted artefacts imported from Africa, Djembe drum-shaped bar stools, Ndebele dolls, African beads, indigenous motifs on the cushions; all handpicked by the restaurateur, Gita Jivan.
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She is a South Africa-born Indian who runs the multiple award-winning chain of Geet restaurants in her country of birth. "I've tried to make Marimba a little piece of South Africa in Mumbai," she says.

So, you can jam with the DJ on one of the djembes, or watch African drummers play or chill in the smaller, dome-ceilinged section created for a more intimate gathering. Don't mistake the unfinished round red brick wall for a work-in-progress.
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It is a deliberate sign of African structures. Overlapping and vertically raised bricks on the wall and the counter resemble the accidentals of an African marimba (a percussion instrument).

Gita's expertise is visible in the cuisine too, which is primarily Peri Peri, Mozambique and settler cuisine. The Mama Rosa Pasta (Rs 375) was the best penne we've had in years, while the Peri Peri Chicken (Rs 485) could give Nando's a run for its money.

But the USP is the cocktail bar that is probably the best in Mumbai. Flair bartender Sam (formerly with Polly Esther) serves up awesome Mai Tai, Singapore Sling, Brazilian Iced Tea, Appletini and Daiquori.

"We want to introduce Mumbai drinkers to fresh fruit mixology. A super premium whiskey tasting corner is in the works," says consultant and mixologist Ankit Negandhi, while rustling up a Ginger-Lemongrass Martini.

Tipplers, what are you waiting for?

Near: Fun Republic, off Veera Desai Road, opposite Laxmi Industrial Estate, Andheri (W).
Call: 26733333

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