Head to MoMo Caf ufffd if you've missed your flight or have worked up an appetite while negotiating the Andheri (E) traffic

Head to MoMo Cafe if you've missed your flight or have worked up an appetite while negotiating the Andheri (E) traffic

We could've easily been seated at an airport cafe watching planes crisscross the bright May sky.

MoMo Cafe, the 24-hour coffee shop-cum- restaurant at Courtyard by the Mariott made us believe so, including a misdirected address that saw us almost checking into Mumbai's International Airport.

In reality, this plush cafe is a 10-minute drive away (minus traffic), abruptly sandwiched between corporate parks and industrial galas, on the chaotic Andheri Kurla Road. A note of caution: get detailed directions.

Located in the lobby, the spacious, uber-luxe feel of MoMo Cafe can be overwhelming, especially if a cozy, candlelit evening was on the cards.

Opt for a corner table; it will block out the ceaseless, echo-laden chatter that tends to increase as hotel guests, corporates, transit passengers and nouveau riche junta, trickle in.

We opted for a-la-carte instead of the buffet.

The extensive menu takes a while to figure Asian, Continental, Indian. Chomping on our complimentary portions of garlic bread, we did a quick scan only to discover an unfair edge that non-vegetarians like this writer have.

We quickly settled for the Tuna and Red Wine Wood Fired Oven Pizza (Rs 420), and the Mumbai Masala (Rs 300).
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We teamed the order with coolers Mint Affair and Very Berry (Rs 195 each). The pizza came with freshly shredded tuna on a thin-crusted base, topped with tiny onions, doing full justice to the 20-minute wait. The companion wasn't so lucky.

Expecting a lavish spread of fiery snacks, we were thoroughly disappointed.
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Clearly, Mumbai's foodies would disagree if one were to pack off Sabudana Vada, Onion Pakoda, Batata Vada as its only claim to snack supremacy. Baffling then, that it was recommended as MoMo's vegetarian specialty. Thankfully, the coolers held on to their fruity flavours.

We savoured and cringed at our culinary fates, respectively, watching Gordon Ramsay wannabes in the open kitchen offering a refreshing distraction.
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Dessert beckoned. And a well-done spread it turned out. The Panna Cotta (Rs 320), a heady Italian dessert, was picture and palate-perfect, served with fresh fruit.

The Apple Pie with vanilla ice cream (Rs 380) would've warmed the heart of any self-righteous baker. The separate VAT charges on food and drink (12.5% each) didn't warm ours.u00a0

At: MoMo Cafe, Courtyard by the Marriott, opposite Divine Child High School, Andheri Kurla Road, Andheri (E).
Call: 61479922.u00a0
MoMo Cafe didn't know we were there. THE GUIDE reviews anonymously and pays for meals

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