Italy in a matchbox

Cafe Oro gives Chembur a much-needed Italian flavoured respite, never mind the space constraints and occasionally unpredictable dishes

Cafe Oro gives Chembur a much-needed Italian flavoured respite, never mind the space constraints and occasionally unpredictable dishes

Pasta and pizza-craving residents of Diamond Garden, one of Chembur's central and upscale areas must be relieved.

When Oro Spa decided to widen its interests by opening a quaint tavern within its premises, it proved to be a godsend.

Instead of having to trudge to South Mumbai or Bandra, they could now have their very own slice of Italy, just around the corner.



Caf ufffd Oro came up with some seriously smart planning to camouflage its matchbox-like interiors. With four round tables that might squeeze in 15 people, it's not your average neighbourhood caf ufffd.
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Minimalist, wooden furniture, ceiling-to-floor mirrors along one of its walls, two displays of the choicest bakes from Mosh ufffd's and pastries ensured it passed the muster in the ambience quotient.
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The menu (well laid out and elaborate) reminded us that we had to get down to business.

Strangely, the Chicken Ala Oro (olive pesto marinated grilled chicken with melted boccocini cheese, Rs 165), and Fettucine Athena (Spinach fettuccine, chicken, fresh tomato, feta cheese, oregano, red pepper in cream sauce, Rs 140) arrived before the two coolers ufffd Melon (Rs 85) and Lime n' Mint (Rs 65).
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This longish wait proved a dampener, despite Oro's laidback ambience. The veggies in the Ala Oro were stale, and the grilled chicken although promising, couldn't salvage the dish.

In contrast, the Athena was a hit ufffd from the chicken meat, to the melt-in-your-mouth cheesy interludes and the farm fresh veggies.

Likewise with the coolers; the Melon Cooler was thick and fresh while the Lime 'n' Mint had a synthetic aftertaste, the soft drink concentrate kind.
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Thankfully, our roller coaster luck with the food took a sane turn thereafter. The Veg Calzone (closed pizza stuffed with fresh tomato sauce, Italian cheese, mushrooms and capers, Rs 120) scored full marks.
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It had strong flavours of mushroom and cheese with a bit of pepper thrown in. In fact, the Calzone and a drink would make a meal in itself.

This is a popular takeaway for its pastries and breads. In fact, the Mosh ufffd's counter was wiped clean, while the pastry shelves didn't have much to showcase, by the time we exited the place at 8.30 pm.

We couldn't leave without our saccharine shots. Delilah (Rs 120) ensured the chocolate indulgence was complete while the Baked Philadelphia Cheesecake (Rs 150) was heaven in a three-dimensional triangle.

At: 205/206, Central Avenue Road, Chembur.
CALL: 25260140, 25260141.
Caf ufffd Oro didn't know we were there. THE GUIDE reviews anonymously and pays for meals.

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