Fine diners in Andheri can rejoice. Mesa Bistro, with its European vibe and great food will ensure you savour the aftertaste for a long, long time
Fine diners in Andheri can rejoice. Mesa Bistro, with its European vibe and great food will ensure you savour the aftertaste for a long, long time
If you are engaged in a never-ending search for that imaginary, perfect, unknown little back-street bistro, where one can wine dine and feel fine, head to Mesa Bistro, which is part of the Svenska group of hotels. Presented with a distinct European feel, this 5-star boutique hotel aims to offer the ultimate gourmet experience.
Filo Strudel
There are two sections (currently) to the Svenska Hotel. The Miro Lounge and the Mesa Bistro. The Mesa Bistro is a charming little restaurant with an easy ambience, a live grill of sorts, plush furniture and topnotch service. The only downer is the music. While a Lounge CD would set the perfect mood, the Mesa chooses a wasted collection of House and Hip-Hop.
The acid test is the food. The exhaustive drinks menu spoils you for choice. We begin with the Asian Ginger Fizz (Rs 150), a mocktail with a tangy twist that offers an interesting peach drink with mint and ginger, topped with a smattering of ginger ale.
For the alcoholic anonymous, the Watermelon Martini (Rs 300) is the highly recommended vodka/gin, watermelon cocktail that is the perfect sweet and sour mix. Shaken and double strained, this cool refreshing drink hits the spot on warm nights. My only gripe -- I wish it was garnished with a wedge of watermelon for a summery touch.
The helpful and observant staff recommended the Mesa Bruschetta (Rs 295). This hearty vegetarian appetiser from central Italy came with a copious amount of minted artichoke and feta, classic tomato and mozzarella thyme scented wild mushroom pate.
The crackle of a vegetarian starter was served on perfectly crispy, lightly flavored garlic bread. Next, the Filo Strudel (Rs 345) came with Baked Parcels of Chicken Thigh and bell peppers served with mix greens and a roast pepper emulsion. This khari-wrapped delicacy melts in the mouth, too quickly. In the VFM meter (Value for Money), it fell short with the quantity offered. Also, the flaky wrapping fell apart quicker than expected.
But the pi ce-de-r ufffdsistance was the Almond and Cilan Bekti (Rs 525) that left us gasping for more, mixing intoxicating flavors of warm couscous ratatouille into a dreamy combinations of grain mustard cream sauce. The tender fish swam and soaked in the pur ufffde-like preparation that accompanied it and was crisp and delicious to the last bite. A small note here -- the real taste is in the accompanying almond gravy, which is very almond heavy. For those who dislike almonds, the taste might be overpowering.
For a warm, cinnamon dusted, all-in-one bite delight, opt for the Cinnamon Donut (Rs 210) that melts in the mouth. Served with a small helping of coffee-flavoured ice cream, the Donuts are the perfect after-meal wonders. Sadly, three tiny doughnuts and a small shot of ice cream may leave you a tad disappointed after such an exotic meal.
At Mesa Bistro, Oberoi Complex, off Link Road, Lokhandwala, Andheri (W). Call 44310000 Mesa Bistro didn't know we were there. The Guide reviews anonymously and pays for meals.
ADVERTISEMENT