SoBo lounge serves whole fusion meal for Rs 350

Tawouk, South Mumbai's new lounge eatery that opened its doors yesterday, puts the cosy back into going out

Tawouk, South Mumbai's new lounge eatery that opened its doors yesterday, puts the cosy back into going out

The Mongolian "Stek" at SoBo's spanking new lounge Tawouk, is a sight to behold. Blue-flamed Sambuca liqueur envelopes, chicken cooked in oyster plum wine/ whiskey sauce teamed with orange peel mashed potatoes.

It's almost a pity to watch the flames die, but one bite and all remorse is lost. The 300 buck fusion dish had us eating the plate clean.

This is just one of the quirky and complex "chunks for the da drunken ducks" here.

The cheaper-than-neighbour-Leopold bar menu would put getting stone drunk a nudge away.

The bartender mixes up the cocktails not just according to the menu, but by your taste. So, leave the car home (or have a teetotaler drive) when you drop in here.

Dishy software engineer-turned-restaurateur Suren Joshi collaborated with Zenzibu owner Sunpreet Singh to set Tawouk up a stone's throw away from Bombay Stock Exchange.

They inserted a W "Taouk" (Turkish for "chicken") to put the wow into the mix. The world cuisine spread is not relegated to chicken although the bird does hog a major chunk of the menu most dishes come in a choice of prawn, fish and vegetarian options as well. Like the dry and crispy Devil Sichuan, for instance.

Yet, our favourite was another chicken dish Pric Kai (Rs 250) that has cubes of skewered chicken marinated in Thai sauces served with a spicy soya sauce.

For dinner, there are "chef de specials" complete Thai/ Indian/ Italian/ fusion meals. Bonus: the dishes are under Rs 350.

Tawouk has the feel of a house party minus the hassles. The DJ spins house and hip hop. Nintendo Wii games are in the offing.

"I thought of everything I'd like to see and experience when I go out, and put it in here," says Suren, who used to design high performance engines and had a modelling stint in the US before he turned to the restaurant business.

His approach works with the mood lighting and decor. The large screen TV could have been avoided considering there is a full screen projection on the opposite wall.

At: 105, Apollo Street, BS Marg, near Stock Exchange, Fort, Churchgate

Call: 22654466. From 3 pm to 1.30 am. Meal for two (with drinks): Rs 1200

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