South Bombay's new boho grub address

The soft glow of fairy lights from a faraway cafeacute is unmissable in a landscape pockmarked by patchy footpaths and road rollers Wersquore in one of the quiet lanes of Fort trying to find our way to the entrance of this twinkling establishment We follow our nose and before long our destination at Ghanshyam Talwatkar Road has arrivedHot chocolateSleight of Hand has been carved out of a patio of an old structure called Trafford House that also houses an antiques and colonial furniture store The twomonthold outdoor cafeacute is the brainchild of chef Aadore Sayani known for her ammo of delicious cookies biscotties chocolates and granola bars Her brownies are reportedly a favourite with the Ambanis Rati Godrej and Konkona Sen Sharma The restaurant with limited seating is a nod to the atmosphere of a petfriendly Puducherry cafeacute with elegant deacutecor and a smart but easy menu to matchHouse saladSayani however is no longer limiting herself to creating sweets Considering a stove is not allowed on the premises she offers freshly assembled eats like sandwiches salads and beverages During our visit on a balmy evening the cafeacute has a handful of guests Selfservice is the norm here which gets our thumbs up because itrsquos a good way to reduce humantohuman contact However since itrsquos a slow hour Sayani is happy to serve patrons at their tablesLocated opposite Cathedral and John Connon School at Fort the cafe also hosts popups on weekends PicsBipin KokateWe order two sandwichesmdashchutneycheese Rs 161 and egg salad Rs 196mdashhouse salad served Rs 223 with crispy melba toast and thickcut fries Rs 142 The food is served in ecofriendly disposable cutlery The chutney cheese sandwich is as delicious as it is convenient and the cheese isnrsquot a commercial slice but top quality white cheddarAfter serving brownies for 18 years Aadore Sayani ventured into the restaurant business late last year The cafeacute offers salads sandwiches and beveragesBut itrsquos the egg sandwich thatrsquos outstandingmdashdense moist and satisfying The house salad served with fresh olive oil dressing on the side is hearty and proteinpacked and filled with lettuce apricot pumpkin and sunflower seeds arugula iceberg green and yellow zucchini The thickcut fries are standard thoughTo wash it down the choice is between a hot chocolate and cappuccino We pick the first Rs 238 and it turns out to be one of the best smooth cuppas we have tried Sayanirsquos mastery over sweets is evident in this oneCurrently the space is also being used to host popups on weekends including sound therapy sessions by DJ Asad aka Freeaatmah and stalls that sell merchandise by animal rights organisation Welfare of Stray Dogs The cafe is a hidden gem in a swarm of cloning hospitality establishments For now it seems to be attracting discerning gastronomes We hope it stays that wayWhere Trafford House 6 Ghanshyam Talwatkar Road Azad Maidan FortWhen 10 30 AM 730 PM from Monday to SaturdayCall 9820273948Rating Good