Once, the only place in town to sell fiery Wasabi peas, Taj's Weli Deli opens its doors again to serve kid meals that will satiate adults, health food and heavenly banana pancakes
Once, the only place in town to sell fiery Wasabi peas, Taj's Weli Deli opens its doors again to serve kid meals that will satiate adults, health food and heavenly banana pancakes
The board outside reads, "Taj Wellington Mews", hence the grandeur of the lobby is unlikely to take you by surprise. Muted shades flow through the space, and the marble floors sparkle under brilliant lights, but as you move around an over-sized desk into the alcove that leads to the deli, you find the focus shift to simplicity. And while this is refreshing, the emphasis on elegance comes dangerously close to robbing the space of warmth, is what you realise as you sit at one of the curved bars by the French windows that overlook the entrance.
But decor comes second at a place that delivers on food. A kiddy portion of succulent Fish and Chips set us back Rs 275 (plus a little more, towards 5-star-tax, of course), but was easily a meal that two adults could share. The adult meals are priced in the same range anyway. A superb Vegetarian Burger (Rs 250) that features on the all-day breakfast menu, is worth a try as are the Banana Pancakes (available in kiwi and apple variations for Rs 225).
The menu has two full pages dedicated to health-food, flagged, "The Jiva Spa". While the items on this list may be healthy, with nothing priced at less than Rs 575, the section certainly isn't an elixir for frayed nerves. A variety of fresh juices and mocktails also feature on this list and though the Apple-Orange-Carrot drink seemed interesting, a note that claimed it was great for those with piles, stole some of its charm. Our efficiently-strained Pomegranate Juice (Rs 200) was delicious though (with no added sugar) and a Sweet-Lime-Melon-Mint drink (Rs 200) refreshing.
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Kiddie Meal (Fish and Chips) |
The special charm, however gets an extra kick with first-rate service. A spilled beverage that had ruined a scrumptious Norwegian-Salmon Sandwich (Rs 250), was replenished without charging us for items so clumsily destroyed.
So with a lip-smacking meal for two priced at about Rs 1,000 (inclusive of taxes and beverages but provided you skip the health-food), and all your exotic grocery shopping (they stock everything from pastas to pates and even have a range of fine chocolates), available under the same roof, there's really no better place to sip a cuppa between 7.30 am and 11.30 pm on any night of the week.
At: Lobby of Taj Wellington Mews, 33, Nathalal Parekh Marg, behind BEST Bhavan, Colaba.
Call: 66569494
Weli Deli didn't know we were there. The Guide reviews anonymously and pays for meals
