Coffee. Table. Book.

Head to Food for Thought at Kitab Khana if you're in the mood to knock off your favourite titles from cover to cover

Head to Food for Thought at Kitab Khana if you're in the mood to knock off your favourite titles from cover to cover

Food for thought
At: Somaiya Bhavan, opposite Flora Fountain parking lot, 45/47, MG Road, Fort
Call: 22043247
Cuisine: Snacks, veg only
Verdict: Wholesome

Coffee and books go together, always," says Amrita Somaiya, her eyes widening when we chat about the idea to house a cafe at Kitab Khana. What Somaiya had in mind was a coffee shop with a soul.

Chef Reshma Sanghi and her husband Kapil were picked thanks to an earlier connect they shared with Somaiya. "Reshma had taken a couple of cooking classes for a bunch of us, and I had loved it."

What stands at the bookstore now is Food For Thought, a pleasantly pretty vegetarian cafe.

At first glance, most visitors will spot the large glass counter that displays baked specials. It's only as you move closer that the adjacent seating section comes into view, complete with giant-sized posters sporting food-inspired Hollywood films. Little Remy (Ratatouille) and Co. didn't seem out of place on these walls.

The decor gets a hoist, thanks to the spacious interiors, high ceilings and an impressive wrought-iron staircase connecting the mezzanine that was shifted from near the entrance to this nook.

On an anonymous visit earlier in the week, Kapil had played the perfect host and suggested we try the Lebanese Sandwich (Rs 150), keeping our taste and the hour of the day in mind. "You'll have it ready in ten minutes. All our dishes take the same amount of time to whip up," he reassured, when we added the Classic Pesto Pasta (Rs 120) and Greek Salad (Rs 130) to our order.

The cafe serves pastas, sandwiches, salads, coolers and a host of desserts.

Our grilled sandwich was crisp, light and perfect to keep us in good spirits on a sultry March afternoon. The Harissa paneer and hummus filling had us wolf this bad boy down in three minutes.

On the opposite wall, Meryl Streep's approving smile from Julie & Julia echoed my sentiments.

Food for Thought's version of the Cutting Chai (Rs 40) was served in a tallish glass tumbler. We liked the touch, though we nearly burnt our tongue when we spotted the price of this Mumbai essential. "Ah! They have Sidney Poitier too," shrieked a 60-something bejewelled lady to her friends as she pointed to the poster of Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?

Ten minutes later, the Greek Salad arrived -- fresh and green, it's a summer must-try. Feta, black olives and tzaziki dressing tossed in a delicious tumble made it a simple offering that teased the palate (and soul).
The Apple Crumble Pie (Rs 120) is sure to leave you in a sugary mood, so go for it.

Audrey Hepburn will return for Breakfast at Tiffany's.