As an iconic Bandra hangout introduces an afternoon section, its owners talk nostalgia and sustaining a 14-year legacy
Hawaiian Breeze. Pics/Shadab Khan
There's a corner in the three-storey Hawaiian Shack that's dedicated to Sam. The man in question is a regular, who has been visiting the place since it opened 14 years back. "Earlier, he would come by every day. Lately, he drops in every weekend. He can always be found standing in one corner," says owner Sadhna Romy. "It felt right to dedicate that corner to him."
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There's something about the unassuming Hawaiian Shack that turns people into regulars. It could be the three floors, the wooden logs and bare bamboo, the graffiti on the walls, the retro Rock playlist, the boat-shaped bar, or the legendary parties.
It's a breeze
This year, Sadhna and her children, Sheen Romy and Shane Euston, decided it was time to shake things up. So, the Hawaiian Shack stays but has a few changes. There's
a new food and drinks menu, and Hawaiian Breeze - an all-day space dedicated to those who want the 'shack' experience without the noise. Earlier, this space was just part of the entrance.
(From left) Sadhna Romy, Sheen Romy, Shane Euston
"We want to give everyone an opportunity to have fun here. Every floor caters to a different crowd. This new space is for people who want to stop by after work for a few drinks, and grab a quick bite," says Sheen, an architect and artist.
Shane, a DJ, music producer and sound engineer, is in charge of the music. "For Hawaiian Breeze, the music will be different - softer, mellow, acoustic, and a mix of Tropical House and Brazilian Bass," he shares.
The al fresco space is shaded and has ten tables. It will also have a separate menu, set to launch in four weeks, which will include healthy food options too, along with beers and wine, on tap.
Hawaiian Rita
Talking food
Regulars need not worry: their Hawaiian Shack is still the same. The menu holds Continental, Chinese and tandoori dishes, with a a few additions. The Tandoori Prawns, and Prawns Lemon Tikka (Rs 368) are juicy and crunchy; the latter with a nice hint of lime. Similarly, the Tandoori Mushroom (Rs 236) is soft and has a nice char at the edges. The Mushroom Tart (Rs 283) is suitably cheesy and has a flaky, crumbly shell. The salads are decent, but not outstanding.
Prawns Lemon Tikka
There's a new drinks menu too. We sample the Watermelon Basil Martini (Rs 400) - a refreshing vodka drink with basil; Bull On The Beach (Rs 450) - a sweet concoction of Red Bull, peach and Malibu; Rum Cappuccino (Rs 400) - a flavourful, warming drink of dark rum, banana syrup, almonds and ice cream; and Hawaiian Rita (Rs 650) - a potent mix of tequila, Cointreau, and beer.
Later, we stop by their pani puri stand - it's new and serves free vodka 'pani puri shots' all night.
Mushroom Tart
Something relevant
At the pani puri stand, Sadhna points out to a wall featuring snapshots of earlier parties. When Hawaiian Shack began, it became an instant hit. "People loved the casual vibe, and that you didn't have to dress up to enter here. Plus, we were attempting to bring a slice of Goa and Hawaii in Bombay," says Sadhna, adding that back in the day, there would be queues snaking up the length of 16th Road.
After her husband, Romy Lalwani, passed away, she took over. "I had been a housewife for 25 years and didn't know anything about business. I just knew I wanted to keep my husband's legacy alive. The people of Bombay supported me. It didn't matter that I, a woman, was running the Shack. The customers kept coming," she says, adding that she could always count on the regulars for any help.
Rum Cappuccino
Today, Hawaiian Shack may have its patrons but it faces stiff competition from bar chains. "We are here because of our competition. Every year throws up a new challenge and we have to change, so we do," says Sadhna.
One member of the family is always available at the Shack to deal with emergencies, help out in case there's a shortage of staff, and greet every customer; they often stay till the place closes. "We are keeping the family legacy alive," says Sheen.
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