Arpita Khan ventures into hospitality to launch new restaurant Mercii

Marking her debut in the hospitality industry Salman Khans sister Arpita Khan Sharma proudly has launched Mercii in Santacruz in MumbaiThe restaurant is in partnership with Ketul and Gaurav Parikh and Anuj and Vicky Chugh The restaurant aims to be a refined European dining destination as it blends timeless elegance with a heartfelt celebration of gratitude As the founder and driving force behind this new venture Arpita brings her discerning taste and passion to every aspect of Merciimdashfrom its curated menu to its immersive ambianceArpita chose the name Mercii because in French it means thank youmdasha simple word that holds immense power ldquoIn todayrsquos world where empathy and basic courtesy often seem to be fading expressing gratitude feels more important than everrdquo Arpita shares ldquoThe first step in starting any venture should be gratitude gratitude for the journey for the people who join us along the way and for the society we serve With Mercii we offer a sincere gesture of gratitude to the universe and to every individual who becomes part of our journeyrdquo says ArpitaldquoWe envisioned a space where luxury and gratitude converge creating an environment where guests feel both cherished and celebrated Every detail at Merciimdashfrom the elegant interiors to well crafted dishesmdashreflects our commitment to offering a sophisticated experience that honors lifersquos special moments We believe true luxury lies not just in opulence but in heartfelt appreciation and we hope each visit leaves our guests with a sense of warmth and lasting memoriesrdquo or lsquorsquoWe wanted to create a place where luxury feels warm and inviting not just extravagant Every detail from the elegant interiors to the carefully crafted dishes reflects our love for good food and genuine hospitality At its heart Mercii is about celebrating life and making our guests feel appreciated creating memories theyrsquoll cherish long after their visitrsquorsquoArpitarsquos deeprooted passion for food and hospitality is at the heart of Merciirsquos story ldquoIn our family food has always been more than just a mealmdashitrsquos an expression of love celebration and togethernessrdquo she shares ldquoFor generations we have embraced the tradition of welcoming guests with a table rich in diverse thoughtfully prepared signature curations Hospitality is not just a practice but a defining part of our core identity and completely woven in our livesrdquoBuilding on this heritage Arpita wanted to take her love for food to the next level by creating an experience that reflects this deep connection ldquoAlong with my familyrsquos passion for food my travels across Europe have shaped the spirit of Merciirdquo she adds ldquoIrsquove had the opportunity to explore different cultures culinary traditions and diverse palates and Irsquove brought the best of those experiences to the Mercii table Each dish tells a story offering guests a luxurious and heartfelt journey through the flavors of EuroperdquoBehind the creation of Mercii is a remarkable team of partners who share Arpitarsquos vision of luxury gratitude and culinary excellence Anuj Chugh founder of Richboyz Hospitality and Richboyz Entertainment brings over 18 years of experience in the hospitality industry known for his exquisite design sensibilities His expertise is reflected in the stunning interiors and impeccable service at Mercii Gaurav Parikh another key partner is renowned for his marketing acumen and brandbuilding prowess His strategic vision has played a crucial role in shaping the identity of Mercii as a toptier dining destination in MumbaiVarun Chugh and Ketul Parikh are also instrumental in bringing Mercii to life Varun known for his role in reshaping the nightlife scene with ventures like Raeeth in Goa has brought his expertise in curating worldclass entertainment and unique experiences to Mercii ensuring that it is not just a place to eat but a destination to indulge all the senses Ketul Parikh with over a decade of experience in operations ensures that Mercii runs seamlessly from sourcing premium ingredients to maintaining a high level of consistency and serviceTogether this dynamic team has crafted an experience that transcends diningmdashan immersive journey of indulgence elegance and most importantly gratitudeAt the helm of Mercii kitchen is group culinary director Dennis Koll whose passion for culinary excellence has shaped an illustrious career His expertise was honed under the mentorship of Michelinstarred chefs and showcased in worldrenowned establishments like the iconic Burj Al ArabBringing a wealth of global experience to Mercii he ensures that every dish reflects an unwavering commitment to quality From sourcing the finest ingredients to executing each recipe with precision his leadership guarantees a dining experience where authenticity and excellence are never compromised Each plate is a testament to his sophisticated palate and dedication to European culinary artistry promising guests an unforgettable journey through refined flavors and innovative techniquesThe menu opens with vibrant offerings that celebrate fresh organic produce Vegetarian and vegan guests will delight in creations like Mushroom Ceviche bursting with earthy flavors and the fragrant Truffle Gomma Kale showcase the creative possibilities of plantbased cuisine Inspired by Chef Dennisrsquos rich German heritage the Farmerrsquos Selection offers a colorful assortment of marinated vegetables while the signature White Asparagus Carpaccio captures the essence of spring with its delicate refined profileFor those seeking seafood the raw bar presents exquisite offerings such as the Hamachi Carpaccio with truffled ponzu and the refreshing Tuna Ceviche with edamame and pumpkin seeds Each plate is a testament to culinary artistry blending European techniques with global influencesSignature dishes like the Farmerrsquos Selection featuring a medley of artisanal marinated vegetables pay homage to fresh seasonal bounty The Coco Lobster reimagines a Goan Xec Xec transforming it into a silky beurre blanc sauce paired with grilled coconut flesh and daily fresh prime lobstermdasha stunning blend of European technique and local flavors For those seeking indulgence the Potato Mille Feuille with Peacuterigord truffle and chives offers layers of luxurious flavor while fusion Taquitos ranging from roasted cauliflower to braised lamb invite diners to share and savorThe mains continue this culinary journey featuring dishes that celebrate classic European ingredients with refined simplicity The Truffle Pasta prepared tableside in a Parmigiano wheel is adorned with aromatic Peacuterigord truffle for an opulent experience Sweet Potato and Blue Cheese Gnocchi offers a delicate balance of richness while Rigatoni Arrabbiata delivers a satisfying kick with its robust spicy tomato sauce Chef Dennisrsquos signature Tortellini stuffed with a cheese fonduta and completed with a fruity Moeumlt Chandon emulsion encapsulates Merciirsquos blend of elegance and innovationNo dining experience at Mercii is complete without indulging in its exquisite desserts The Hazelnut Tiramisu infused with praline and Arabica coffee offers a sophisticated twist on a classic favorite For a lighter yet equally satisfying end the Pavlova topped with shadow morels and raspberries provides a delicate balance of sweetness and texture Each dessert is a masterful creation promising the perfect finale to a luxurious mealChef Dennis Koll encapsulates Merciirsquos philosophy saying ldquoWersquore bringing something truly special to Mumbai Our focus is on authentic Western cuisine with a global twist using only the finest ingredients Irsquove seen a lot of European food here thatrsquos been Indianized and we wanted to take a different approach Every dish stays true to its roots while blending in subtle influences from my travels Itrsquos all about letting the natural flavors shine and telling a story through each biterdquoMerciirsquos cocktail program is a masterclass in blending tradition with innovation offering an array of drinks that elevate the dining experienceThe Modern Classic collection reinterprets timeless favorites with a fresh creative flair The Heet Mango Margarita stands out with its vibrant fusion of Joseacute Cuervo tequila mango and chaula spice served in a glass rimmed with chamoy and adorned with mango leather For those who appreciate bold flavors the Greon Fairy Sour combines Dewarrsquos whiskey green apple and sour mix theatrically topped with flaming absinthe and a dusting of nutmeg Meanwhile the La Familia Sangria offers a sophisticated take on the classic featuring Jacobrsquos Creek red wine infused with poached pears apricots and warm spicesmdashperfect for a leisurely dinner accompanimentThe Retro Classic selection pays homage to the timeless cocktails that have defined luxury drinking Favorites like the Negroni crafted with Tanqueray gin Campari and sweet vermouth and the enduring Old Fashioned with Jim Beam bourbon and bitters provide a sense of familiarity and refinementMerciirsquos signature Cocktail Le Treacutesor series unlocks a treasure trove of innovative creations thoughtfully designed to complement the menu The Smoky Terrain delivers a bold layered experience with Talisker whisky passion fruit and orange For a playful twist the TNT combines Joseacute Cuervo tequila fresh pineapple juice and star anise elevated with a hint of truffle oil The Purple Haze offers an aromatic journey blending Tanqueray gin with lavender and blue pea tea topped with tonic and a sprig of smoked rosemaryMerciis interior design is a breathtaking fusion of opulence and elegance The restaurantrsquos artificial skylights create a dynamic atmosphere shifting from a bright sunlit space by day to a starry night sky as evening falls This feature allows the ambiance to evolve offering a unique experience for every guest whether itrsquos a leisurely lunch or an intimate dinnerThe restaurant also includes an exclusive private chamber for intimate events accommodating up to 30 guests This elegant space ensures that Mercii remains a versatile venue ideal for both casual gatherings and special celebrationsDetailsCost Rs 4000 approx for two people without alcoholAddress Mercii 81 crest Linking Road below The Collective Showroom Santacruz WestTimings 12 noon to 130 am