A much-needed breather from frequenting Lower Parel and Bandra hangouts, our ears perked up at the mention of District Lounge, the latest addition to Kemps Corner launching tomorrow.
<img title="Papad Chicken Tikka Roll. Pics/Bipin Kokate" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2016/jan/Papad-Chicken-Tikka-Roll.jpg" alt="Papad Chicken Tikka Roll. Pics/Bipin Kokate" /> Papad Chicken Tikka Roll. Pics/Bipin Kokate
Sunny Sara, Ritik Bhasin, Shashi Thadani (co-owners of Liv and 145) along with Rishi Acharya (of Tryst) have partnered with The Shalimar Hotel for District Lounge, which replaces the hotel&rsquo;s earlier bar, Smooth.
<img title="Pot Full Of Pimms" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2016/jan/Pot-Full-Of-Pimms.jpg" alt="Pot Full Of Pimms" /> Pot Full Of Pimms
Stepping in, we were teleported into a cosy, comfortable living room that presented a boho chic-meets-vintage grunge vibe with lit-up welded plumbing pipes and work-in-progress reproductions of Leonardo da Vinci sketches adorning the walls.
<img title="Paneer Lucknowi Biryani" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2016/jan/Paneer-Lucknowi-Biryani.jpg" alt="Paneer Lucknowi Biryani" /> Paneer Lucknowi Biryani
Focussing on North Indian flavours and quirky presentations, the lounge offers a variety of appetisers and limited mains, but an extensive drinks menu.
<img title="The interiors of District Lounge" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2016/jan/District-Lounge.jpg" alt="The interiors of District Lounge" /> The interiors of District Lounge
Pimm and proper We began with the refreshing rum-based Plum &amp; Basil Mojito ('525) and moved on to the smooth Elderflower Day ('650), with gin, tonic and elderflower liquor. While we observed one of Da Vinci&rsquo;s sketches, a hookah pot appeared on our table.
<img title="The well-stocked bar" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2016/jan/Bar.jpg" alt="The well-stocked bar" /> The well-stocked bar
It contained Pot Full Of Pimms ('1,500), a concoction of fruit slices, gin and Pimms liquor. Breezy, and generous-sized, it made for a great drink during the day. With a touch of orange-flavoured ice cubes, Twisted Mimosa ('700) took the classic champagne-and-orange juice mimosa cocktail to the next level.
<img title="Plum &amp; Basil Mojito" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2016/jan/Plum-Basil-Mojito.jpg" alt="Plum &amp; Basil Mojito" /> Plum &amp; Basil Mojito
Papad cone, anyone? Among the vegetarian appetisers, we liked the Paneer Coin Paratha ('380), bite-sized parathas topped with spiced tandoori cottage cheese mash. A retainer from the Smooth menu, the crispy Open Chilli Cheese Toast ('280) came loaded with cheese and veggies.
<img title="Vermicelli Fish Fingers" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2016/jan/Vermicelli-Fish-Fingers.jpg" alt="Vermicelli Fish Fingers" /> Vermicelli Fish Fingers
The Bhuna Gosht Pav ('430) won us over with the melt-in-the-mouth cute mini pavs stuffed with succulent, flavoured mutton. Meanwhile, the crunchy Vermicelli Fish Fingers ('450) went well with the accompanied tartare sauce.
<img title="Bhuna Gosht Pav" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2016/jan/Bhuna-Gosht-Pav.jpg" alt="Bhuna Gosht Pav" /> Bhuna Gosht Pav
High on presentation, and mildly spiced with tender meat, the Papad Chicken Tikka Roll ('400) was another hit. Who knew papad could be such a good substitute for the roti version!
<img title="Paneer Coin Paratha" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2016/jan/Paneer-Coin-Paratha.jpg" alt="Paneer Coin Paratha" /> Paneer Coin Paratha
Of the mains (the recipes have been derived from Gulmurg, another restaurant housed in the hotel), we loved Paneer Lucknowi Biryani ('455) that was served in a jar. Well-cooked and richly spiced with generous amounts of fried dry fruits, crispy onions and soft cottage cheese, it made for a perfect end to the meal.
<img title="Twisted Mimosa" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2016/jan/Twisted-Mimosa.jpg" alt="Twisted Mimosa" /> Twisted Mimosa
Opens from: January 7 Time: 12.30 pm to 3.30 pm and 6 pm to 1.30 am At: The Shalimar Hotel, August Kranti Marg. Call: 66641000

Sip on cocktails from hookah pots and crackle over papad-coned fare at a new, cosy Kemps Corner lounge

Food: Tuck into biryani in a jar at this SoBo lounge

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Food: Tuck into biryani in a jar at this SoBo lounge

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