Is Town House Cafe the perfect chill out zone for Mumbai's office goers? Find out

Itrsquos a trend that has left Mumbairsquos foodies in high spirits and with sated palates For a while now watering holes multicuisine restaurants and cutesy cafes have been mushrooming along the cityrsquos southern tip with something for every kind of foodie gourmand or tippler The high ceiling wide canvas and muted palette adds to Town House Cafersquos intimate appealu00a0 So we were curious to gauge how Town House Cafe THC the newest bar and grill stacked up against the rest For one there was a hint of deja vu mdash the place in its earlier avatars Crepe Station and Malt amp Pepper especially left an impression ldquoWe wanted to introduce a chill out zone for Mumbairsquos office goers since this area is the business districtrdquo reasons Anuja Jatkar one half of the brains behind THC as we head towards the upper level Having studied finance in the US she would know the drill The bar whips ups an enticing lineup of innovative cocktails and shares space with an inhouse DJ PicsSayed Sameer Abediu00a0 Decor dossier The high ceiling grabs our attention at once Aided by wooden beams and a muted earthygreen palette the intimate ambiance is welcoming A giant canvas of a downtown street side view by Pradeep More covers an entire wall and lends depth We notice ornate frames of vintage advertisements ldquoThese were sourced from Chor Bazaarrdquo Jatkar informs High bar stools and snug leatherbacked seating complete the AmericancafeacutemeetsIrishinn vibe Once we settle in the bartenders behind a roomy bar get to work Beside them in a tiny console a DJ belts out songs from his playlist of current chart toppers The delicately flavoured Basa dish makes for a light dinner option By now Avi Mittal the other half of THC joins us Our conversation over Guava Mary Orange and Basil Martini Red Wine Sangria and Tropical Mojito all Rs 375 charts their journey of revising design plans twice over and zeroing in on a balanced concise European menu helmed by a reliable experienced chef Puranjoy Das The zesty Guava Mary and Orange and Basil Martini are on song especially in humid October ideal company for a relaxed afternoon lunch Euro vision ldquoWe wanted the price range to appeal to our clientelerdquo reveals Mittal We notice that the highest priced dish on the menu doesnrsquot cross the Rs 700mark ldquoOur USP is a Spanish French and Italian inspired menu a range of handmade pastas and a 5050 balance for vegetarians and nonvegetarians alikerdquo Jatkar adds leading us into the menu The soup Chicken and Leek Chowder Rs 295 is comfort food with the herbed gnocchi playing its part nicely The Crispy Rocket with Artichoke and Olive Salad Rs 245 gets our vote for a light healthy working brunch option The filling in the Crusted Mushroom starter was of a meltinmouth variety and an instant hit Vegetarians will plumb for the Crusted Mushroom with Romesco Dip Rs 225 as well as any of their pastas all priced at Rs 345 Apart from the delicately textured Pappardelle in Paprika Sauce that we tucked into THC offers Pappardelle Maccheroni and Linguine in traditional sauces such as Pesto Alfredo Arrabbiata Carbonara and Primavera The seafood lover that one is we do a mental jig as we spot promising space for it on the menu the Grilled Prawns Rs 345 are flavourful and succulent However the portions of Grilled Chicken Rs 375 served with jalapeno mash and pinot noir sauce are a tad tough to negotiate with our forks our only grouse for the evening As if to rescue things in style the Pan Seared Basa with Beans Ragout and Chilli Mango Reduction Rs 425 end things on a high note Perfecto At 16 Murzban Road near Sterling Cinema Fort Call 22037356 57 Town House Cafeacute opens on Wednesday October 9 for dinner only lunch will be introduced in a few day39s time The Guide previewed THC and hence it was not an anonymous visitu00a0