Ishaaro ishaaro mein

Food WellcraftedAmbiance PeppyService HappyCost ReasonableVerdict 24There is a language that doesnt need words mdash a smile a twinkle in the eye a hand on the heart to show appreciation Ishaara by Prashant Issar and Anuj Shah of Stratix Hospitality in partnership with Riyaaz Amlani CEO amp MD of Impresario Handmade Restaurants has an energetic vibe Issar and Shah formerly owned Madeira and Mine as well as Madeira and Mime in Powai where the inclusive concept was first introduced There is meaningful eye contact exchange of smiles and alertness between the staff Most of the staff is hearing and speechimpaired but has an unmatchable energy to make us comfortable and feed us well They listen with their eyes and converse with their hands themenu explainsLocated on the third floor of Palladium its deacutecor is intelligent with clean corners happy plants and high on natural lighting The rush of the mall and its buzz dissipates from our mind and sight midday had visited the restaurant when it launched in July last year We had relished the Malabarjumbo prawnsWe are directed to our table and a staff member comes and asks us if it is our first time at the restaurant He asks us if our server who is speciallyabled can introduce herself as he explains a few basic signs Touching the hand to chin is thank you while ordering signs are explained in the menu Our server puts her tiny finger and index finger to the chin indicating her name Uma We put a hand to our chin and thank herVegetarian tasting thali Lotus root kofta green yogurt pickle roti Kashmiri tehri biryani and dal haveliThe cucumber and basil drink R250 from the nonalcoholic cocktail section is bubbly refreshing and works up an appetite for us but the smoked sangria R450 is on the sweeter side and doesnt seem to have been smoked Along with condiments of fried karela chhundo just like our nanis red garlic chutney yogurt and a masaladar papad mix we relish the lobster patti samosa R380 that has a deepfried paperthin crunch and juicy meat insideIshaara gets its sweet and spicy chutneys on point After drooling over on the pictures and videos of dori kebab R480 the aroma of the rose smoked pate holds the promise of a good kebab Having been to Lucknow recently we are reminded of tunday This version is skilfully crafted Take a bow chefLobster patti samosaAfter a meaty start we opt for the tasting vegetarian thali R850 which comes with orange and goats cheese salad paneer panch phoran sago tikki tandoori broccoli lotus root kofta dal haveli Kashmiri tehari biryani and gajar halwa crumble The salad is fresh and crunchy but the oily starters are a letdown mdash the tandoori broccoli and sago cutlet which comes stuffed with a purple cabbage mash is too oily cloaking any flavouring The paneer panch phoran is the saving grace The mains lift the experience with the lotus root kofta cooked in a slowcooked yoghurt gravy and the rice is fragrant cooked together with the veggies like a pulao The dessert is a standout mdash gajar ka halwa in a crumbly pie Somebody call the Frenchman to take a biteThe food at Ishaara is rich and sticks to Indian dishes without frills and modern drama Go with a big appetite and eat with your handsGajar ka halwa crumbleAt Ishaara 3rd Floor No 462 Palladium Mall High Street Phoenix Lower ParelTime 12 pm to 12 amCall 865753198844 Exceptional 34 Excellent 24 very Good 14 Good 054 Average Ishaara didnt know we were there The Guide reviews anonymously and pays for mealsCucumber and basil drinkThe Guide first reviewed Ishaara in July 2019 We conduct select anonymous followups to assess maintenance of standardsCatch up on all the latest Mumbai news crime news current affairs and also a complete guide on Mumbai from food to things to do and events across the city here Also download the new midday Android and iOS apps to get latest updates