Mumbai Food: The Bandra Project will rekindle your love affair with the suburb

Ribs With East Indian SpicesAs we spot a couple sitting on wicker chairs against the backdrop of a beautiful sunset and waves kissing the rocks we are momentarily transported to an evening on Carter Road Except that the setting is projected on a screen In another digital projection blushhued bougainvillea growing on an earthtoned wall enchant usCreated by Ayaz Basrai of The Busride Design Studio it celebrates Bandras green pockets These elements and a food and drink menu inspired by the suburb make up The Bandra Project by PizzaExpressMaple ChickenManhattan meets GoaThe allday community bar and kitchen is the pizza chains first hyperlocal restaurant By yearend they will launch outlets in Khar and Kamala Mills with the same concept Each will be influenced by its neighbourhood Ayaz designed our first outlet in Colaba We have a longterm engagement with him to synergise the design of all outlets says Deepinder Batth COO Gourmet Investments that operates the chain in IndiaOver acoustic versions of Coldplay and Rihanna tracks we soak in the ManhattanmeetsGoa vibe of the 3000 sq ft space with chequered tiles colonialstyle marble tables a bar illustrated with designs of quaint bungalows and geometric highrises all by architect Pronit Nath and a dining section facing a lotus pondRagi PancakesAn ode to the East IndianDrawn up in consultation with several homegrown and international chefs the eats menu packs in a variety of European dishes many tweaked with East Indian influences as an ode to one of the suburbs most prominent communities For example Ribs With East Indian Spices Rs 895 all prices exclusive of taxes features smoked pork doused generously in a spicy bottle masalastyle rub that we enjoy with baked baby potatoesA digital projection of Carter Road promenade at the restaurantWe savour several small plates sandwiches sliders and cheese platters The menu also includes Italian pizza pasta and risotto that the pizzeria is known for We enjoy Ragi Pancakes Rs 395 where crisp mini ragi discs heave under chunks of chorizo the spice level balanced with a dash of sour cream Spicy And Sweet Aubergine Rs 475 is a bruschettaesque small plate that marries the flavours perfectly accentuated by charred and fleshy aubergine and crusty bread Reminiscent of Bandras bakeries is York Fingers Rs 475 where strips of flaky pastry are stuffed with bacon and cheese We wash it down with The Fort Rs 495 a salute to the suburbs Portuguese fort The drink is a potent whiskeybased take on the Old Fashioned with a hint of sweetness from maple syrupThe interiors PicsBipin KokateMaple loveAnother main that we relish is Maple Chicken Rs 745 where falloffthebone meat glazed with maple syrup and red chillies plays a scrumptious medley on our tastebuds accompanied with a creamy potato mash Even the carnivore in us is satiated with Mushroom Stroganoff Rs 745 that explodes with the umami flavours of the fungii creaminess from the sauce and al dente wild riceAyaz BasraiOver rounds of a heady Espresso Martini and Boozy Hot Chocolate Basrai indulges us in lively chatter about the film Andaz Apna Apna and stalking Shakti Kapoor on a flight As we exit we realise that this project mayve just helped rekindle our love affair with the stillcharming suburb