Restaurant review: Mahalaxmi gets a new lounge bar

Metallic walls upholstery to match projector screens and 3D mapping on the walls and cocktails that are called Passionate Orange Swimming Pool and Mad Scientist itrsquos got all the signs of a hip suburban bar ready for music nights and match days The food at these places yoursquod expect would be greasy loaded with cheese high on carbs and run of the mill At Tonic the new lounge in the same space as Auriga the story is a little differentRoasted Bell Peppers Micro Greens and Pesto For our exclusive preview Chef Ameya Mahajani who has at some point fed almost every professional working at Lower Parel during his stint at Meal Box Cafeacute laid out a spread that was simple subtle and heartyPassionate Orange Cocktail Pic Bipin KokateThe start of the tasting was limp quite literally The Tempura Prawns with a sweet chilli dip Rs 450 was by far the most disappointing dish of the afternoon The prawns although cooked well were let down by the batter that wasnrsquot light thin crunchy and airy like Tempura should be For the sixpiece portion it wasnrsquot worth the priceFlavour playPrawns aside the rest of the tasting was quite the treat The platter full of crostini topped with Roasted Bell Peppers micro greens and a delicious pesto Rs 250 was a vegetarianrsquos delight In fact wersquod order that over the Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese and Caper Crostini Rs 500 There was nothing wrong with the Salmon appetiser it was subtle moist and full of flavour Itrsquos just that wersquore absolute fans of Chef Ameyarsquos Pesto sauce from his Meal Box days The other star dish of the evening was the Cottage Cheese Steak Ratatouille Rs 450 The price may seem a bit steep for a cottage cheese dish but the big portions and the bold flavours made up for it The highlight of the dish was the rustic bold garlicey Ratatouille made with aubergines zucchini bell peppers olives pine nuts heaped on top of a hunk of creamy moist cottage cheese steakTonicrsquos interiors exude a metallic vibeRaise the barThe Black Pepper Basa Rs 425 coated in a sticky Oriental sauce might be great bar food but we thought it was strictly passable The huge portion of Thai Spiced Chicken Rs 380 with a liberal dose of fresh red chillies subtle flavours of coconut and tender chicken pieces on the other hand would definitely be a hit with the beer guzzlersCottage Cheese Steak Ratatouille One of our other favourite dishes was the steamed Broccoli Corn and Cheese Dumplings Rs 260 Delicate rice paper sheets rolled into perfect dumpling stuffed with the crunchy broccoli soft and moist corn and sticky cheese this one may seem a misfit in a bar but is definitely recommended for those who appreciate subtle authentic Oriental flavoursWhile the food at Tonic is good especially the vegetarian options trust us itrsquos rare the Cocktails average at Rs 350 disappoint Heavy on tropical flavours from pineapple coconut to strawberries and kiwi the drinks are not boozy enough and can be cloyingly sweet Ask the bartender to go easy on the sugar and syrupsTucked away in a quiet lane Tonic with its decent food spacious interiors an airy al fresco section and menu prices inclusive of taxes is a great postwork lounging option before you hit the dance floor at the next happening party in town