While websites pasted just a line announcing the launch of Mumbai's first French restaurant at Churchgate, Sunday Mid Day got you all the dope on the what, when and why behind the eatery that will replace Sundance Cafe. In case you missed our weekend edition, here's the dope

It's time to brush up your French vocabulary. Next month, Mumbai bids goodbye to the iconic Sundance Caf ufffd and makes way for its first French bistro, Chez Vous. The idea is the brainchild of trio, hospitality professional Satyen Melwani, entrepreneur Frederic Fernandez and contemporary chef Cedric Combe.


Next month, Sundance Cafe will shut its doors to make way for French cafe Chez Vouz ,at its famous Churchgate address. Pic/ Bipin Kokate

"Mumbai is one of the most iconic cities of the world, but the only one that does not have a French restaurant," says the Mumbai-based 30 year-old Melwani, who has big plans with his French business partners to introduce city gourmands to French cuisine.u00a0 "The bistro will stand true to its name, which means 'at your place'," promises Melwani.

The French connect began last November when Melwani met 28 year-old finance professional Fernandez, through common friends.

I had travelled to India several times and fell in love with the country and its culture," says Fernandez, a passionate foodie who was quick to recognise the country's strong business potential and was in the process of looking for a partner to start his first restaurant. "When Fred and I met, we realised we wanted to bring the French bistro experience to Mumbai," recalls Melwani. Fernandez invited the 33 year-old Combe, who's worked in Michelin starred restaurants,u00a0 to India who "fell in love" with what he saw.u00a0

The trio hopes to create a warm atmosphere that serves affordable French breakfast, lunch and dinner. "The lunch menu will cater to business crowds and change every day.

Dinner will be an elaborate French experience," says Melwani, who has previously worked with Le Royal Meridien, Radisson Hotels, Mars Restaurants and Encore hotels.

The team is busying themselves to whip up an exclusive wine list of French wines as well as a cocktail menu with quintessential French spirits including Chartreuese, Absinthe and Pastis. There's a lot that the trio is excited about. Watch this space. And remember, you heard it here, first!