New name, same old cat

Fat Cat Cafe is now At Fat Cat -- Bar & Bistro, thanks to an image makeover in the effort to appeal to a younger clientele. The new Bar and Bistro does certainly manage to stick out from the several other shops and eateries in the area, thanks to -- in no small measure -- a loud signboard announcing its presence.

The potato wedges were the perfect accompaniment to the Grilled Chicken Burger. Pics/ Pradeep Dhivar

The patio-style entrance leads to the indoor seating area, which is divided into two sections. We choose to sit in the lower level that houses the bar. The wooden interiors are done up in black and a rich, deep brown.

And so it goes
To begin with, we ordered the Grilled Chicken Burger ('235) and a Fresh Lime Soda ('60). While we waited, the remix of the Simon & Garfunkel song Sicilia, and Peter Andre's Mysterious Girls emanated from the DJ console; songs we remembered humming along to in Class V. ‘New' and ‘contemporary', did the management say!

Creamy Alfredo Pasta; (right) the Slow Braised Lamb Peri Peri was a tasty mutton dish served with rice

Once the order arrived, our focus was back on the food. The burger is served with potato wedges and a side salad and we were happy to note that unnecessary sauces or mayonnaise did not kill the flavour of the chicken patty.

Good stuff. Next, we ordered the vegetarian Alfredo Pasta ('285) and the Slow Braised Lamb Peri Peri ('375), which was listed under "The dishes that made us famous" section. The pasta was creamy and had just the right mix of veggies and herbs. The Lamb Peri Peri, which was served with rice, didn't disappoint either: The medium-spiced meat was tender and made for a hearty meal.

We decided to end our little culinary experiment with something sweet. The Sizzling Brownie with Vanilla ice cream ('220) seemed an apt choice. Needless to say, the dessert was sinful, ending on a happy note.

Time to work the vibe
At Fat Cat seems to be doing reasonably well on the food front, but the decor could do with slightly more attention.

At 9/10, Bharat ARK Building, Veera Desai Road, Andheri (W). Call 26732040
At Fat Cat Cafe didn't know we were there.
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