10 January,2014 11:22 AM IST | | Kiran Mehta
With its chameleon-esque decor, Py Bar & Bistro on Bhulabhai Desai Road has found a way to hold the fleeting attention of the Internet generation. Add to this flavours that cater to the discerning palate, and you have a winning combination
Mumbai Guide,Py Bar & Bistro,Bhulabhai Desai Road,Food, Restaurant Reviews
Py Bar & Bistro
Food: Yummy
Service: Prompt
Ambiance: New-age
As we stepped out of the elevators and into Py Bar & Bistro, we found ourselves facing a wall bearing a set of rules displayed in large font. From legal requirements such as drinking age, the rules covered dress code, and through that, the establishment had put patrons on a short leash. But a few square feet away, inside this bar and bistro, the mood changed drastically.
Psychedelic interiors with play-lighting on artsy walls added to Py's zesty vibe
The first thing we noticed, was the bar area with its chameleon decor -- murals that changed in the blink of an eye. The artwork on the wall changed with the use of over-head projectors. Thepsychedelic art played out with Techno beats, added a youthfulvibe.
The Prawn Tapenade had the right mix of freshness and flavours. Pics /Emmanual Karbhar
The bar took up almost an entire wall and offered upholstered bar stools, while the opposite wall, facing the bar offered tables for diners. The establishment isn't too large or too small, and the tables are comfortably spaced out.
We breezed through the exhaustive bar menu -- scotch, beer, rum, martinis, shooters, cocktails, iced-teas and more. There's also a separate and impressive wine menu. We played it safe with a drink from the Py Cocktail section, a Py Colada (Rs 295). Before the drink arrive the coasters, with figurines of half-human and half-animals printed on them. Given the funky decor, down to the details, we assumed that Py comes from slang. But the server informed us that it has no meaning at all. Or to quote Gen X -- Just like that!
The heady Py Colada will be a rage among cocktail lovers
In keeping with the "anything-goes" attitude, our Py Colada was blue as opposed to the traditional white colour of the drink. Having gone easy on the coconut cream, we could taste the rum and the vodka. The drink will suit those who like their cocktails strong.
With the food menu, we skipped the soups and salads, and ordered from the appetizers section, rooting for the Prawn Tapenade (Rs 325). Served up in a few minutes, on white plating, the prawns came with a side of salad. The prawns were fresh and juicy, mildly spiced, such that the spices added flavour without being overpowering. The salad of wild rocket and cherry tomato acted as a palate-cleanser enhancing the flavour of the prawns.
Next, we moved to the pizzas section, and decided to go vegetarian, ordering an old classic, the Margherita (Rs 295). The pan pizza was also served promptly, piping hot. The crust was thin and crispy. The pizza had the right amount of cheese so we could savour the tangy tomatoes and the freshness of the basil leaves.
We wanted to sample from the home made pasta section, but were told that those dishes were unavailable the day we dropped by. So, mains we went straight for the mains; we ordered for the Seared Basa Fillet (Rs 365). Once again, the service was prompt, and the plating, simple yet elegant. The basa was served with a side of mashed potatoes. The fish was fresh and mildly spiced like the other courses, allowing us to appreciate the flavours of the fish.
Next, we packed from the Risotto section, going with a Creamy Chicken (Rs 365). We also took away the Chocolate Hazelnut Torte (Rs 265) for dessert. There were no food spills, but the risotto was average at best, with chewy chicken bits and bland flavouring. The torte was essentially mousse with a crust of hazelnut and other nuts. Overall, the takeaway wasn't much to write home about, and a sharp contrast from our experience at the bar and bistro.
