Mumbai Restaurant Review: Andheri gets a trippy new night club

Tequila Flame BBQ Cottage Cheese

Bibliopole
Food: Tasty
Service: Efficient
Ambiance: Upbeat

When we heard of Bibliopole (literally means dealer of rare books), we imagined ourselves lazing on cushy armchairs in a vibrant, roomy space, choosing books from polished mahogany bookcases over wafting aromas of freshly brewed coffee. However, this Bibliopole has nothing to do with books. The recently opened night club (owned by China Gate group) was only named so because ‘biblio' means a rare entity; that's what we were told by the usher at the entrance.

Tequila Flame BBQ Cottage Cheese

We stepped into a huge, minimally furnished space throbbing with Techno beats from the DJ console. In a city of matchbox-sized pubs and resto-bars, the vast interiors, with three different seating sections, was indeed rare. A wide aisle doubled up as the dance floor and separated the high tables with bar stools from comfortable sofas (supposed to be minimum billing tables for groups of six to eight). Since it was a weeknight, the club wasn't packed.

Tai talk
The bar menu included a variety of Indian and imported liquor, ranging from Rs 200 to Rs 34,000 (for the vintage Dom Perignon champagne). We loved their quirky-sounding signature cocktails like Superman Punch and None Of Your Business. We opted for Bibliopole Tai (Rs 395, tax exclusive) and Nayak Love Potion (Rs 495).

Nayak Love Potion. Pics/Nimesh Dave

The spicy rum-based Bibliopole Tai packed in a punch with passion fruit, pineapple and lime juice and came topped with mint and tamarind. With its breezy flavours, the cocktail hit the right notes. Certainly, a party-starter. Floating in a dainty wine glass, the pink-hued vodka-based potion got its flavours right by blending the sweet cointreau cranberry with orange blossom water. Smooth and thankfully, not too sweet.

The lighting and dance floor present a trippy vibe

Tequila nights
From pizzas and pastas to burgers, and sushi, the eats menu included Oriental, Mediterranean, Italian and Indian fare. Our pick from the starters was Tequila Flame BBQ Cottage Cheese (Rs 235). While we were eager to try Spicy Tuna Hosomaki sushi, it was unavailable. We opted for Cheese Rum Steak (Rs 520) from the mains, instead.

Bibliopole Tai hits the right notes

With generous portions, both dishes scored high on flavour. Spicy, with a hint of tequila, the cottage cheese was melt-in-the-mouth and complemented the fresh cherry tomato salad. Meanwhile, the well-done steak (carabeef) was tender and the cheesy filling did justice to the otherwise, bland meat. Though it lacked a rum kick, we loved the touch of mashed potatoes presented in swirls on the plate.

With a trippy vibe, potent cocktails and pocket-friendly finger food, this haunt makes for an ideal sundowner.

Time: 8 pm to 1 am
At: Oberoi Chamber 1, New Link Road, Andheri (W).
Call: 42587000

Bibliopole didn't know we were there.

The guide reviews anonymously and pays for its meals