12 January,2011 08:35 AM IST | | Aviva Dharmaraj
Zenzi is back. And we hope for good. Few places make cool look and feel this effortless, never mind that there's not much to eat here. 'The cool' only drink
Cool has an old address: Zenzi. So does controversy. Less than a month since the fun, the feisty, and the generally footloose got a shot at recreating nostalgia, and there's already talk about the alleged flouting of government norms. Point is, Zenzi is buzzing. Will the hum eventually become a drone? Tough to say, judging by the tenacity of its owners and neighbourhood citizen groups. Just to say, it would be a shame.
Veg Tempura
We stopped by on its most buzzing night, which we hazarded to be a Saturday, and were happy to meld into its trademark orange walls. Ditch any elaborate dinner plans that you might have here, because the focus is not on the food or for that matter on sitting. Everybody stands here. Even on the dance floor. And that has little to do with the resident DJ's missing abilities.
Not too many choices
There are less than a few choices for vegetarians here. So forgive us for being square and ordering the Veg Tempura, a fancy name for fritters, and possibly an even fancier one for bhajias. Potatoes, mushrooms and what we presumed to be zucchini in a light batter that was complemented by a dip that had Thousand Island as its base.
The Paneer Satay is avoidable. There can be no excuse for chewy paneer chunks on skewers, especially when if you have to pay for them. Avoidable. Even though the peanut sauce was worthy of a good dunk!
thanks for the gratini!
The Caprioska bordered on too tangy, but had just enough zing to make us want to float about, mingling happily with our adopted brethren.
The Pomegratini is the star of the night, as far as girlie drinks go. Light, refreshing and piquant: just the kind of wake-up call every naughty girl needs.
The crowd is dominated by the tribe of the phirang male, so don't forget your designer beach slippers and mis-matched bermudas, if you're looking to blend right in. The space is open for lunch, which we imagine is likely to be a dull affair, unless they manage to whip out different menus and a miracle. Because Zenzi owns the night!
At: Zenzi, Waterfield Road, Bandra (W). Call 56430670.Zenzi did not know we were there.u00a0The Guideu00a0reviews anonymously and pays for meals.
