Take a detour from the old favourites and try these sublime locales in Mumbai:
ELLIPSIS: There are no incomplete thoughts at Ellipsis, even if the name suggests so. Opulence is the first word that comes to mind as you enter the split-level space in champagne colour. Amidst many fiery potions, this is probably the only restaurant that serves Prosecco on tap. New-age cuisine that follows the American concept of from farm to table is what the kitchen dishes out: Mac n cheese with rye Cavatelli truffle, lamb sliders, and toasties topped with foie gras mousse, beet salad with hazelnuts, whipped goat cheese and arugula, tenderloin beef burger and Uncle Sams favourite, banana split. Although you might want to come back quicky, because the menu changes on a daily basis…or so were told!
Amarchand Mansion, Madam Cama Road, Colaba;
(022) 6621 3333.
GUILT TRIP: Sinners, rejoice. A recent addition to Bandras long list of pâtisseries, Guilt Trip has cupcakes aplenty ‒ carrot, red velvet, Oreo cookie, and pinacolada. The carrot cupcake is a clear winner, as is the rich and dense caramel cheesecake. With its wide porch and stools in eye-popping colours, Guilt Trip is better placed than most of its take-away neighbours.
Next to Baskin Robbins, off Carter Road, Bandra (W);
(022) 6999 6096.
BANDIT QUEEN: Rest assured that this one has nothing to with the outlaws who made the ravines of Chambal dreaded terrain. Silver fibreglass trees, rough grey walls, skylights the look and feel of this textiles and fashion accessories haven is quite the contrast to the images that the name conjures up. Started by local entrepreneur Sunita Namjoshi in partnership with Belgian designer Valerie Barkowski, Bandit Queen pays special attention to dying Indian skills such as hand-pintucking. Bed linen, tote bags, scarves, cufflinks, lamps, hats ‒ name it and this concept store has it. And if they dont have it, you can assume that you just dont need it.
Bandit Queen creations are also available at the Le Mill showroom in Masjid Bunder.
130 Dinshaw Petit Lane, Kalachowky; (022) 2470 6784;
Mon-Fri 11am-6.30pm (by appointment only).
Read the whole story in our April-May 2013 issue.
Text by Aditi Sengupta
Illustration by Priyanka Chhetry