Things in Mumbai are always moving and changing, but some landmarks of the city have stood the test of time and have become a part of the city’s rich history. Entering the Nehru Planetarium compound made me reflect on hazy memories of a school picnic — the last time I had been here. A lot had changed around the spiraling tower than has been standing tall amid the Mumbai skyline for as far as I can remember, for example, even the adjoining Annie Besant Road couldn’t escape the omnipresent road work. But in contrast, some upscale eateries have made their way to the grounds that not only offer views of the landmark but can also take you on a culinary journey as you reach the end of your walk down the nostalgic road.
I decided to indulge myself with a brunch at one such offering, Eve Cafe And Bar, which has recently opened doors in Worli after successfully establishing their base in Powai. The restaurant has a certain Speakeasy-In-A-Bohemian-Narnia sort of vibe to itself. For example, the first entry point of the restaurant leads you into a narrow hallway library, and at its end, you open up the door to the massive restaurant.
The interiors of Eve Worli can be best described as boho-meets-vintage-library. You can choose to have a formal dinner by being seated with your party in a booth or celebrate cocktail hour with high tables and chairs, or enjoy a lazy brunch by being seated on comfy, pillow lined sofas, or turn it up a notch and be seated on one of the table with swings for chairs.
They even have different sections for VIP guests and private parties can be held in their secret ‘oasis’ room, which can only be accessed by pulling out a certain book from a door hidden behind a bookshelf.
The massive rectangular bar sits at the center of the restaurant, with a line of cocktail chairs placed to sit and enjoy one of their many delicious cocktails. I really enjoyed the Tequila-based El Dora and the Vodka-based Elderflower Twist and also appreciated the monogrammed ice cubes they came along with.
The cocktails were easy to wash down with a selection of their appetisers and small plates. We kicked off strong with the Berry Salad, which comprised greens complimented with the sweetness of strawberries, mulberries and cranberries. This was followed by the Trio Hummus, which serves the chickpea dip flavoured in three innovative ways — with blueberries, scallion and fresco pepper — and served with pita bread and lavash sticks.
The broccoli baked with a green chutney and three types of cheeses was also delectable. And because the key to life is balance, our healthy start was followed with a plateful of fried mac and cheese balls, called the Eve Croquettes.
The fun thing about places like Eve is that they have something for everyone. You could just have a nice cocktail session accompanied by appetisers and finger food, or, you can indulge in a proper dinner date by opting ordering maybe a plateful of Sushi and maybe their light and delicious truffle Edamame dimsum. Or, if you could split a couple of their stone-oven cooked Pizzas during a meal with friends or family.
Chef Sanket More, who heads the kitchen and has had past stints at Mumbai hotspots like Bombay Canteen and O Pedro, has curated a large menu that makes sure you’re taken care of, no matter what you crave. The produce and ingredient-forward menu supports a zero-waste policy and promotes local vendors, sustainable fisheries and healthy oceans, whilst sourcing only the highest quality ingredients to create vibrant and exciting culinary delights.
So, the next time you’re in Worli, treat yourself to a meal at Eve Cafe & Bar, where the good times are always rolling.
