One of Mumbai’s most anticipated hotels, Shangri-La, opened its doors with a soft launch on December 19. While a grand opening is slated for later this month, we checked out what the food and beverage offerings at the hotel are. Here’s a lowdown.
Ekayana
The Sanskrit word for place to meet, this one has large, comfy couches spread around, and is ideal for informal meetings or a relaxing drink or two after work. Cocktails are priced from Rs 600 onwards. Wines start at Rs 350 per glass and Rs 1,800 per bottle. An exciting option is for you to leave behind an unfinished bottle in their cellar so you can return to finish it later at your own convenience.
The menu offers an international selection of easy-to-share meals. The Prawn Tempura came as a pleasant surprise with no visible oil whatsoever.
Recommended: The Espresso Martini is a signature drink, and understandably so. From the food, we quite liked the Arabic Mini Pita Bread with Hummus, the Babaganoush and Marinated Moroccan Olives.
Also coming up soon…
The hotel is working on a number of other dining options. Executive chef Geoff Simmons tells us about them:
Li Bai Bar: It takes its name from a Chinese poet whose best work was produced under the influence. Located on the 37th floor, with a view of the Arabian Sea and Mahalaxmi Race Course, it will house a multilevel cellar, an exclusive whiskey bar and will have a dedicated sommelier.
Mekong: The Asian restaurant too will be located on the 37th floor, offering cuisine from Yunan and Sichuan provinces. Also expect delicacies from Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.
Exo: What this restaurant will offer is often described as modern European cuisine. This eatery is slated to open on the 38th floor, so expect a panoramic view of the city and a relaxed, casual vibe.
Also coming up soon…
The hotel is working on a number of other dining options. Executive chef Geoff Simmons tells us about them:
Li Bai Bar: It takes its name from a Chinese poet whose best work was produced under the influence. Located on the 37th floor, with a view of the Arabian Sea and Mahalaxmi Race Course, it will house a multilevel cellar, an exclusive whiskey bar and will have a dedicated sommelier.
Mekong: The Asian restaurant too will be located on the 37th floor, offering cuisine from Yunan and Sichuan provinces. Also expect delicacies from Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.
Exo: What this restaurant will offer is often described as modern European cuisine. This eatery is slated to open on the 38th floor, so expect a panoramic view of the city and a relaxed, casual vibe.
Lobby Lounge
Primarily for tea lovers, the lounge has over 68 varieties to choose from. A pot would set you back by Rs 300. There’s also a kneel-down service and special high tea selections (Rs 1,250- Rs 2,000) to pick from — with macaroons, quiches, sandwiches and cakes. For those who want to order snacks, there’s a small selection of light bites to pick from too.
Recommended: The Assam Very Trippy Tea, High Tea selection one and scones with cream and raspberry coulis.
Seven
The all-day dining restaurant has an expansive buffet that can’t be rivalled by many. Seven food ‘islands’ offer everything from comfort food, charcuterie, sushi, Indian and Asian selections to shawarmas, separate vegetarian and non-vegetarian areas and a dessert counter that evokes childlike enthusiasm. At Rs 1,550 (plus taxes) for the lunch buffer and Rs 1,750 (plus taxes) for dinner, it’s priced stiffly in comparison with the competition. There’s also a barista with takeaway options and an extensive coffee list.
Recommended: The sushi selection is minimal, but satisfactory. We liked the unusual tofu served with miso sauce. From the dumplings, the pork and spinach variations were the best. Ask for their dragon and chilli sauces. The lamb chops with glazed carrots and potato mash are worthy mains. Finish your meal with a Salted Caramel Mousse or Red Currant Cheesecake or just stick
to favourites like cupcakes, sorbets and exotic fruits with a chocolate fountain.