A bar that doesn’t accept cards is like a fat-free cheesecake — thoroughly pointless. One thing that the newly-opened WTF! really needs to learn is that only shady varieties stroll around Mumbai with wads of cash. And unless they’ve tied up with Alcoholics Anonymous to control customers’ drinking habits, they’re only hurting themselves.
Once the waiters direct you to the nearest ATM (about a 10 minute walk), you’re loaded and ready to start your evening. The kitsch décor takes some time to get used to. The outside area features a mix of charpoys, tables and even the odd vegetable cart. Inside, pillars are covered with quirky posters and one-liners. One wall is dedicated to the Arsenal football team; we know where fans will be hanging out for the next match!
The tables are enormous and moving the chair by ourself, according to one patron, is like “carrying logs of wood.” But you’ll forget all about your hard labour when you drink in the menu. Though limited, it features the best-looking figures we’ve seen this side of Halle Berry.
A glass of Chenin Banc for Rs 185? A Margarita for Rs 200? Is this the cheapest swanky pub in the city or are we drunk already? The Margarita, which appears in record time, isn’t shy on the alcohol, and contrary to our fears, the Mandarin Mojito (Rs 200) isn’t watered down either. If you know what the term ‘tanking up’ means, WTF! is designed for you.
You can’t fault the waiters, they’re extremely friendly and know exactly what to recommend. Our server recommends Jesse’s Kerala Beef (Rs 150), insisting that he’s tasted it himself and loved it. Can’t refuse him, especially when he mentions that Jesse, who gave the owner the recipe, is sitting at the table beside us.
The WTF! Prawns (Rs 185, we’re not kidding) are the stars of the food orders, sorry Jesse. It’s only extreme self-control that keeps us from ordering five more plates. We also sample the Coriander Chilli Prawns and declare this place a seafood surprise.
Vegetarians can safely try the Spicy Chilli Cheese Croquettes without feeling like second-class citizens.
You can’t fault the waiters, they’re extremely friendly and know exactly what to recommend. Our server recommends Jesse’s Kerala Beef (Rs 150), insisting that he’s tasted it himself and loved it. Can’t refuse him, especially when he mentions that Jesse, who gave the owner the recipe, is sitting at the table beside us.
The WTF! Prawns (Rs 185, we’re not kidding) are the stars of the food orders, sorry Jesse. It’s only extreme self-control that keeps us from ordering five more plates. We also sample the Coriander Chilli Prawns and declare this place a seafood surprise.
Vegetarians can safely try the Spicy Chilli Cheese Croquettes without feeling like second-class citizens.
We notice actresses Sandhya Mridul and Isha Koppikar walking in, but Mridul leaves without placing an order. Too bad, we have a feeling she missed out on a fun evening.
WHAT: WTF!
WHERE: Near Khar station, opp. Mumbadevi School, off SV Road, Khar
CALL: 022 2648 6233
WHAT’S ON THE MENU: Home-made recipes and seafood appetisers
ALCOHOL: Yes
SMOKING: Yes
What we like
The menu with prices from 1980
The WTF specials
The quick service
What we don’t like
Walking to an ATM to withdraw money
The unwieldy furniture
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