Perhaps it was a Sunday, and maybe because this new vegetarian eatery is situated in a mill compound, we couldn’t see a single soul in sight. We spotted a watchman, who told us there is “only G5” here. But we knew we had arrived, as the G5A Foundation for Contemporary Culture space is what houses Port, too.
Beyond the doors, we stepped into cool green interiors — they have real indoor plants and not plastics — flooded with sunlight streaming in through a glass roof. The restaurant was totally empty at lunch hour, except for the staff, who we found to be warm, well-trained and cordial. The maître d’ offered to give us a tour of the place until our orders (that were to be placed by self at the counter) arrived.
Right from the black box theatre at the ground level, two artsy conference rooms at the next level and the terrace garden, which also hosts several cultural programmes — we found that the space made ample use of light and greenery. “Actually, one of the owners, Anuradha (Parikh, architect and film-maker), has done all this,” said the maître d’ when we complimented the beautiful space.
It took barely 15 minutes for our orders to arrive. The Caesar salad (Rs 225) was fresh with the dressing just perfect. The Summer Roll (Rs 200) — a wrap made of maida (white flour) seasoned with herbs, and stuffed with grated fresh vegetables of which a generous portion consisted of carrots — was crunchy. Both the dishes served well to quench us in the summer heat. The Aglio Olio (Rs 250) was filling and was quite enough for two persons. The spice quotient was just right. The Port pizza (Rs 400) was a generous 12-inch and had dollops of mozzarella with arugula, jalapeno and olives. This was comfort food at its best. We decided that pizza is not junk food after all.
{{/usCountry}}It took barely 15 minutes for our orders to arrive. The Caesar salad (Rs 225) was fresh with the dressing just perfect. The Summer Roll (Rs 200) — a wrap made of maida (white flour) seasoned with herbs, and stuffed with grated fresh vegetables of which a generous portion consisted of carrots — was crunchy. Both the dishes served well to quench us in the summer heat. The Aglio Olio (Rs 250) was filling and was quite enough for two persons. The spice quotient was just right. The Port pizza (Rs 400) was a generous 12-inch and had dollops of mozzarella with arugula, jalapeno and olives. This was comfort food at its best. We decided that pizza is not junk food after all.
{{/usCountry}}For dessert, we tried Kouign-amann (Rs 90; pronounced kween ah-mon). The taste and texture of this was somewhere between a croissant and the pav — sweet overall but with tangible hints of salt. The liberal amounts of cherry stuffing were more than welcome. The Cold Brew coffee (Rs 100) complemented the dessert.
By the time we had to leave, a bunch of poetry lovers had gathered for an evening session. So, with art, all-inclusive billing, charming and quick service, quality as well as quantity food, and an impending liquor license, it looks like Port, if not already, is well on its way to become a popular hangout.
HT pays for all meals and reviews anonymously
WHAT: Port
RATING: 4 / 5
WHERE: G5A, Laxmi Mills Estate, Shakti Mills Lane, Mahalaxmi
WHEN: 10 am - 10 pm
COST: Rs 900 for two without alcohol
CALL: 24909393
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The author tweets @iamsusanjose