After days of sticky, humid weather, the cooling monsoons are finally here in Mumbai, providing some respite from the heat. Despite the crowds and the slush, the city can be beautiful in the rains, as long as you know where to catch it. Nadezna Siganporia digs out the best places to experience Mumbai’s monsoons minus the muck.
Where: Dome
Why: Located on the 8th floor, Dome is an open air lounge and terrace restaurant. The chic white decor and a beautiful view of Marine Drive add to the relaxing experience. During the monsoons, the terrace is protected from the rains, offering guests chance to sip on a cocktail and enjoy the view.
Try: Their sushi and sashimi platters.
The InterContinental Marine Drive, 135 Marine Drive; Mumbai (+91 22 3987 9999; www.ichotelsgroup.com) Open from 5:30 pm to 1:30 am, reservations up till 8:30 pm;
Where: Fratelli Fresh and Lake View Café
Why: What both Fratelli Fresh and Lake View Café have to offer besides mouth-watering food, is a wonderful view of Powai Lake. You can satisfy your desire for silky smooth pasta and traditional Italian wine at Fratelli Fresh, a fine-dining Italian restaurant or tuck into delicacies from across the globe at Lake View Cafe.
Try: At Fratelli Fresh try the Tagliatelle al Salmone Affumicato (homemade pasta with cream and smoked salmon) and at Lake View Cafe sample their selection of burgers; they have vegetarian, beef, chicken and fish versions.
Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel, Powai (+91 22 6692 7777; www.marriott.com) Fratelli Fresh is open from 7 pm to 11 pm and Lake View Cafe from 12:30-3 pm and 7 pm to 12 am
Where: Gadda da Vida
Why: Watching the sun set over Juhu beach from Gadda da Vida is an absolute treat for the eyes, especially from its alfresco space. Named after a song by Iron Butterfly, the indoor area has dark walls and splashes of red, silver and beige and a rectangular bar that faces the pool. Music is a mix of techno, club and jazz.
Try: The lounge has an expansive selection of spirits, cocktails, coffees and teas. Give their Smoked Snapper Shashlik a try and wash it down with a super-strong Mai Tai. Don’t forget to make use of their ‘Happy Hours’ from 4 to 8 pm.
Hotel Novotel, Balraj Sahani Marg, Juhu (+91 22 6693 4444; www.novotel.com) Open from 1:30 pm to 1:30am
Where: Sea Lounge
Why: For old-world charm, head to Sea Lounge at The Taj Mahal Palace; it has been a favourite for decades. The interiors are chic and sophisticated, and offer sprawling views of the ocean. Enjoy the rainy weather with an evening of live jazz (from 8pm to midnight).
Try: Try the Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee and Smoked Turkey and Gruyère Melt Baguette with Cranberry Compote and Mustard Mayo. Don’t miss out on the High Tea Buffet from 4 to 7 pm which includes hot nibbles, dim sum, kebabs, scones and pastries.
The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, Apollo Bunder (+91 22 6665 3366; www.tajhotels.com) Open from 7 am to 11:45 pm
Where: Bay View
Why: Located next door to Cafe Marina, Bay View restaurant offers spectacular views of the harbour in a setting that is more easy-going, young and fun. Tucked away on the rooftop of Hotel Harbour View, Bay View’s simple charm and open views of the sky, the roads and the sea make it perfect especially for the monsoons.
Try: The restaurant serves beer and wine, along with Indian, Chinese and Tandoor dishes. Their selection of kebabs are delectable, but the full menu is only available after 6 pm..
Hotel Harbour View, P-25, Ramchandani Marg, Opposite the Radio Club, Colaba (+91 022 2282 1089; www.viewhotelsinc.com) Open from 7 am to 12 am
Where: Corniche
Why: One of the biggest draws of Corniche is its location. Offering the most beautiful sea-view from Carter Road, this multi-cuisine restaurant has a wide selection of Italian and Mediterranean food with a few Indian and Southeast Asian dishes thrown into the mix. White and ocean blue dominate the space adding to the breezy feel of the restaurant. With the view, decor, food and safe selection of beer, wine, spirits and cocktails, Corniche keeps it subtly stylish and is a great way to experience Mumbai’s monsoons.
Try: The seafood here is a must. Try the chilli garlic prawns with wasabi followed by the chef recommended Tamarind Marinated Grilled Basa.
Corniche, B-15, Gagangiri CHS, Next to Cafe Coffee Day, Carter Road, Bandra West (+91 22 2646 0147) Open from 11 am to 12:30 am
Where: Gallops
Why: It couldn’t get better than looking out on to the race course while feasting on Indian and Continental cuisine sitting in the midst of lush greenery. That’s what Gallops gives you. And the rustic interiors and open, peaceful surroundings are a hard combination to beat, especially in Mumbai.
Try: Try the Mexican fried chicken or Prawns Thermidor.
Gallops, Mahalaxmi Race Course, Keshavrao Khadye Marg. Mumbai (+91 22 2307 1448) Open from 12 pm to 12 am
Where: Aurus
Why: A beachfront property, the party vibe and delicious food makes Aurus a favourite among the hipsters in the area. Canopies and glass sheets will shield the outdoor deck from the rains so you can sit back, relax with a glass of wine and soak up the view.
Try: Try the Soufflé Stuffed with Mushrooms, Jamaican Chicken or King Prawns with Wasabi foam.
Aurus, Nichani Kutir, Juhu Tara Road, Juhu, Mumbai (+91 22 6710 6666) Open from 7:30 pm to 12:30 am
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ALSO SEE: /city/mumbai http://www.cntraveller.in/content/day-bandra-poorna-jagannathan
