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Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Café by the Beach - Sun, Sand and Mumbai !



In Mumbai, what do you think of doing when the monsoons hit the city? Well you hit the road and head straight to Marine drive. That’s what we did last weekend when the first real rains hit the city of dreams. We packed ourselves in a car and off we went slowly manoeuvering our way through the heavy downpour. It being a Saturday didn’t help as like us the whole city wanted to enjoy the rains at the queen’s necklace. We finally reached the beach and the sea was roaringly beautiful what with the huge waves. We couldn’t get down from the car as that meant being completely drenched in a matter of seconds so we thought we would go to this place called ‘Café by the Beach’ which was near Girgaum chowpatty.

We parked the car opposite the café and the valet came running with umbrellas and escorted us inside. None of us had been to the place before. Café by the beach is this wonderful beach side shack, like the ones you find in Goa. That was a pleasant surprise. The place was so breezy that you would just feel lost in awe of the Arabian Sea. It’s dimly lit with yellow lights and leaves protruding from the pillars. The flooring is of natural sand which gives makes you feel you are on the beach and not in the restaurant. The waiters are all in Hawaii shirts and comfortable capris. The tables and chairs were made of wood with candles and artificial lighting on it. The tables towards the sea carry a cover charge of Rs 500 per person (which, with the benefit of hindsight, I feel is a throw away), whereas the tables in the centre do not carry any cover charge. For those looking for a little privacy can book a Shamiana which carries a cover of Rs 3000 (flat) irrespective of the number of heads. After racking on our brains as to where we should sit, we finally found ourselves on a cosy table in the centre.

The menu was divided into two separate booklets, but neither of them was an exclusive drinks menu. And the only disappointment is that they do not serve any hard drinks. So for those who were thinking of spending a totally Goa styled Sunday will have to make do with juices and shakes. The menu was pretty much continental and Italian with a variety of drinks. The place opens at 8am so there were cereals, cornflakes, eggs, tea, coffee and the likes. We ordered a ‘mezze platter’ and ‘nachos’ along with our beverages. The choco tsunami (a milk based drink) is a must have. The drinks came soon so we took them towards the sea and stood there enjoying the mesmerizing view of the queen’s necklace. We had left our shoes at the table so the wet sand felt like heaven coupled with the drizzle and breeze.
The food arrived soon thereafter and the occupied almost the entire table as the mezze platter comprises of 7-8 quarter plates of salads, dry fruits, pita, humus, cheese, etc. The bowl of nachos was at least 3 inches high. It comes with sour cream, schezwan sauce and a mint sauce. Everything was very tasty and filling. The garlic bread is also a must have. We were so full that we couldn’t go in for main course or dessert. The crepes (which I have had another time) are also really yum. We again lazed around the solo swing towards the sea before ordering for the check. The prices were all inclusive as mentioned in the menu plus a 10% service charge (but no service tax on that J).
The overall experience was one of a kind as one didn’t feel like leaving. We felt like we were in Goa, away from the hustle bustle of the city but we were right there overlooking marine drive. One should definitely go in the evening to Café by the Beach to experience some wonderful time at the beach. Average bill for two would by around Rs 1200 but it is totally worth it.
You can reach CBTB at Cafe by theBeach @ Facebook

4 comments:

  1. Seems gr8...im definitely going 2 dis place...

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    Replies
    1. it sure is.. i can be good company (jus in case ) :p

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    2. Ill keep dat in mind ;)

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  2. Was awesome ! I was there too ! Must visit !

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