Now, I did not anticipate spending three hours at the cafe. It was a work night and the promise of sleep lingered on my mind. But Damien Hirst’s painting from the 2021 Cherry Blossoms series had me captivated as did the lovely folded paper ceiling lights that crowned the bar. Then there’s this other nook with books, some foliage and a whole lot of cheer that seems to be seeping in through the walls. As me and my companion (read: date) surveyed the place for a place to sit, we zeroed in on the rooftop balcony (like true Mumbai residents) and settled with our popcorn negronis. The negroni was familiar but with a satisfying salty undertone offered by the popcorn.
First up was Arts Cafe Naan: Baba Ghanoush, Hummus Avocado and Labneh — comforting, familiar and polished off as quickly as it arrived. I never could have imagined enjoying carrots and parsnips, but with the addition of dates, walnuts, curry leaves with chili dressing and whipped tofu changed my mind about root vegetables. I convinced my carnivore counterpart to give it a shot who unwillingly obliged, but thanked me soon enough. It was plated much like a work of art, tasted even better than it looked and the unexpected flavours and ingredients made great fodder for conversations.
Before we could look up from our empty plates, entered a Capresse Pizza alongside another with pepperoni and red peppers. The pepperoni made the carnivore happy, while I wondered if the Capresse could hold its own. But nothing can beat the basics when done right — fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes and aromatic basil — a match made in heaven. But the pepperoni too, with the heat of chillis cutting through the rich fatty meat, had found just the right balance of spice and savoury, with its soft pillowy yet hearty bread encasing the hearty goodness.
