The only place in Mumbai with an interactive bar is named after a monkey. It's also a great place to unwind given the chaotic high stress world we live in. Bonobo is a hip place to eat, drink and dance.
Sitting out on the open air patio, it's hard to believe you're just two storeys above the chaos of Mumbai's suburban shopping area.
Bonobo is the city's only ‘interactive bar', where you can mix your own drinks with a lavish spread of spices, herbs and fresh fruits and spirits to choose from and a mixologist to help. You don't have to, of course; you can simply tell the bartender your preference and still have a drink to remember.
Their Jalapeno Olive Gherkin Martini is one I certainly won't forget. This tangy concoction has a spicy kick of Jalapeno that goes well with a mezzé platter of falafel and pita served with a selection of dips from the Mediterranean. The rich smooth humus and creamy white labneh(amix of feta and grated cucumber) is cool on the palate and balances the warmth of the falafel, which may be slightly dry without the dips.
Must try
For those with a taste for sweeter sips, the Midnight breakfast is a must-try. This creamy coffee concoction laced with hints of vanilla and a sprinkle of cinnamon is like dessert in a martini glass. If you you've saved space for a real dessert, there's tandoori fruits with kulfi for those who like novelty and for those who don't there's a delicious Kahlua Oreo cookie mousse cake.
For tequila aficionados Bonobo is a real treat with a delicious selection of flavoured tequilas to choose from. If you want something really strong there's “Balatkar”, their signature cocktail with 70 per cent alcohol content.
Their New Zealand lamb chops are a speciality but quite fattening. Still, the manager says there are many takers for this authentic Kiwi speciality.
At the other end of the spectrum, which will bring smiles to the weight watchers, are low calorie foods like salads and a chilli garlic linguini made calamari, prawn or chicken. Their roasted Bhavnagiri chilli filled with chevré cheese is another speciality.
Celeb watch
Bonobo is quite popular among the city's celebrities; so try your luck at celeb spotting if you're there on a Monday or Tuesday.
So if you're planning a visit to Mumbai and you want to do something fun, you may want to put Bonobo down on your list of places to mix, dance and eat at, a place where you can “let you inner Bonobo flourish” as they say at Bonobo.
Where It is
Bonobo restaurant and bar is at Kenilworth Phase 2, Second Floor, Off Linking Road, Bandra (W), Mumbai 400 050.
Ph: +91-22-26055050. E-mail: info@bonobo.co.in
