Tag Archives: mumbai

Thirsty City 127 opens bar in the city from the prohibition era

REMO offers a drinking experience of bygone prohibition era.


Prohibition era is just a memory but the thrill of the forbidden fruit still has its very own magic. Bringing back an era of subterfuge and smokescreens is a speakeasy Remo, an overground bar named and modelled on the original, where Remo returns with his magical potions of flavours, herbs, botanicals and alcohol. Mixes and con-coctions he had gathered in his wide spread travels across the world.

Its not going to be easy to find Remo. You’ll need friends in “high places” because entry is by invitation only. Secret knocks and frequently changed passwords will keep in regulars and block out all CI’s eyes and snitchers.

It was the gravest of times right in the middle of the darkest era in t he city’s history. Prohibition was in full force in Bombay Presidency, and it’s capital, the feisty big little port city of Bombay bore the brunt of this the worst. Unable to control the menace with just the corrupt police forces, who were generally sympathetic to the cause of the tipplers, the administration engaged private militias of moral police who cracked down on the remaining revellers with puritanical fury.

A pall of gloom had descended upon this beautiful town by the ‘Bay’. But as we know, the night is always darkest before the dawn. And it is at this point of the story, we present our protagonist, the swashbuckling hero, who saves the day.

Remo grew up in Cuncolim in Portuguese Goa, the independent territory to the south of Bombay Presidency, where the days were easy, the living was good and the evenings were merry. Still, Remo dreamed of a more glamorous life and he set out to make his fortune and see the world. He left Cuncolim, to work on board a cargo ship, and he travelled all over the world, especially the Orient. There he discovered the dark arts of combining flavours and liquors and making exotic, magical potions that lit up the night.

Remo’s adventures eventually brought him to Bombay, and he was booked by the beguiling charms of the deacadent denizens of the city. He got a job as a supervisor in the loading depot of a cloth mill. Remo led a dual life. In the day he toiled hard at the mill. But at night he cleaned up well and became a part of the social set that mattered.

And then Prohibition was declared! The night that previously never ended, now just never happened. The days wore on, and misery reeked from the very pores of this classically beautiful Art Deco city.

No, this isn’t your regular, cookie cutter fairytale. Our hero wasn’t blonde, and he didn’t ride a white horse. Our hero’s handsome face was a burnished brown and he rode into town on a large coastal barge! Remo had thought through it all – the barge had ostensibly taken exports of bolts of cloth to Goa, but it was the secret cargo under the hold on its return that was the cunning plan. Bottles upon bottles of desperately needed alcohol, and also, herbs, fruits, botanicals – all kinds of exciting ingredients.

There is the open storage yard, on the roof of the mill, Remo set it up under the stars – hidden, yet quite in the plain sight – the most daring speakeasy bar. He dug deep into the reservoirs of his memories and recreated all the magical potions he had encountered on the travels. Remo’s was truly a go-send for the Thirsty of the City, and they left their sea-side mansions, and travelled deep into its innards, to an neighbourhood they never had been to, and sat under the stars, and restarted the night.

Invincible – Boudoir et Jardin – Mumbai’s First Boudoir resto-lounge opens in Bandra

The last decade has witnessed a turn of events, where women have come across bold and indomitable, who are in leading positions across the world. To only celebrate this change in our society, the bustling city of Mumbai will now witness the launch of a brand new resto-lounge Invincible -Boudoir et Jardin. Keeping true to its French roots and the term “boudoir” which translates to a private room for ladies, this resto-lounge offers an intimate and a lavish space to all the women out there!

Keeping the concept of a boudoir in mind, the owners, Anu Paul and Basab Paul have decided to bring a little of Parisian-inspired culture to Mumbai, by showcasing red-velvet backgrounds, gilded mirrors and antiques that boast the ever-lasting art and culture of France. The centre of attraction remains the wall painted in hues of blue and bright colours that signify a woman in her truest form, unbridled and unconquerable. Invincible- Boudoir et Jardin, chooses to be the place where a woman has the chance to be herself, simply be unapologetic of who she is.

Along with simply offering an indoor seating, Invincible- Boudoir et Jardin also boats a unique Champagne Garden for all the women who want to let down their hair and relax in this beautifully decorated space. Here, one can witness eloquently designed cabanas with, an exotic vertical garden that pleases the eye. This Champagne Garden is perfect for pre-dinners, drinks and even for Sundowners. “This concept has been on my mind for a while now. I wanted to create a space for women, where they can dominate and conquer. The optimal part about this place is, that all of our chefs, mixologist, stylist and supporting staff comprise of women, truly giving a voice to all the women out there. The idea is to make this resto-lounge a place where we make sure that women have a great time” says Basab Paul, Owner, Invincible. The very chic and feminine vibe of the boudoir, also translates into the menu, where the chefs- Shweta and Sunaeyaa showcase a bold and distinctive flair of various curated dishes. Further lined with beautiful rose gold foil, and printed in pleasing colours. The menu includes incredible cuisines such as Pan-Asian and European cuisine, a few of the highlights are dishes such as ‘Peanut Melange’, ‘Double Jeopardy’, ‘Pandan Infused Seafood Cake’, ‘Sous vide Pork Chilli’, ‘Roti Kanai with Seafood Kedgeree’, ‘Bailey’s parfait’ and ‘Tiramisu’, with an additional keto-menu.

Similar to the food menu, their drink menu curated by Mariki Sayles is lined up with ‘Limited Releases’, offering exotic mixtures such as ‘C’est la vie’ and ‘Str bck’ for when you want to go bold and experiment, ‘The comfort zone’, lists their home team of cocktails like the ‘Cosmopolitan’ and ‘Mojito’, ‘Up all night’ with  a series of ‘Perk-me-up’ and ‘No-regrets’ shots and ‘Early morning meeting’ when you’re trying to go through the day, sober, or just want to be in-check with reality. This resto-lounge, will also be introducing their bespoke edition of vodka called the ‘Invincible Vodka’.

Gifting Mumbai, this boudoir space, ‘Invincible- Boudoir et Jardin’ is now ready to conquer soft hearts and bold minds, opening this space for women and couples.

SHOR- Modern Indian Restaurant and Quarter Bar

Exactly opposite Santacruz police station is the two month old SHOR. It has a stylish ambience with rustic touches to make it warm and friendly and has a seating capacity of close to 45 people. The bar was well stocked with a wide range of cocktails and mocktails. Chota Bheem is their signature drink. Whisky, Kalakhatta, Chaat masala used in preparation of this drink.

For music there as the in-house system with a live DJ station and Karaoke after 10 P.m. This place has Bollywood nights every Thursday and also a Karaoke night once during the week. They do have valet parking service. Cheese and garlic naan bomb starter is a must try. Tiny naan discs served as starter with cheese and garlic stuffing had the right flavours. With dishes inspired from the western coast, the menu not only includes the names of the dishes, but also the place they are inspired from. Signatures include Khakhra from Gujarat, Tadka Hummus from South India, Amritsari Fish from Mangalore and Prawns Koliwada from Mumbai, find your tastebuds, taking a ride along the coast too. The grill section, includes the basics like, Cheese Seekh, Achari Aloo, Fish Tikka and Masala Prawns. The nouveau main course section has dishes like, Truffle Oil and Okra Khichadi, Chicken Gassi, and Goan Fish Curry and Rice. SHOR promises you endless stories and binging sessions over the course of its journey. With a menu that is carefully hand-picked and curated which is juxtaposed with music, this place is sure to win your heart.