CIRQA Review: Many corners of Lower Parel have turn into undeniably engaging hubs for culinary fanatics within the metropolis. Vast areas occupied by Mumbai’s well-known mills in bygone instances are actually residence to fine-dining eating places, luxurious retail shops and different shocking institutions. The evolution of those localities is a testomony to the town’s nature to consistently change and renew its choices. We just lately visited the Todi Mills space of Lower Parel for the launch of an thrilling new cocktail bar known as CIRQA. In some methods, the bar itself is a mirrored image of the town’s multifaceted appeal. Read extra about our expertise under:

_{Photo Credit: Assad Dadan}

We began our night with Sakura’s Punch, an exquisite concoction of Tanqueray gin, Campari, and Grapefruit genmaicha shrub, topped with carbonated water. The cocktail is dry and citrusy, with subsequent to zero discernible sweetness. Sakura is the Japanese phrase generally used to seek advice from the world-famous cherry blossoms. But many people may even affiliate it with Sakura Haruno, the character from the Naruto manga and anime collection. Gaurav Suvarna, our mixologist for the night, additionally factors out the affiliation. Such hints of playfulness throughout the in any other case extremely subtle menu make us all of the extra curious to attempt extra of CIRQA’s creations.

_{L-R: Sakura’s Punch and Clear Colada. Photo Credit: Toshita Sahni}

CIRQA has a number of savoury cocktails on supply, whose quirky names and unconventional substances are certain to catch your consideration. For occasion, their ‘Breaking Bread‘ accommodates toasted bread, black garlic-washed vodka, tomato water and clarified lime. But we now have a gentle spot for puns and the one we determined to go for is ‘Shut The Duck Up.’ It’s made with duck fat-washed bourbon, orange and black pepper Cinzano Rosso discount, lavender tincture and citric answer. It’s an expertise in itself – with every ingredient managing to make its presence identified. Complex but satisfying, this drink was a pleasant discovery we might return for. Watch a part of its making under:

For these feeling much less experimental, CIRQA additionally has basic cocktails with their signature twist. The one we particularly liked was the Bombay Cosmopolis (hibiscus and cardamom-infused Grey Goose, with cranberry and lime, served with a Luxardo Maraschino cherry). The flavours appear acquainted sufficient, and but there’s the distinctive trace of the cardamom that manages to take you abruptly. We additionally preferred the Clear Colada, with plantation rum, caramelised pineapple, lime and clarified coconut milk. As we sipped, we had been transported to the tropics for a number of moments – far faraway from the hustle and bustle only a few metres away from us, outdoors this cosy haven.

_{Sweet Roots with Magaj Crema. Photo Credit: Toshita Sahni}

The meals menu includes a number of bar bites, small plates and huge plates. Indian, Asian and Continental substances are expertly reworked into elegant treats that match the complexity of the drinks. One might time period it “fusion,” however that label would not appear to do justice to such rigorously curated dishes. The Sweet Roots with Magaj Crema is a must-try. It consists of beetroot and carrot combined with a plum dressing and topped with crispy strands of potato salli. This is neither a chaat nor a salad, however a mix of the perfect components of the 2. Among the non-veg bites, do not miss the crumb-fried Millet and Duck Croquettes, that are crisp and flavourful.

_{Pumpkin Rillette. Photo Credit: Toshita Sahni}

We additionally advocate the Prawn Sesame Bites – by far, essentially the most ‘typical’ merchandise on the menu. We admit, we had been left craving one thing less complicated amid all these wealthy treats, and these shrimp appetisers had been the right answer. Indulging within the delicious Pumpkin Rillette with white onion soubise, seed granola and lavash, was a memorable a part of our night. Warm and nutty, this small plate comes with completely different layers of softness and crunch. Among the desserts, the Peanut Butter Sundae is bound to turn into a crowd favorite. The flavour mixture is reassuring and chances are you’ll end up simply dropping your self in its yumminess after a protracted day.

_{Photo Credit: Assad Dadan}

While the culinary creations of the bar are markedly modern, CIRQA’s decor exudes old-world appeal. The bar has two storeys, with the higher one designed to take you again to the great previous days of classic bars – extra particularly, to 1960. So put together to be swept away – in additional methods than one!

CIRQA is helmed by brothers Pankaj Gupta and Avinash Gupta (the duo who’re additionally behind Taftoon, Oye Kake, and Cafe Haqq Se), whereas entrepreneur Adele de Fontbrune serves because the Co-Founder and F&B Director. The bar programme is led by Louness Ducos and Agnieszka Rozenska, co-founders of Stories and Spirits, distinguished mixologists from France and Poland who are actually primarily based in Goa.

Where: Plot 126, Ground Floor, Mathuradas Mill Compound, Senapati Bapat Pawar Marg, reverse Zeba, Lower Parel, Mumbai.