Restaurant Review: Shivaji Park marks probably the most frequented and talked-about neighbourhoods of Dadar West. Despite its recognition and crowds, the locality boasted solely only a few high-quality eating eating places – till a couple of months in the past. The Kohinoor Square complicated has developed right into a culinary haven, now housing a number of well-known manufacturers together with different distinctive institutions. And one of many latest and buzziest post-monsoon openings there was Coast & Bloom. We just lately had the chance to dine right here and uncover its novelties for ourselves.

At the helm of Coast & Bloom is Mitra Walke, whose household can be behind the favored consuming joints Chaitanya and Nav-Chaitanya. These two institutions have been round because the 90s, and the Walke household’s latest providing is a step up in additional methods than one. Enter by the doorways and you will be whisked away to an area that feels far, far-off from the hustle-bustle of Shivaji Park and Dadar. The impact is rapid: you realise that is an aesthetic and gastronomic escape. The 110-seater restaurant is adorned with suspended cloth set up, wooden-beamed and soft-textured ceilings, hand-stitched jute chandeliers, and stone-textured partitions. We are instructed that these have been handmade by coastal artisans, highlighting heritage even within the midst of such sophistication. As we will uncover, this steadiness can be mirrored within the menu.

Photo Credit: Coast & Bloom, Mumbai

The meals is an ode to the riches of the ocean, “from the shores of Konkan to California and from Malabar to Amalfi”. Yes, it’s a haven for seafood lovers, however it’s so rather more. Mitra Walke explains how his concept was to retain the essence of home-style cooking and sturdy flavours whereas profiting from the most effective international strategies and substances. Regional Indian favourites and unique worldwide creations are thus given equal significance right here.

We first ordered the vegetarian Mulligatawny Soup enriched with lentils, coconut milk, coriander and spices. It was a soothing and healthful begin to our meal. We felt immediately rejuvenated and able to deal with the feast forward. We additionally preferred the Coastal Banga broth. Be warned, this comes full of warmth. The explicit consistency and spiciness of the dish reminded us extra of a Malvani hen curry than a soup. But it was scrumptious both approach.

Turn to the pages of the menu after soups and salad, and you may realise the sheer vastness of coastal delights on provide. One facet covers each vegetarian and hen choices. The subsequent is reserved for “seaside savouries,” starting from Xacuti fish rolls and Tandoori fish to Oysters Rockefeller and Louisiana crab desserts. While curating the menu, Mitra clarified that the approximate division was 60% seafood, 25-30% vegetarian fare and the remaining, hen/ meat. This is a mirrored image of the dietary sample of many sections of the inhabitants in coastal states, he tells us.

Photo Credit: Coast & Bloom, Mumbai

We had been intrigued by the point out of the Crab Kakkori: a young and mildly spiced seekh kebab made from crab meat. This ‘crab kebab’ turned out to be the most effective dish we tasted that night. We have not stopped speaking about it since! As we dug into the succulent and juicy meat, we mentally tipped our hats to the chef’s prowess in protecting the meat intact on skewers within the first place. The kakkori spices had been splendidly balanced and the trio of sides – a tacky butter dip, masala pyaaz and mashed kiwi launched us to delicious new flavour mixtures. Make word, it is a deal with price returning for.

We additionally extremely advocate the Trio Of Prawns, particularly should you’re a desk of 3-4. Simply put, it is a prawn lover’s dream on a (big) plate. It consists of three totally different prawn starters – every highlighting not simply distinctive flavours but additionally particular cooking strategies. The first is a basic: Japanese-style tempura-coated prawns. They are crisp and light-weight, offering a welcome break from robust flavours. Next up, the Aglio Olio Peperoncino consists of cooked prawns infused with garlic and olive positioned on bruschetta-style bread slices. Recall that we referred to as this a dreamy order. So do not count on simply two or three items on the bread – image slices loaded with prawns to the purpose of overflowing. The third appetiser – Kondapur Coconut crisp, is formed like an inverted cone, with the tail protruding from the apex. This was a singular and lip-smacking delicacy we hadn’t tried earlier than.

If you are in search of a veg starter, we advocate the Spanakopitas. These delicately crisp Greek parcels enclose a stuffing of purple spinach and feta, with a melt-in-the-mouth consistency. Although the emphasis is on seafood, the restaurant has ensured that vegetarians do not simply have first rate, however delectable choices to select from.

Photo Credit: Coast & Bloom, Mumbai

Coast & Bloom now has a full bar and a spread of fascinating cocktails on the menu. During our go to, we additionally tried some refreshing mocktails. For a desi deal with, we advocate the delights of Ratamba (a concoction of kokum syrup and cranberry juice, with a touch of rock salt). For a unique sort of tropical vibe, go together with Panda Panda (that includes pandan syrup, cranberry juice, gooseberry syrup and soda).

A considerate steadiness of decisions is mirrored in the principle course part of the menu. There are conventional staples from most coastal states of the nation, a number of Asian favourites, and a tempting choice of European and Continental delicacies. A separate menu of signature dishes has extra choices celebrating a specific sort of seafood comparable to white pomfret, lobster, Norwegian salmon and others.

Photo Credit: Coast & Bloom, Mumbai

If you are within the temper for locating regional Indian delicacies, go for mains such because the Kolambi Khichdi or the Motla – each an ode to the richness of Konkan delicacies. If you need to play it protected, you can’t go mistaken with the Malabar fish curry right here. The slight tanginess of the curry was excellent, as was the fluffy softness of the appams it was served with. The white pomfret was cooked to perfection and complemented the general flavours significantly properly.

Photo Credit: Coast & Bloom, Mumbai

Coast & Bloom impressed us with not solely the number of dishes on provide but additionally the talent and thoughtfulness with which every was crafted. The coast is really a treasure trove of prospects, and the restaurant showcases the most effective of its jewels – with out forgetting its roots.

Where: Second Floor, Kohinoor Square, Dadar – W, N C. Kelkar Marg, Shivaji Park, Mumbai.