Dine out in style

The chill factor

Is it a nightclub, a restaurant or a music production studio? Or a record label and music library? It’s The Blue Frog; which means it’s all of the above rolled into one uber-cool chill zone, located in what was once a mill. Mumbai nightlife’s newest destination is as eclectic and funky as the eight people who own it: a couple of musicians in Ashutosh Phatak and Dhruv Ghanekar; two ad-film-makers, Mahesh Mathai and Srila Chatterjee; MBA-boy Rishad Nathani; ex-investment banker Simran Mulchandani; and last but certainly not least, restaurateurs Rahul and Malini Akerkar.

If that isn’t enough of an endorsement for you to get your tush into The Blue Frog now, hear this: this 6,000 sq. ft chilled-out fiesta serves some of the meanest cocktails this side of the Suez, and we recommend highly, what else but, The Blue Frog (with kaffir lime leaves, Blue Curacao, lemon and vodka) and the Mahiki Treasure Chest (spiced rum, Bacardi Carta Blanca, brandy, champagne, peach liqueur and lime juice).

The food, too, is superb, with German Pork Ribs to die for and a succulent Rawas Fillet steamed with galangal and lemon grass.     

One of the best bits is the music. No Bollywood or dodgy ‘trance’ stuff here. It’s live bands only. The ambience inside The Blue Frog is unlike any other, and the best way to make it known is to ask you to just take yourself down there.

The blue frog Where: D/2 Mathuradas Mills Compound, N.M. Joshi Marg, Mumbai Contact: 022-40332300 The price you pay: Rs 4,000 for two Open from: 7.30 p.m.-1 a.m.

Must try

The Blue Frog (with kaffir lime leaves, Blue Curacao, lemon and vodka) and the Mahiki Treasure Chest. Also German Pork Ribs.

The chill factor

A year after launching in Mumbai, Hard Rock Cafe (HRC) has opened its doors in India’s IT capital, giving Bangalore’s swish set yet another option for their Saturday evenings. Located in the heart of the city’s business district, Hard Rock Cafe has quickly muscled its way onto the top of a very crowded nightclub list in the city. HRC Bangalore is housed in a high-roof stone building on St Marks Road, a stone’s throwaway from Koshy’s—a city landmark. 

Replacing a popular Barista outlet and 1912 (a sober lounge bar) Hard Rock Cafe has opened in Bangalore with all the expected bells and whistles, including music memorabilia and an in-house store, to vend the full complement of clothes, caps and other accessories associated with the brand.

Hard rock life Where: 40 St Marks Road, Bangalore Contact: 080-41242222 The price you pay: Rs 2,500 for two Open from: 12 noon-11.30 p.m.

However, like other outlets across the globe, it’s the very American food (burgers and chicken wings, for example) and extensive beverage menu that has people lining up outside its door. This outlet is spread across 9,000 sq. ft with a 100-seat dining area and great music to boot. Go there for potent cocktails, especially the Long Island Ice Tea and some succulent chicken wings, while veggies can have starters like the Spring Roll.

Must try

Santa Fe Spring Rolls, Long Island Ice Tea and some other potent cocktails. They go well with chicken wings.

The chill factor

If you don’t feel like partying and are still craving for good food, wine and a live jazz fusion band, head straight to 24/7.

The round-the-clock restaurant-cum-bar serves a wide variety of delicious and mouth-watering cuisines like Scottish Smoked Salmon, Rocket Salad or exotic soups like Lobster Bisque flavoured with Courvoisier and Mushroom Cappuccion with Paprika Straw.

You can team up Char Grilled New Zealand Lamb Loin with a Bordeaux wine or a Shrimp Scampi pizza with New World Merlot wine. If still undecided, 24/7’s French Sommelier Charles Donnadieu is there to help you select from the cellar's huge collection of 1,200 wines. Need a change of music? Not a problem.

24/7 Where: Intercontinental The Grand, CP, New Delhi. Contact: 011-44447777 The price you pay: Rs 5,000 plus taxes for two Open from: 24 hours

There is a DJ who plays till 4 a.m. The signature cocktails are a musttry before you get on to the dance floor. Do try the Strangler (chilli-infused vodka with mango juice) if you are a brave-heart, or experiment with the Berry Spicy or Hula Girl. On Sundays, the chef’s signature buffet includes ‘Sunday Champagne Brunch’ and if you are a family man then there is a special ‘Kids’ Sunday Brunch as well.

Must try

Ura Maki of flying fish roe, avocado, salmon and crab meat stick, assorted sashimi platter (20 pieces): salmon, scallop, snapper and squid.