Cafe Zoe, Mumbai (Rs. 650 per person)

Café Zoe lived up to all the expectations I had. The cosy interior, the inviting couches and the soft music set the mood for a lovely afternoon with my book. The coffee was hot, and the sandwich fresh. The only thing I couldn’t do was curl up in a public place. There is a variety of dishes you can choose from, ranging from soups (Rs.150 – 210), salads (Rs.150 – 210) and sandwiches (Rs.250), to vegetable, meat and sea food mains (Rs.250 – 550). They also have a host of breakfast options, but most dishes are in favour of non-vegetarians. There are all the usual beverages too– coffees, teas and a well-stocked bar. If the prices seem a bit steep, the café ambience and the solitude the place offers, more than makes up for it. Since the café is located in a mill premise, the ceiling is really high with natural light filtering through the glass in the ceiling, transporting diners to any foreign location they would like to get away to from the Mumbai humdrum. The food, though simple, was delicious. The cucumber and cream cheese sandwich that I had requested for was served on a bagel that was toasted to perfection; the ingredients were fresh and the seasoning perfect. The fries were crunchy and the dip creamy. The chocolate chip cookie, banana-walnut muffin and hazelnut cheesecake had my friend licking her fingers and the plate. The well-trained staff was prompt when service was required, and only hung around on the periphery, not seeming overbearing when not required. It is a café surely worth a visit when you want to get away to London, Paris or New York for a few hours!
Todi Mathuradas Mill Compound, 126 N M Joshi Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai 400013

Volume 1 Issue 11