Say Hello To Mumbai’s Gigi  

Spanning an expansive 6000 sq.ft., Gigi is Bandra’s newest all-day ‘cocktail-forward bar’ that celebrates a fusion of Euro-Japanese cuisines. From classics to avant-garde, the food menu comprises delectable pairings like salmon and tuna ceviche, creamy truffle avocado maki, purple potato gnocchi, Japanese-style pizzas, ahi tuna nachos and blueberry cream cheese flatbread among others. With regard to the bar menu, expect a wide range of unique and well-made concoctions, including a  butter-washed whiskey sour and what might be one of the best picante’s in the city.    

Address: Next to Tim Hortons, Supreme Headquarters, Near Link Square Mall, 14th & 33rd Road, Linking Road, Bandra West. Tel: 08976943116 

Chef Prateek Sadhu Opens Naar In The Himalayas

We may have bid au revoir to Mumbai’s beloved Salt Water Café but Chef Gresham Fernandes (never left the building. He, under the Impresario Entertainment  & Hospitality group, has revamped the iconic spot to make it Bandra BornA cool space sitting within the skeleton of SWC, with graffiti-splattered walls and a whole lot of nostalgia thrown in—reminiscent of Bombay’s sexy F&B scene over a decade ago. Starting today, Bandra Born will open doors to patrons for a 12-week pop-up. 
 
Fernandes, who is arguably one the best meat maestros in the country, promises to churn out dishes packed with stories and flavours closest to his heart. Going by the orgasmic steaks and heavenly John Dorys that he served up at SWC, you know what’s coming your way. Steak knives at the ready. 

Naar opens in November, but reservations are open. 

Mumbai’s Bastian Has Also Re-Opened In An All- New Avatar 

Bastian is back with bang, in an all-new 2.0-esque avatar. Known for eye-catching interior add-ons like feather chandeliers, wicker furniture and other cosy accents, Bastian never ceases to impress, whether it’s your first time there or the tenth. Besides noshing on classics like the crab fried rice, vegan Thai curry bowl and Korean fried chicken; expect a host of new offerings on the menu such as the giant fortune cookie, in addition to a range of craft cocktails. Wipe it clean with a generous portion of caramelised brûlée and boba wobblies.  

Address: Kamal Building, B/1, New Linking Road, Next to Burger King, Bandra West. Tel: 022 50333555 

Maison Maya’s Beyond Brunch In Grand Hyatt, Gurgaon, Is A Culinary Haven 

Maison Maya, Delhi NCR’s popular traditional buffet dining spot, has now forayed into the brunching scene with its Sunday brunch that entails live interactive kitchens and dessert buffets.  Every dish is made-to-order à la minute, using only the freshest ingredients. So clean eaters, food lovers and everyone else, the Maison is calling and you must go.  

Address: Golf Course Road, Sector 58, Gurugram. Tel: 09289805743 

 Fat Lulu’s Introduces A Volley Of Exciting Specials  

Fat Lulu’s is a quaint picturesque pizzeria to celebrate Italian food fiesta over the weekend, if you’re in and around the capital. Known for delicacies like the chicken pesto pizza and the salami and sausage-stuffed soho pizza, it’s only fair if you forget to count those calories and bite into a slice of cheesy goodness every once in a while.  

Address: 11, First Floor, Khan Market, Rabindra Nagar, Delhi 110003 

Pune Gets A Plush New Tapas Bar Named Yakii  

Say hello to Yakii, a 160-seater tapas bar that boasts of live grills besides bestsellers like togarashi hummus and kunji lamb. Since it goes without saying that no good evening is complete without a well-made drink, we’d suggest ordering one of their signature Asian-inspired cocktails before calling it a day.   

Address: Behind Champion Sports (main road), Next to R Deccan Mall, Deccan Gymkhana, Opposite Indian Overseas Bank. Tel: 09146198800