B-103 restaurant- Mumbai

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Restaurant: B -103

Location: IC Colony, Borivli West, Mumbai

Recently I had been to B-103, the newly-opened pub and dining joint in western part of Mumbai. Here's my take on the place: 

Ambience: On the outside, B-103 looks like a place where intimate conversation begins over food and drink. But it was far from it. When I landed up at this newly opened restaurant on Valentine’s Day, this year, I was kind of curious about its railway station-like appeal, the reality of everyday Mumbai life. Thanks to its neon-lit signboard on a rickety lamp-post and its brick-lined exterior, the place did resemble a quaint little platform in a distant suburb.

However, as I stepped into the dimly-lit pub inside with my friend, we found it to be like a ‘cacophony’ box. It was only 7:30 pm but the restaurant was reverberating with deafening music played from the item numbers, Bollywood, mainly. We almost had to holler across the table to attempt any conversation. Repeated requests to the manager to lower down the volume fell on deaf ears.

There is a pub and a dining place, further inside. The pub has a very regular décor, with normal chairs and tables strewn across the area and a drinking place with glasses and liquor bottles. On the sides there are benches and tables. The dining place inside has a claustrophobic air, with no windows. Sofas, chairs and tables are placed all around in an orderly fashion.

Food: To start with, we ordered two glasses of Planter Punch prepared with orange juice, pineapple juice, topped with Rum. We found the presentation to be slightly tacky with just a sipper over it and a dry piece of lemon floated across. Also, it was not served in a highball glass. Nor was the drink poured over ice. The cocktail tasted a bit too tangy and bitter.

Soon enough the manager noticed our ‘exasperated’ expressions and politely told us to move to the dining section inside. And it was at least quiet there. Finally, we could start a conversation. The main course turned out to be pretty delicious.

Since it was Shivratri too, we stuck to vegetarian fare. We ordered ‘Veg Paprika’- assorted veggies tossed with paprika sauce served with pepper rice and mashed potato. And there was Gaewn Kiew Phak- Thai Green Curry vegetables with rice. Veg Paprika did have fresh exotic vegetables and the right ingredients in its sauce. Thai Green Curry too had the right amount of freshness and tanginess of kafir lime leaves and sweet, herbal taste provided by the other thai ingredients. We quite enjoyed the meal.

Overall Experience: Despite the noise, the waiters were prompt, friendly and the food was good. The restaurant must improve on its drink. The price is not too steep. Also, this could be now certainly counted as a decent food joint in IC Colony, Borivli West.

ENDS