ITP Indian Travel Places: Food, Travel, Tourism Business Events and Trade Shows
Address: Raheja Towers, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai Maharashtra India
Time: 12 Noon to 1 AM
Meals for two: Rs. 1,800
Cuisines: Italian
Facilities: Full Bar Available, Full Bar Available, Wifi, Free Wifi, Restricted Entry, Serves Cocktails, Outdoor Seating, Smoking Area, Valet Parking Available
I’ve done it again and again. Over the years, studied Italy by travelling on my belly through all its twenty regions with their varying cuisines. I call it “the butter equator” (it divides Italy in two) — one half uses more fat and butter and the other, more olive oil. And I love both halves. So when I heard that CinCin is serving up food from all parts of Italy, I was excited and landed with discerning gourmets. The gorgeous beauty with brains and a discerning palate, LA-based Manasvi Mamgai, (Femina Miss India 2010) and Bollywood actress is now Vice Chairperson of Republican Hindu Coalition in USA. Along with her is the lovely Pragya Jaiswal, the awardwinning Telugu actress. Passionate foodie, the young charmer Namrata Jaykrishna, food psychology graduate runs ‘nomratabynamrata’ food blog. Double masters Chemical engineer Aniket Parikh’s true passion lies in travel, food and photography. Our review follows.
CinCin, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai: Decor
Lemon trees, al fresco seating, an indoor-outdoor bar connects the two spaces. Beautiful dual toned arches, wood-fired Pizza oven, pasta bar, et al. Architect Shonan Trehan ensures that the soft voice of Italy resonates in this upbeat yet relaxed space.
CinCin, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai: Food
The menu bops around all regions of Italy. We begin with wine flights (tastings) in stemless glasses.
From the luxurious (Velvety melted Brie Cheese topped with fresh truffle shavings) to the basic (Pepperoni Pizza). Al dente Chitarra Cacio e Pepe Pasta with fresh truffle. Snowy, soft fresh Burrata, Confit enlivened with Capers. A study in succulence, Sous Vide Pork Belly and Avocado Crostini are worth trying. End with the traditional Tiramisu with its yummy homemade Savoiaridi biscuits.
CinCin, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai: Minus Points
Inconsistency marks some of the dishes. Chewy, overdone Calamari Fritti. Ditto for the Gamberi Catalana. Stodgy Gnocchi with classic basil pesto sauce. Desserts sadly lack the much-needed oomph and finesse. Bagna Cauda, saltimbocca missing.
CinCin, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai: My Point
I’m an animated, hypercaffeinated Italophile and am delighted that two brilliant young ladies (also Italophiles) have served up Italy in BKC. Kudos, Karyna Bajaj (Yauatcha and Hakkasan) and architect Shonan Trehan (Ministry of New, Grassroots in NYC).
Happy that it’s a vibrant, relaxed space and serves appetite-priming nibbles (Cicchetti) offered in the traditional Venetian Bacari (bar) but some need fine-tuning, especially the desserts. And a few more traditional dishes need to be added. Fun, playful, all-day dining space morphs into a lively, buzzing bar in the evening. CinCin!
