“First we eat, then we do everything else.” – M.F.K. Fisher.
As Mr. Fisher has rightly said, food is something that not only provides nutrition but connects people of different races. Food has the all-powerful ability to bring even foes together to enjoy a simple meal. As a wise man once said- “When one is hungry, even plain bread and milk can beat the fanciest feasts.” Well, if you already haven’t guessed, I am an epicure i.e lover of good food and one of my all-time favourite restaurants is Le Café situated in the Jewel of Chembur.
Le Café is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience. The moment you step in, you’re enveloped in a warm, inviting ambience, thanks to the beautiful wooden furniture that lends a rustic charm. At noon, bright light fills the room with cosiness and comfort. From comfy armchairs to high chairs to couches, the ambience. The staff’s genuine warmth and efficiency only enhance the overall delightful experience.
Cosy ambience
A Mac and Cheese Extravaganza; Currently in the throes of a Mac and Cheese festival, Le Café is a haven for cheese lovers.
Our culinary journey began with the Crispy Potato Skins with Tangy Mayo Dip, a classic of Le Café. A perfect appetizer, the skins were golden brown and delightfully crunchy with the perfect amount of spice which gave an extra kick. It was served with a tangy mayo dip whose creaminess gave the perfect balance to the crispy skins.
The next dish is not one that many people order and is not on the must-try list
either but for me, this dish is a complete game-changer. It is the Baked Stuffed Mushrooms. This is the ultimate entrée for those who like mushrooms, cheese and lots of parsley. The soft and chewy mushrooms with melted cheese under them are topped with sauteed garlicky parsley and one bite is just not enough. This dish makes you keep craving it and going back to eat. I guarantee that upon tasting this, it will become your regular order too.
The star of the show, however, was the Truffle Mac and Cheese. As part of the festival, this dish was a must-try. The subtle earthiness of the truffle oil elevated the creamy, cheesy goodness to new heights. I am not a big fan of dishes with too much cheese and I have to admit, I was sceptical of this dish. But it proved me wrong. This dish was more deep than just boiled pasta and a clump of cheese, every bite was buttery with just the perfect amount of cheese. Every bite left me wanting more.
For the main course, we opted for the Prawns in Paprika Sauce served with rice.
The prawns were cooked to perfection, juicy and tender. The paprika sauce was a burst of flavour, with a subtle spice that complemented the sweetness of the prawns. As a seafood aficionado, this dish is just right for my palate. It has the perfect amount of spice without being too hot and the herbed rice was the best accompaniment.
A Sweet Finale
We couldn’t resist ending our meal on a sweet note with the Gooey Rich Ganache Cake. Decadent and rich, the cake was every chocoholic’s dream. The ganache was smooth and velvety, and the cake itself was moist and flavourful. It comes with a coffee coulis which cuts through the decadent cake. If you come to Le Café and don’t end your meal with this, then you are clearly missing out on a lot.
From parties with friends to get-togethers with family, this restaurant caters to everyone’s needs. The rates are pretty reasonable considering the quality and quantity. Overall, this restaurant is definitely one of the hidden gems of Mumbai and a must-visit for every connoisseur of food.
