30-Second takeaway: Slink and Bardot is one of Mumbai’s hippest spots, situated in a somewhat run-down neighbourhood in a building oozing atmosphere. There’s modern French food, served in small plates, classy cocktails and a whole lot of beautiful people. Go here for date nights or fun evening with the gang. It’s good value for money as well.
Concept: Slink and Bardot has a determined duality about it. The setting is quintessential Mumbai and the food is French or, rather, Parisian. The attitude is a clever blend of style and comfort, enticing diners to relax and live it up at the same time.
Location & Setting: The edge of a koliwada, a fishing village, is not where you might expect a cool restaurant to be. But that’s where Slink and Bardot is and that’s part of its cachet. A long corridor leads to the bar and on to a series of dining rooms, an intimate lounge, a warm space with a large community table and an outer area. The peppermint-hued walls, chequered floors, carefully chosen wall art, all come together to create a retro feel that’s utterly delightful.
Food: In India, French food hasn’t been that easy to sell, even to the most discerning diner. Look at the number of restaurants serving the cuisine when compared, say, to Italian places. So, Slink and Bardot makes a bold leap and succeeds. The reason its food has been so well received lies in the approach Chef Alexis Gielbaum takes. He brings the finest French techniques to the table, but gives the food a playfulness that eschews the formality of conventional French food. It’s all small plates and the focus on quality is evident even in the French Fries, hand-cut and fried just right. The Chicken Liver Parfait is decadent, served with carrot and apricot chutney and the thinnest toast. The sun-drenched Tomato and Mozzarella Tart shines in the company of olive oil ice cream. Then, there’s Brie en Croute, the cheese wrapped in light filo and drizzled with lavender honey. Vanilla-scented beurre blanc lifts up the Vanilla Grouper, a light, subtle dish. For dessert, Paris Brest, the classic that never goes out of style, here executed with sophistication and served with Old Monk ice cream.
Drink: There are cocktails to suit many moods. Light & Fruity, Dark & Broody and Modern Classics. Or, make your own with a range of gins and house-infused tonics. Plus, a long wine list with several labels available by the glass.
Service: It’s sharp, snappy service here, to match the quality of the food and drink.
Aced this: The vibe is brilliant and the menu is packed with deliciousness.
Not this: The Mont Blanc is a carefully constructed chestnut parfait, but ends up being more style than substance. Some cocktails are spectacular, others not, with too much going on in a glass.
