Pali Hill Cafe, Mumbai

Pali Hill Cafe
Rating **/5

Here I reserve the right the visit the restaurant when it's no longer the new kid on the block. If there was ever the curse of the plenty, it is here. The deli is glossed over but the charming Bandra village cottage feel that they have retained is a definite win! The tables outside could have had a little more character but over all in the decor department, we're doing alright. Adding to the decor is the swirl of suburban mumbai's swish set, including little bursts of stardust from Bollywood.

The food is quite nice but not winning any Michelin stars in a hurry. The part that seems to be failing the place is service.... Actually eagerness to get the next table seated is ruining several experiences. That said, when I went, they were patient with us and the young patron with us.

The coffee was passable, the belinni was too sweet but the bread was good. The cheese I ordered came with the bill! The restaurant does not seem to be able to handle it's almost famous status. This too shall pass, and when it does and no one is looking, what will they dish out. The proof of the pudding is in how the recipe stands the test of time.

Pali Hill Cafe
Rating **/5
Recommendations: Arugula salad, chicken burger
Atmosphere: Contemporary, elegant coffee shop, hip.
Service: all over the place
Decibel: Conversations, good music waft through the air
Price Range: Rs. 1200 for 2 people
Hours: 12.30pm to 3pm and 7pm to 12.30am. 
Make reservations at least a day before. Ask for a table inside, downstairs.
Child friendliness: at lunch time, in the evening, really not the place for kids.

Banyan Tree, Fort, Mumbai

The Banyan Tree, Fort
Rating **1/2
It is a lovely feeling to drink coffee, surf on your iPad (yes I show off here) and know you are surrouned by lovely books, progressive art, and creative knick-knacks you can buy. The Banyan Tree at BMB Art Gallery is lovely. Nestled in a lovely lane surrounded by some of the city's oldest schools (Cathedral and John Conan Middle School and JB Petit for girls) the location is a dead ringer. The fresh fruit is inspired and piques your interest and the brownies and muffins make you feel right at home.

Its the entrees that surprise you. It has a satisfying menu that blends coffee house eats with the feel of a deli.  The Spinach Burger was surprising - I don't normally like vegetarian burgers - The Thai Curry was not bad and the muffins are excellent. they also get their coffee bang on - which is most important in a coffee house.

The Banyan Tree Cafe **1/2
Gallery BMB, Fort, Mumbai 400001

Recommendations: Spinach burger, Coffee

Atmosphere: Arty, Contemporary

Service: Efficient

Decibel: Quiet, with random music from the '90s (?)

Price Range: Rs. 1,000 for 2 people

Hours: all day long 
No reservations

Child friendliness: It's more adult, but they would welcome young visitors.