Smart Formal

Biblically, Balthazar was one of the three Wise Men who came to baby Jesus bearing many gifts; In New York, it’s an equally smart French bistro that serves fab foie gras; and in Mumbai, it’s an upscale Chinese restaurant and bar that popped up in Juhu over the weekend. We were there, IQ-ueuing up outside with a sneak peek pass in hand.

Being Chordial

Despite being on the main road, it’s easy to drive past Balthazar, its only guiding star being the neon sign board of a seedy bar next door. Not a great first impression, but one that is quickly erased by the restaurant’s impressive waiting area, long corridors and high ceilings. We only wish that parts of the earthy interior had been better thought out - the wooden bar and round tables for instance, seemed more suited to a casual pub setting; and the high ceiling feels a little bare (this should change with a soon-to-be-added exotic hanging rope dancer). Interesting private dining booths that appear to be levitating above the bar and a cool level-one smoking room (so you don’t have to hang on the pavement) offer a bird’s eye view.

Connected to the bar area by a small flight of stairs is the pretty VIP Blue Label Lounge, slated to open in two weeks. Those privileged enough to enter can sink into plush seats flanked by cascading candles that cry wax tears, while an easy tune plays softly in the background.

Morel Obligation

Balthazar’s bar menu offers mixed drinks as well as over 25 beers and 30 wine labels from across the world (cocktails start at Rs 365). The food too, is elegant and delish. Because it was opening night, we didn’t have the luxury of ordering from the menu, but liked with the fork pitched: super soft tofu cubes dashed with chilli pepper sauce; sautéed greens and giant shitake mushrooms; spicy garlicky prawns and a flavourful version of chilli chicken. Our favourites for the night were a steaming bowl of fluffy egg fried rice and slurpy pan-fried noodles, the perfect dish to accompany a night of heavy drinking. Hopefully, the taste and consistency will remain during rush hour.

Bar One

Wise man says: give Balthazar some time to find its feet, and it can become a fun place to stop by for dinner and drinks in a neighbourhood currently dominated by Aurus. Juhu agree?

Getting there: Balthazar, next to SNDT College, Juhu Koliwada, call 9930999930, Rs 250 for a chicken dish, Rs 360 for a cocktail.