The other evening I was invited to check out this new menu that Lemon Leaf, one of my most favourite (and decently priced) restaurants for Asian food. Unfortunately the Bandra outlet which was my usual haunt at one point of time does not exist anymore, but thank God for the one they opened in Andheri. So here I was, checking out the new, limited edition menu called the Prét-a-Plate Festival, that will be available all of June and is as extensive as any other regular menu.
The evening kick-started with some pina colada and then somewhere mid way through our meal, we also checked out this really nice lemongrass and cucumber cooler mocktail which is just perfect to cool off with if you ever visit Lemon Leaf in the middle of a hot afternoon.
An eclectic mix of soups, appetisers, baos, sushi & nigiri and of course, a bunch of options within the main course section, the menu can be quite overwhelming if you’re not sure of what you’re craving. But then no wonder they say, “variety is the spice of life”. So out of the innumerable things we tried, here are my top 7.
Prawns Hakkien Mee
It’s raining outside while you sit by the window and enjoy the view. Sounds perfect, right? Well, that’s exactly what happened. This soup is one of those things you savour more than ever when the weather is equally beautiful. Tangy, slightly spicy and rich in seafood flavours, I have nothing negative to say about this soupy delight!
Classic Som Tom with Raw Mango, Papaya & Cherry Tomatoes & Tamarind Chilli
Having been in a phase where I try and eat healthy as often as possible, this is the salad I will be coming back for more often than I’d like to admit. Never in my wildest dreams did I think raw mango and papaya would make for such a stunning combination. The tamarind chilli drizzle to this tossed salad gives it a zestful aftertaste.
Wasabi Prawns with Mango Salsa
I’ve always been a fan of wasabi prawns every time I have eaten them on other occasions. So when I gave this one a tasting shot, I was truly impressed. More so because the mango salsa that comes with it is such a treat for your taste buds. It’s again, a confluence of flavours that seemed oh so refreshing from the usual.
Tofu Tartare in Chilli Tamarind served with Nacho Chips
If you thought I wouldn’t be mentioning some of the vegetarian dishes, you’re mistaken. The tofu tartare that comes with nacho chips is ideal for those who seek a light but different appetizer. I can imagine it going really well with a drink or two and you’ve got yourself a very interesting setup.
Prawn Tempura Uramaki Roll with Wasabi Mayo
Although I have my favourite haunts where I get my sushi cravings deactivated, I quite liked the prawn tempura uramaki roll. The prawns were beautifully crispy and the wasabi mayo on the side made the eating experience even better. For those who can’t tolerate the pungency of wasabi, this mayo version is a perfect substitute.
Roasted Peppers with Cream Cheese Nigiri
Another vegetarian preparation makes it to this list. The roasted peppers with cream cheese nigiri was not only vibrantly photogenic (look at all those colours!) but also made for a scrumptious bite. That little dollop of cream cheese on the top is the perfect savoury icing you need to make it an absolute hit!
BBQ Pork Ribs with Korean Marinade & Charred Pineapple
Now for those who don’t know, I’m allergic to pineapple (just the fruit as now, so I could still enjoy the pina colada without any concerns), but that didn’t stop me from savouring the BBQ pork ribs that were generously cooked in a hot and sweet Korean marinade. Succulent and cooked to perfection, it’s a big thumbs up from my end and definitely a go to dish for all the pork rib lovers out there.
We ended up trying a lot of other things but since our appetites aren’t as impressive as we’d like them to be during tasting sessions, the above mentioned dishes made the cut. Here’s a photographic journey of some of the other dishes we checked out…
The night ended with a dessert that stood out for reasons beyond it being a sweet treat. When our waiter poured the hot caramel sauce, it just melted into this gooey and sinful beauty… Known as the Hot Hazelnut Pot, I love how innovative it can get. PS. If you follow me on instagram, you’ve already seen it documented. 😉
This menu is available till the 30th of June. Go check it out!
May your weekend be a good one!
Address: Ground Floor, Royal Sands Building, Raheja Classic Lane, Andheri Lokhandwala, Andheri West
When: 8th June – 30th June 2017
Timing: 12 noon to 1am
Contact: 022 30151037
The Good Life Potpourri 