M For My Kind Of Place!

If you are looking for a sumptuous and unique blend of Indian and international menus, all the foods being authentically prepared with the freshest of fresh local produce and authentic imported ingredients then M is the place to be in. The market style grill and wine library at Grand Hyatt Mumbai, the first of its kind in Mumbai, is one of the four speciality restaurants and bars at Grand Hyatt. M also features the M Bar with Mumbai's longest martini list.

We were quite a group with Alyona and the children with me, our guests Hariharan (pioneer of Indian fusion music, ghazals and famous as one half of the Colonial Cousins) and his wife Lalita and son Karan.

As we drink in the dramatically done up place while sipping on our fresh fruit juices, the grandeur of the Molteni Podium open show kitchen had our eyes glued. Podium makes it possible for the chef to create with real entertainment directly in front of the customers who will, no doubt, enjoy the passion behind it.

Off we started with so much on the menu to try out. Starters like Pan-fried Crab Cakes with Tartar Sauce (Rs 425) were simply wonderful. The tartar with the peckish flavours of sweet pickle and minced onion in the mayonnaise was probably the best I have tasted in a long time. We ordered more!

Spicy fried shrimp with rémoulade (Rs 225) was filling. And since the remoulade was quite intriguing for Hariharan I gave him a brief description about it being made with mayonnaise, chilli sauce, garlic salt, prepared horseradish and dry mustard. Some like to make it more hot by adding curry powder and what we were served was definitely so!

Grilled Kingfish steak (Rs 450) came in from Cochin. Our steak, I felt, was just a little bit overcooked. The best Grilled Grouper (Rs 475) in town is probably at M. It is flown in from as far as the southern portions of Florida and, it is common to see them weigh 20 pounds at the minimum!

BBQ Spit-roast Baby Chicken (Rs 440) was what we ordered for the children. And the portion is satisfactory because they couldn't finish it! The chickens come in especially from the Hybro farm in Pune. For us it was Spice Rubbed and Roasted Free-range Chicken with Salsa Verde (Rs 440). Salsa is no doubt a versatile accompaniment, so move over tacos, burritos and corn chips! As accompaniments the Grilled Green Asparagus with Sherry Vinaigrette (Rs 175) was perfect with the blending of the sherry vinegar, olive oil, shallots, salt and black pepper. This sort of vinaigrette tastes better as it matures but I do not recommend its refrigeration for more than four days. Alyona especially liked the Roasted Baby Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs.

Like the kingfish the shellfish also came from Cochin. The Grilled Tiger Prawns (Rs 925) were definitely worth writing home about. Also I must commend them for the delicious sun-dried tomato and olive dip that comes with the breadbasket. The highlight comes right in the end with Chef Curt Sassak's special touch: Warm Grand Marnier Soufflés for us and Chocolate Soufflés for the children.

So where else could one go for grill cuisine, offering the best cuts of veal, seafood and lamb from select locations around Europe? M has a menu that is imaginative yet simple, served family-style along with home-made chutneys and sauces. Well done!