A meal that’s the brainchild of the folks at Bastian Hospitality is one that’s almost theatrical without driving the point too far. In that, it would only make sense for them to bring on-board chef Danniel-Punzo, who weaves his magic through the condensed menu with a nonchalant flair. Located right opposite the famous celebrity-spot, Bastian Seafood, the Mediterranean vibes of the restaurant are instantaneously inviting with a large white façade. The space offers a relaxed energy beneath an imitation lemon tree that fills up the space, around which tables are set up for diners.
The usage of colour has been carefully thought out and used liberally in the form of printed cushions, tableware in tones of blue and yellow and a giant wall opposite the swanky bar, decorated with bottles of liquor in different colours. Evidently, the space is relaxed and yet, continues to bring forth a superlative dining experience the form of handcrafted cocktails, pizzas and some decadent desserts.
To start off with, a couple of cocktails that came highly recommended were ordered – a Machu Picchu Punch made with pisco, creamy egg white and elderflower syrup, which was garnished with a dehydrated button rose and looked straight out of an old English storybook. We also tried the Sanguina Mexicana, a tequila forward drink with a tart and spicy aftertaste; both of which were well-balanced drinks. The bartender then whipped us up an icy Marascha Freeze that came along with a little grapefruit granita cone which we turned upside down into our drinks, before getting a taste. The Puerto Rico Pina, made with a blend of rums, pineapple juice and apricot spiced syrup, warrants a special mention because of the over-the-top presentation in a copper pineapple serving glass; giving us the full tropical experience.
Marascha Freeze Cocktail
Bizza is not just any restaurant that has popped up in Mumbai’s dining scene. The food might seem fancy-ish for someone who isn’t familiar with the idea of a Romaine Heart salad, but at the core of it is simplicity, presented in the best way possible while extracting major flavour from all the ingredients. The food menu is pizza-centric, as the name might suggest but the supporting cast were showstoppers in their own right. Take the salad for example, the charred romaine hearts in an antique mustard dressing had a lovely surprise in delicious pockets of smoky cherry tomatoes, which added such depth to the overall flavour. The Brazilian Cheese Bread promised exactly what it says – crisp, fluffy bread housing melted, stringy cheese that came with three dips – a garlic truffle aioli, a brilliant Argentinian Chimichurri and a two-colour sriracha dipping sauce; all of which brought their own character to the delicious bread.
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Spicy Avocado Pizza
Before we paid a visit to this restaurant, I asked a handful of people if they had a go-to favourite from the menu and I was instantly met with a unanimous response to order the Spicy Avocado Pizza on a sourdough crust – a la avocado toast. If you happen to be a spice-fiend, this might not be your thing because it is spiced at just the right level with slices of fresh jalapeno and sriracha, while also having sweet elements like the bell peppers and caramelised onions, topped with a slice of pastel green avocado. Overall, a well-made pizza and a strong contender for the top favourite. We also ordered the unusual Peking Duck Pizza with a side of a housemade Peking sauce which had a lightly game-y flavour but worked well together with the other toppings of the yellow curry apples, spring onions and hoisin sauce. We also wiped clean a skillet of the only pasta dish on the menu that had a delicious tomato sauce curtained on strips of homemade pasta and perfectly cooked shrimp, topped with a dollop of fresh burrata. Other noteworthy mentions include the Lobster & Crab Pizza finished off of with crispy garlic chips, the fantastic Sticky Date Pudding as well as Bizza’s signature dessert, the Bizza Misu.
Peking Duck Pizza
Bizza is made for exactly the type of crowd it is looking to attract – fun, casual, relaxed and well-travelled. Big ups to the staff who are polite and attentive as well as keeping the music ambient, that allows for free-flow of conversation. Although global in its approach to hospitality, it encapsulates the true spirit of the suburban Mumbaikar; one who is curious and hungry for new experiences and tastes.