High on flavours @ Levo Restaurant and LoungePosted by Anjum Chevalwala on October 28, 2013 in Food, Mumbai · 0 Comments

Secluded from all the noise and traffic around the area, Levo is a perfect place to take time and smell the roses, not literally though, says Anjum Chevalwala.

A lazy Saturday evening is a perfect setting for catching up on that new season of your favourite TV series but an early dinner at Levo Restaurant and Lounge proved well worth the effort of ditching the comfort of our home.

We entered an almost empty restaurant and picked a table with a view of an empty bar area (their liquor licence should be in soon). The elegant decor with hues of brown, bright lighting, cosy chairs, and well spaced out tables to give you all the privacy you could wish for makes a good first impression. Instead of selecting dishes from the menu, we decided to go with owner and Head Chef Rajeev Arora’s recommendations for the evening.

The Oven roasted plum tomato soup (Rs 200) was creamy yet light. We preferred dipping some freshly baked breadsticks into this sweet and tangy tomato flavoured soup than the cheese crostini served with it. The Wild mushroom fricassee (Rs 350) – Champagne vinegar sautéed mushroom paste served with crispy brioche – had a slightly sweet and crumbly brioche and a strong flavour of the mushroom.

We were more than happy with the Pizza margarita and Pizza misto di mare next, priced at Rs 450 and Rs 650 respectively. The thin crispy base, stained with a thin layer of sauce, topped with diced, juicy tomatoes, fresh basil leaves and cheese, the margarita was perfect to combat any hot, humid Mumbai day.

The Misto di mare had a mix of shrimps, smoked salmon and fish (basa) as toppings. While the salmon was a tad salty for our liking, the seafood pizza was bursting with flavour.

If we had to pick our favourite from the Asparagus shepherd pie (Rs 590) and the Eggplant and bell pepper Siciliana (Rs 490), it would definitely be the latter. The creamy asparagus and cottage cheese, served with mashed potato, goat cheese, and feta brûlée was heavy and a good option if you prefer cheese and no spice. The tian (a hot or cold

dish with layered ingredients) of baked eggplant and bell pepper served with a strongly flavoured garlic and chilli coulis (thick sauce made from puréed and strained vegetables or fruits), got full marks for being fiery hot. The melted cheese and flaky

pastry served with it, helped tone down the spice levels and so did the Passion Royale mocktail (Rs 250). With a mix of lemongrass, ginger, lychee juice, passion fruit and apple puree topped with crushed ice, the drink was sweet and refreshing.

Levo’s concept of serving delicious and flavourful yet simple food came through beautifully with the Lamb navarin printanier (Rs 850). The dish had succulent pieces of braised lamb, served on a bed of mashed potatoes with a finely diced turnip and lamb reduction.

When we came to the best part of the meal, desserts, we only wished we could eat everything on the menu. The Mississippi pie (Rs 290) – served with Cognac crème anglaise (custard-like English cream) was moist and a perfect path to a chocolate overload. The Ricotta cheesecake with white chocolate – New York style served with berry compote (Rs 325) was sweet with a strong white chocolate flavour.

Even if you’re not big on desserts, we suggest you try the Chef’s creation – fresh ice creams (Rs 250 per serving). The Bitter chocolate with a subtle hint of coffee had us wishing we could buy this everyday off the shelves.

While the Lemon grass and the Rosemary & Watermelon ice creams were refreshing, it is the Chilli ice cream that impressed us the most. With your first bite, you taste sweet ice cream followed by a sharp hit of chilli as you swallow. The only way to rectify the burn is to take another bite and so it continues. Though this is one vicious cycle we didn’t mind being stuck into.

True to their name, they definitely ‘elevate’ the standards where food and service is concerned. From our visit, we believe Levo is about the ambiance, staff and a passionate chef, working in sync to create a great dining experience.

Must try: Pizza misto di mare, Eggplant and bell pepper Siciliana, Chef’s creation Chilli flavoured fresh ice cream

Meal for two: Rs 2,000 + taxes (without alcohol)

Private dining area at Levo

Assorted bread platter

Wild mushroom fricassee

Pizza misto di mare(Tasting portion size)

Pizza margarita(Tasting portion size)

Eggplant and bell pepper Siciliana

Lamb navarin printanier

Sambuca prawn - creamy garlic prawns, flambeed with sambuca

Mississippi pie served with Cognac crème anglaise(Tasting portion size)

Chef’s creation fresh ice creams - Chilli and Bitter Chocolate(Tasting portion size)

Chocolate decadence served with stewed black pepper strawberry(Tasting portion size)

Pinot noir and cinnamon poached pear served with almond and raisin ice cream(Tasting portion size)

Ricotta cheesecake New York style served berry compote(Tasting portion size)

LINK: http://know.burrp.com/food-dining/high-on-flavours-levo-restaurant-and-lounge/56015