In the quiet embrace of the Lonavala hills, this new cafe is a culinary haven, seamlessly weaving Western and Indian flavours into an enchanting fusion.
The Anglo Indian Café, from the creators of Out of the Blue in Bombay, is a quaint establishment anchored within the soon-to-be-unveiled Le Sutra Great Escapes property. This new fusion cafe is poised to redefine dining experiences, infusing traditional dishes with a creative spark that ignites the palate.
The Anglo Indian Café intertwines the Anglo-Indian culinary heritage, crafting a delicate fusion of flavours that pay homage to Eastern and Western traditions. This harmonious blend results in a diverse menu that celebrates culinary innovation while cherishing age-old recipes, offering a symphony of great-tasting dishes.
"Our speciality is paying homage to the Anglo-Indian flavours and fusing them with global classics, bringing you a twist on every dish you eat at Anglo," said Shaheen Arsiwalla, the cafe's co-founder. "Whether it is eating brioche with your Pav Bhaji, eating a Spanish classic like Paella desi style, or frying your Dosa as onion rings, there's always a twist that elevates your classic comfort food."
Just a short drive from Mumbai, this café provides a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With an ambience reminiscent of European charm, characterised by colonial pillars, Mediterranean-inspired tiles, and expansive French windows that seamlessly merge classic aesthetics with modern comforts, the café sets the stage for a delightful culinary journey.
The Anglo Indian Café is deeply committed to sustainability, adopting a "Sustainable, Local, and Organic" (SLO) approach. They source a bountiful supply of ingredients from a nearby herb and hydroponic garden and carefully select the rest from trusted local organic suppliers. This dedication to eco-consciousness underscores the café's holistic approach to gastronomic excellence.
"We do rainwater harvesting, so the majority of water usage comes from collecting water each monsoon, and it helps reduce our carbon footprint," said Arsiwalla. "We also have solar panels for all our security lights in the property."
Exploring the café's menu is akin to embarking on a gastronomic adventure that effortlessly blends nostalgia with curiosity. The menu caters to diverse tastes, from Lahori King Oyster Mushroom Kebabs to inventive reinterpretations of classics like the Brioche Pav with Cream of Pav Bhaji. Noteworthy dishes like the fragrant Baked Biryani and the versatile Backyard Bowls showcase the café's talent in merging tradition with innovation.
The café's culinary narrative culminates with an enticing selection of desserts. Whether you opt for the Chikki Cheesecake, the Sizzling Brownie, or the Pineapple Meringue Tart, each dessert embodies a harmonious fusion of cultures and flavours, inviting diners to explore the meeting point of tradition and creativity.
"Majority of our back-end staff are local women employed from the village. We support local businesses and use chikki (peanut brittle with jaggery) to create a unique cheesecake that promotes local delicacies," said Arsiwalla.
