Checked it out yet?

Adjacent to every corner where you’d find a Mumbaikar complaining about space crunch in the city, you might bump into an entrepreneur-to-be who is busy ideating on ‘what unique store to open’. The first quarter of 2015 has seen the upkeep of the ‘global/cultural’ space, one responsible for a number of launches across sectors in the city. From concept stores to restaurants and other distinct zones, Mumbai is busy ticking off a never-ending list, only to validate the well-established cosmopolitan tag it owns.
We survey various crannies across downtown to bring you a rundown of zones that have just about seen their first few months in the city.

FOOD & NIGHTLIFE

What: Todi Mill Social
Launched in the second week of May, this space which finds home in a large 7,000 sq. ft. re-purposed Loom Mill, and is a hangout zone-cum-working space.  Riyaaz Amlani, CEO & MD, Impresario Entertainment and Hospitality Pvt. Ltd:  “Social has blurred the lines between work and play to create the second place that Lower Parel deserves.” 
Where: Social CS #242, Nr. Viva Centre, Mathuradas Mill Compound, Lower Parel (W). 

What: Radio Bar
Making an entry in Bandra, this 5,000 sq. ft. space has been transformed into a Shangri-la for foodies and music lovers. Chef Rohan D’Souza has composed the menu. Hitesh Keswani, Director, Radio Bar says, “We’ve tried to create a blend of nostalgia and modernity with wall panels full of radios, music cassettes and our pizzas being served on a LP disc.”
Where: Radio Bar, Grd Floor, Hotel New Castle, Linking Rd, Bandra (W).

What: Villa Vandre 
Opened by Ice Apple Food Services Pvt. Ltd’s Chef Aloysius D’Silva and his partners Sonia Mistry and Firuza Mistry D’Silva, this space resembles the quintessential old homes, which once dotted Bandra. Chef D’Silva says, “Villa Vandre is a culmination of my food journey and memories and each dish on the menu is thoughtfully created, inspired by my travels.” 
Where: Villa Vandre, May Flower, Shop No. 3, New Kantwadi Road, Off Perry Cross Road, Bandra (W).

What: Minus 301°F
Enjoy some new flavours at the city’s latest liquid nitrogen ice-cream joint. Launched in the last week of May, all you need to do is pick the ice cream flavour you want and they’ll freeze it for you.
Where: Minus 301°F, Ground Floor, Kenilworth Mall, Linking Road, Bandra (W). 

GARDENING & FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS

What: The Bloom Room
Opened up this January, this space is filled with exotic plants, unusual berries and flowers like hydrangeas and orchids, to name a few. Owner Zina Mody says, “I have always  been passionate about floral arrangements and designing events so I decided to take it up officially after having done arrangements for close friends and family. To me a true career is one that is derived from a passion!”
Where: The Bloom Room, Shop no. 4, Wodehouse Road, Colaba

FASHION
What: Akbarallys Men
A store founded by Fakhruddin T. Khorakiwala in 1897, this family venture and India’s first department store was remodelled into a multi-designer men’s store this April. Aiman Khorakiwala says, “I noticed the lack of a multi-brand store for men in the city. Moreover, Fountain is an extremely male dominated space—a commercial area frequented by men of all ages and corporate backgrounds, which explains why the men’s section in the original store always performed well. It only seemed ideal to introduce once more the concept of ‘everything under one roof’, this time for men.”
Where: Akbarallys Men, 45 V.N. Road, Fort.

COMING UP SOON
What: Dr. Bubbles—Chai specialist
To be launched next week (June 11-12), this is a tea joint where they’ll only serve iced teas. Owner Adnan Sarkar says, “With a seating option for 10-15 people, we’ll serve about 25 flavours of tea with toppings ranging from jelly, fruit bubbles and tapioca.”
Where: Dr. Bubbles—Chai specialist, Hill Road, Opp. Globus, Bandra (W).