CIRQA: Lower Parel’s latest cocktail bar that exudes elegance and craftsmanship

CIRQA Review: Many corners of Lower Parel have become undisputed hotspots for food lovers in the city. The vast spaces once occupied by Mumbai’s famous mills are now home to fine dining restaurants, luxury retail stores and other stunning establishments. The evolution of these neighborhoods is testament to the city’s nature of constantly changing and renewing its offerings. We recently visited the Toddy Mills area of ​​Lower Parel for the launch of an exciting new cocktail bar called CIRQA. In some ways, the bar itself is a reflection of the city’s multifaceted charm.

_{Photo Credit: Asad Dadan}

had the first cocktail of the evening sakura punchA wonderful blend of Tanqueray gin, Campari and grapefruit genmaicha shrub, topped with carbonated water. The cocktail is dry and sour, with almost zero sweetness. Sakura is the Japanese word commonly used for the world famous cherry blossoms. However, many of us associate it with the character Sakura Haruno from the Naruto manga and anime series. Our mixologist for the evening, Gaurav Suvarna, also points out the association. Such hints of playfulness within an otherwise highly sophisticated menu make us all the more eager to try more of CIRQA’s creations.

_{L-R: Sakura Punch and Clear Colada. Photo Courtesy: Toshita Sahni}

CIRQA has some delicious cocktails available, whose unique names and unconventional ingredients will definitely catch your attention. For example, their’breaking bread‘It consists of toasted bread, black garlic-infused vodka, tomato water and slaked lime. But we have a soft spot for catchphrases and the one we decided to adopt is ‘shut up duckIt’s made with duck fat-washed bourbon, orange and pepper Cinzano Rosso reduction, lavender tincture and citric solution. It’s an experience in itself – every element manages to make its presence known. Complex yet satisfying, this drink was a delightful discovery that we will return for.

For those feeling less experimental, CIRQA also has classic cocktails with a signature twist. What we especially loved was Bombay Cosmopolis (Hibiscus and cardamom-infused Gray Goose, with cranberries and lemon, served with Luxardo maraschino cherries). The flavors seem quite familiar, yet the unique flavor of cardamom takes you by surprise. we also liked clear coladaWith Plantation Rum, caramelized pineapple, lemon and clarified coconut milk. As we sipped, we were transported for a few moments to the tropics – outside this cozy haven, far away from the hustle and bustle just a few meters away from us.

_{Sweet roots with magaz crema. Photo Courtesy: Toshita Sahni}

The food menu includes a selection of bar bites, small plates and large plates. Indian, Asian and Continental ingredients are skillfully transformed into elegant dishes that match the complexity of the drinks. One might call it “fusion”, but that label doesn’t do justice to such carefully crafted dishes. Sweet Roots with Magas Crema Must try. It combines beetroot and carrots with a plum dressing and is topped with crispy strands of potato salli. It is neither a chaat nor a salad, but a combination of the best parts of both. Among non-veg, don’t forget crumb-fried Millet and Duck CroquettesWhich are crisp and delicious.

_{Pumpkin Rillette. Photo Courtesy: Toshita Sahni}

We also recommend Shrimp Sesame Bites – By far, the most ‘traditional’ item on the menu. We admit that amidst all these rich dishes we were craving something simple, and these prawn appetizers were the perfect solution. enjoy delicious Pumpkin Rillette White onion sobis, with seed granola and lavash, was a memorable part of our evening. Warm and nutritious, this small plate comes with different layers of softness and crunchiness. among sweets, Peanut Butter Sundae Sure to become a crowd favorite. The flavor combination is comforting and you can easily find yourself getting lost in its deliciousness after a long day.

_{Photo Credit: Asad Dadan}

While the bar’s culinary creations are distinctly contemporary, CIRQA’s decor exudes old-world charm. The bar has two floors, with the upper floor designed to take you back to the good old days of vintage bars – specifically, the 1960s. So get ready to get swept away – in more ways than one!

CIRQA is run by brothers Pankaj Gupta and Avinash Gupta (the duo who are also behind Taftoon, Oye Kake and Café Haq Se), while entrepreneur Adele de Fontbrune serves as co-founder and F&B director . The bar program is led by Stories & Spirits co-founders Lunes Ducos and Agnieszka Rozenska, distinguished mixologists from France and Poland who are now based in Goa.

Where: Plot 126, Ground Floor, Mathuradas Mill Compound, Senapati Bapat Pawar Marg, Opp Zeba, Lower Parel, Mumbai.