Lettuce Forget the Past

Let’s start at the very beginning. A very good place to start. When you binge you begin with dough...

Yes, we were there from the beginning, when Andy’s Pizza was Tangy Tamarind, a neat cafe at Pali Hill known for its doughy concoctions – pizza, chilli cheese garlic bread, kheema pav. After a few years, it moved to a Linking Road restaurant space, kept its name, hiked prices, got rid of the cafe-like feel and gained a bunch of kitty party goers as regulars. We didn't approve, but it was hard to stay away from their paprika pasta. Then this week, the Scouters got wind of its third and newest avatar – Andy’s Pizza, a pizzeria at the same location, serving Indianised Italian-ish fare. Third world influence?

Not to confuse you further dear reader, but before launching as a pizzeria, Andy’s started a home delivery service, giving Bandra and Khar a taste of what was to come. Being part of the eatery's s history, we knew one thing even before starting our meal: the Italian fare won't be authentic, but it will be decently delish.

Castle in the Air

Housed on level two of a seemingly seedy New Castle Hotel, Andy’s Pizza is a cream and chocolate coloured cafe with strangely, framed photos of vegetables on the walls. Better to sit by the bar where you get to look at pictures of cocktail recipes with cute illustrations and dig into the largely fuss-free dishes that include pizzas, pasta, grills, burgers and more.

In a move that’s completely out of character, we decided to order mocktails – yes, the weekend was debaucherous. The chilled mint cooler and cranberry juice, both turned out to be refreshing options. We then hit the live salad bar that allows unlimited portions in a single round. The plates are small so heap them high with sautéed chicken sausages, potato caramalised with walnuts and pasta (slightly undercooked) basil concoctions.

Andy or Garcia?

Next on the plate: a vegetarian burger, which turned out to be “nothing but ordinary” according to a die-hard burger fan at the table. The pasta Arrabiata fared far better with a super spicy tomato sauce and tender pieces of chicken. The pizzas here are made desi-style with flavourful base, well-baked crust and typical varieties like Chicken Supreme, Country Style, Spicy Paneer and more. Tasty and cheaper than many pizza chains, this actually turns out to be a great home delivery option. Try the basic Margherita and steer clear of the Supreme, where the mushrooms, olives and red peppers just don’t seem to get along.

On your way out, you could consider stopping for a drink at Banana Bar one level below, or simply note down the  D-I-Y Cosmopolitan recipe that's hung on the wall at Andy's Pizza. Either way, you will be spreading cheer(s)!  

Getting there: Second floor, Hotel New Castle, 355, Linking Road, Khar (W), call 26480483, Rs 1,000 for a meal for two excluding alcohol.

bpb reviews all restaurants anonymously and pays for its own meals.