There are few things feline that we find endearing: Truman Capote’s cat named Cat; Neruda’s Ode to the Cat; and Sprite, cartoonist Bill Watterson’s pet kitty who lent its behavioural traits to Hobbes.

Would Andheri’s newest eatery make it to our kitty party? We were about to find out, perched at a table for two at the brand new Fat Cat Cafe.

C for Chic

Apart from a stylised logo, you’ll be relieved to find that the restaurant walls bear no kitty-related cartoons or corny slogans. It chooses instead to go chic, with dark wood and dim lights, graceful arches and lounge music, all elements that make it a fun place to retire to after a hard day’s work. We imagine it would be equally pretty during the day, when sun streaming windows afford a far clearer picture of both the menus and watercolours on the wall.

A Mews Bouche

Our dinner started with two glasses of crisp Chilean red wine, and a debate on whether a lamb burger should cost Rs 350, no matter how full-bodied. But none of the sandwiches were available that night, so coleslaw and cold war dropped, we went instead with the Insalata Caprese (Rs 245). It turned out to be surprisingly skinny, with small squares of buffalo mozzarella and roma tomatoes skirting the edge of a wide-brimmed bowl piled with romaine lettuce instead of the curly endives promised on the menu. Malnourished as it appeared, the dish ended up being plump with taste and flavour. Carnivores, we suggest you also try the super yum chorizo wrapped king prawns, which you can wash down with a cold beer while gazing at the sunny vespa painting for a fleeting taste of Goa.

Eat Cake

We left the choice of mains up to the chef, who sent out three mushroom risotto and house smoked chicken breast, two hearty dishes that redeemed the previous course’s tiny portions. Studded handsomely with flavourful mushrooms, the dark and brooding risotto had us purring with satisfaction. Chicken was tender and beautifully oaky, complimented with sides of scallion mashed potatoes and pineapple salsa (Rs 425).

No sweets were available yet, but until Fat Cat Cafe gets its dessert cart in order, the management is handing out complimentary brownies at the end of every meal. No bread, but free cake. Spoken like a true aristo-cat!

Getting there: Fat Cat Cafe, Bharat Ark, Veera Desai Road, next to ICICI Bank, Andheri (W), call 67306936, only beer and wine available, Rs 2,100 for meal for two with alcohol.

bpb reviews restaurants anonymously and pays for its own meals.