If herds of hungry, post-workout people pass your cafe at regular intervals of time, it’s only fair that most of your menu should feature healthy treats. Leaving a creamy pasta in full view of the weight watchers – that’s just evil.

The tempter in question is Temperance Deli, a new cafe at this four storey Bandra fitness hub that you first read about on bpb.

Ice Ice, Maybe?

We visited on a Monday afternoon to find the deli located in an airy room of a Bandra bungalow, with enviably high ceilings, arched windows, purple armchairs, shelves lined with glass jars and a general living room-like vibe. We picked a lovely spot by the window and got down to ordering. The menu, a sheet of paper focusing on the day’s specials, showcases a skinny selection of salads, pastas, sandwiches, mains and non-alcoholic beverages. We got the peach and the jasmine lime iced tea, both of which only made an appearance half way into our meal. While the former had to be returned for a re-do (only to come back with a little more flavour than before), the latter, with the faintest hint of lime and jasmine, couldn’t be salvaged.

But it was day one for Temperance Deli and we were willing to let teething problems slide.  Hoping the food would fare better, we waited optimistically for our Caesar salad. The greens were tasty, but had too much mayo dressing that was killing the crunch of the lettuce and croutons. Next up, chicken Temperance panini, a generously filled pesto sandwich stuffed with chicken bacon, onions and tomatoes that should have been fresher and more flavourful.. What saved our supper was the mutton lumaconi, a delicious portion of three snail-like pasta shells stuffed with tender mince that came swimming in a creamy herbed tomato sauce topped with Parmesan. Slam dunk!

Green Lantern

Hoping to end on a sweet note, we got the tres leche, a damp bread pudding drowned in a thick blanket of cream which sadly missed the mark. Being the health and fitness hub that Temperance is supposed to be, the deli ought to offer fresher produce and a larger variety of healthy dressings.

But we’re not completely writing Temperance Deli off yet, this cafe with fairy lights and flora is probably one of the prettiest evening settings in Bandra to catch up with friends over coffee. Meanwhile, yogis and ninjas passing by, look the other way.

Getting there: First floor, Temperance, St. Xaverian Court, Sherly Rajan Road, near Rizvi College of Hotel Management, Bandra (W), call 9820387694 / 9833833270, view the Facebook page here, Rs 900 for a meal for two without alcohol, Rs 100 plus taxes for a cappuccino, payment by debit/credit cards will be accepted in a month’s time.

bpb reviews anonymously and pays for its own meals.