The author visits Levo Restaurant and Lounge in Mumbai and enjoys several flavorful dishes. They are impressed by the elegant decor and privacy of the tables. The chef's recommendations include a creamy tomato soup, mushroom fricassee, and various pizzas. The seafood pizza and eggplant Siciliana dish are highlights. Dessert options like Mississippi pie, ricotta cheesecake, and unique flavored ice creams are also praised. The meal demonstrates Levo's focus on simple, delicious cooking and a great dining experience.
1. High on flavours @ Levo Restaurant and
Lounge
Posted by Anjum Chevalwala on October 28, 2013 in Food, Mumbai · 0 Comments
Secluded from all the noise and traffic around the area, Levo is a perfect place to take time
and smell the roses, not literally though, says Anjum Chevalwala.
A lazy Saturday evening is a perfect setting for catching up on that new season of your
favourite TV series but an early dinner at Levo Restaurant and Lounge proved well worth the
effort of ditching the comfort of our home.
We
entered an almost empty restaurant and picked a table with a view of an empty bar area (their
liquor licence should be in soon). The elegant decor with hues of brown, bright lighting, cosy
chairs, and well spaced out tables to give you all the privacy you could wish for makes a
good first impression. Instead of selecting dishes from the menu, we decided to go with
owner and Head Chef Rajeev Arora’s recommendations for the evening.
The Oven roasted plum tomato soup (Rs 200) was creamy yet light. We preferred dipping
some freshly baked breadsticks into this sweet and tangy tomato flavoured soup than the
cheese crostini served with it. The Wild mushroom fricassee (Rs 350) – Champagne vinegar
sautéed mushroom paste served with crispy brioche – had a slightly sweet and crumbly
brioche and a strong flavour of the mushroom.
2. We were more than happy with the Pizza margarita and Pizza
misto di mare next, priced at Rs 450 and Rs 650 respectively. The thin crispy base, stained
with a thin layer of sauce, topped with diced, juicy tomatoes, fresh basil leaves and cheese,
the margarita was perfect to combat any hot, humid Mumbai day.
The Misto di mare had a mix of shrimps, smoked salmon and fish (basa) as toppings. While
the salmon was a tad salty for our liking, the seafood pizza was bursting with flavour.
If we had to pick our favourite from the Asparagus shepherd pie (Rs 590) and the Eggplant
and bell pepper Siciliana (Rs 490), it would definitely be the latter. The creamy asparagus
and cottage cheese, served with mashed potato, goat cheese, and feta brûlée was heavy and a
good option if you prefer cheese and no spice. The tian (a hot or cold
dish with layered ingredients) of baked eggplant and bell pepper
served with a strongly flavoured garlic and chilli coulis (thick sauce made from puréed and
strained vegetables or fruits), got full marks for being fiery hot. The melted cheese and flaky
3. pastry served with it, helped tone down the spice levels and so did the Passion Royale
mocktail (Rs 250). With a mix of lemongrass, ginger, lychee juice, passion fruit and apple
puree topped with crushed ice, the drink was sweet and refreshing.
Levo’s concept of serving delicious and flavourful yet simple food came through beautifully
with the Lamb navarin printanier (Rs 850). The dish had succulent pieces of braised lamb,
served on a bed of mashed potatoes with a finely diced turnip and lamb reduction.
When we came to the best part of the meal, desserts, we only wished we could eat everything
on the menu. The Mississippi pie (Rs 290) – served with Cognac crème anglaise (custard-like
English cream) was moist and a perfect path to a chocolate overload. The Ricotta cheesecake
with white chocolate – New York style served with berry compote (Rs 325) was sweet with a
strong white chocolate flavour.
Even if you’re not big on desserts, we suggest you try the Chef’s creation – fresh ice creams
(Rs 250 per serving). The Bitter chocolate with a subtle hint of coffee had us wishing we
could buy this everyday off the shelves.
While the Lemon grass and the Rosemary &
Watermelon ice creams were refreshing, it is the Chilli ice cream that impressed us the most.
With your first bite, you taste sweet ice cream followed by a sharp hit of chilli as you
swallow. The only way to rectify the burn is to take another bite and so it continues. Though
this is one vicious cycle we didn’t mind being stuck into.
True to their name, they definitely ‘elevate’ the standards where food and service is
concerned. From our visit, we believe Levo is about the ambiance, staff and a passionate
chef, working in sync to create a great dining experience.
Must try: Pizza misto di mare, Eggplant and bell pepper Siciliana, Chef’s creation Chilli
flavoured fresh ice cream
Meal for two: Rs 2,000 + taxes (without alcohol)
5. Pizza misto di mare
(Tasting portion size)
Pizza margarita
(Tasting portion size)
Eggplant and bell pepper Siciliana
6. Lamb navarin printanier
Sambuca prawn - creamy garlic prawns, flambeed with sambuca
Mississippi pie served with Cognac crème anglaise
(Tasting portion size)
Chef’s creation fresh ice creams - Chilli and Bitter Chocolate
(Tasting portion size)
7. Chocolate decadence served with stewed black pepper strawberry
(Tasting portion size)
Pinot noir and cinnamon poached pear served with almond and raisin ice cream
(Tasting portion size)