Call me old but I prefer Sunday brunches to partying on a Saturday night. There’s nothing like waking up late on a Sunday, well rested from the week’s mayhem, and catching up with friends over a relaxed, leisurely brunch. There’s no better feeling than eating breakfast foods for lunch, sipping on cocktails, without worrying about deadlines to get back home. No, this is not an essay about why I love Sunday brunches, though I could totally write one. This post is about why I loved the Sunday brunch at Asilo, and three reasons why you would too.
1. The View:
Situated on the 40th floor of the swanky Palladium Hotel, the gorgeous view is what sets apart Asilo from any other brunch destination in the city. During the first monsoon brunch, Asilo was completely transformed from the noir night look it sports, to a far more subtle, airy, cheery day look. Whites, fluid decor, flowers, and plenty of natural sunlight streaming through the large glass paneled windows will brighten up your Sunday afternoon.
And that view! Imagine nursing your drink overlooking a panoramic view of South Mumbai with the pitter patter of rain outside. Or eating waffles and pancakes, with one eye on the ongoings at the race course, which you get a birds eye view of here. For the spectacular view, and ambiance I’d return to the Sunday Monsoon brunch at Asilo. And before I forget, there’s a live saxophone player as well, playing the most delightfully enchanting music.
Photo Courtesy @mumbaifoodlovers
(I clearly was enjoying myself too much, to take any pictures)
2. The Food:
The food spread at Asilo is fairly exhaustive with some good ol’ items that are omnipresent on every brunch spread. And a few new counters that will blow your socks right off. Chef Cyrus Irani and his team present an array of brunch classics like pancakes, waffles, flat Breads, cheese Platters, cold cuts and salads. Among the newer introductions you’ll find the most delectable Robata grilled meat and fish, and a Jambalaya station, which was my introduction to this Creole rice dish. As always, being the good samaritan that I am, I present my picks from Asilo’s brunch, saving your stomach the trouble.
Non-vegetarians, kindly OD on the cold cuts platter. Here you’ll find the freshest and choicest spread of meat.
Must try the fluffy, perfectly cooked omelettes from their counter. Do what I did, and get your omelette stuffed with smoked salmon, because ek se badhkar do.
Manouver over to the Robata grill section and try some freshly grilled chicken and prawns, expecially the prawns. Because you’ll end up licking the skewer stick they came perched on.
Vegetarians, make your way over to the salads, and dips section. I remember enjoying the feta with balsamic cherry tomatoes so much, it was one of the best things I ate that afternoon.
Round it all off, with some spectacular red velvet pancakes and waffles. Because who said red velvet is last season? And if you still crave sugar (really?) then round it all off with some cupcakes, and macarons.
3. The Booze:
Another pre-requisite to a good brunch is good alcohol. Alcohol that ticks boxes both quantitatively and qualitatively. The monsoon brunch at Asilo is a fun, boozy affair where you can opt for either unlimited champagne or cocktails – whatever floats your boat. A huge must-try are their interesting cocktail concoctions. I particularly enjoyed the ‘Berry’ which has Jacob’s Creek sparkling wine + Absolut Elyx vodka + strawberry & raspberry purees. Yum yum!
The monsoon brunch at Asilo has all the right ingredients for a perfect Sunday brunch. If only the rain Gods had obliged and showered a bit upon us, giving us respite from the sweltering heat. Chalo, atleast I have a reason to return on another Sunday. A Sunday where overcast monsoon clouds contribute towards a fabulous Sunday afternoon.
About:
Monsoon Brunch at Asilo, Every Sunday (till September end) 12.30 pm onwards
Prices:
Rs 1850 plus taxes for the full buffet spread, non alcoholic
Rs 2950 plus taxes for the sparkling brunch & full buffet spread
Rs 4950 plus taxes for the champagne brunch & full buffet spread
(The author was invited to dine at Asilo. However, the thoughts are unbiased and entirely her own.)
