TAG – The Amateur Gallery Opens In Mumbai

They say food is art and rightly so. It takes great skill and talent to create beautiful dishes and a creative artistic mind to pair different flavours together. The artistry is not just limited to the invention and execution of a dish, but includes, as most cooking show judges say, ‘the plating’ as well. Mumbai's latest culinary marvel is the perfect marriage between art and food and is called The Amateur Gallery.

The concept for this brand new restaurant is that it is the perfect spot for art enthusiasts who enjoy good food. The space is spread over two levels and connects via staircase. As you enter it feels like you have walked into a gallery with artwork proudly hanging on the walls, which are available for purchase, along with a small makeshift bar. It is an ideal space to host parties or events. 

The space above is called The GourmART Kitchen, which is possibly the first real gourmet vegetarian restaurant that is helmed by celebrity chef Ranveer Brar. Chef Brar was the executive chef at the Novotel Hotel and is seen hosting various culinary shows on television. Despite having restaurants in America, this is his first foray in the restaurant industry in Mumbai city. The restaurant space has a minimalistic approach with just a few subtle hints of unique art and an open kitchen where you can see the chefs whizzing about preparing your meal.

The interesting part about this new menu is that Chef Brar has drawn inspiration from his various travels and given a much-needed elevation to some very humble but delicious ingredients. The Miso Dusted Burrata with Green Tomato is one of his signature dishes. Other favourites include mock butter chicken ravioli with kale saag, edamame wasabi hummus, eggplant with jaffna spices and a beautiful version of jackfruit tartan with clotted cream. Our personal favourites include a delicate Awadhi style palm heart biryani and a melt in your mouth mushroom galawat with truffle oil. It is interesting to note that the entire menu is made up of small plates with the intention of you trying more dishes and has been carefully curated so that each dish pairs well with wines from their extensive wine-by-the-glass list.

Mumbai always craves for new and different eateries and it really does not get more different than The GourmArt Kitchen. It is also a wonderful change for vegetarian eaters as they are not left with just a few dishes on a menu to choose from but get to enjoy a more sophisticated meal.