JLWA – “Yeh Hai Jalwa”

“Yeh Hai Jalwa” – Charisma is the fragrance of soul

The words “haute couture” reflect the uniqueness of dressmaking done to suit the taste of a fashionista who would like to define her presence. It is commonly used and usually reflects cutting edge fashion which is designed to suit a client in all aspects of their personality and attitude. These were the words that came to mind when I visited JLWA at Bandra west a few days ago.
Having gone there with my besties, I couldn’t help but gawk at the haute couture like interiors which give it a posh trendy look, with a clear balance of attitude and emotion. It is easy to get lost in the dingy atmosphere which clouds most trending restaurants nowadays, so that’s where the adequate light offered at this place allows you to maintain eye contact with friends and that makes for a lovely evening, cause words can never say it all.
The seating is comfortable and well spaced-out while the blue green and golden hues danced well after 60ml of my favourite poison, setting the tone for one of those memorable evenings. After exactly 18 minutes came our food, that smelled great and looked even better, and details follow.

What we tried out:

LYCHEE SANGRIA : This was sangria with a pinch of lychee taste & was served with dry ice for the effect. It gave me a reason to sing “my lips taste like sangria” and I was thrilled about that! (courtesy: Blake Shelton https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoQrH6EMnas)

GUAVA DELIGHT : Guava delight was a combo of guava nectar, fresh coriander leaves, green chilli and pineapple juice. It was almost akin to guava juice but quite spicy and a bit of a turn off for me.

SHARABI JHINGA :This was a unique combination of prawns drunk in single malt whiskey, accompanied by kalonji mathri discs and bhootjolokia (ghost pepper). The discs give a perfect dry base to the juicy prawns, really bringing out their flavour. I would highly recommend.

NILGIRI LAMB PEPPER FRY :Southern mint style, lamb pepper fry. Basically, chunks of boneless lamb marinated in green sauce served with mango pachadi at the side, cocktail pickled onion and crispy malabari paratha. The mango pachadiis a bitter-sweet-sour chutney and was delicious.

WHISKY GARLIC PRAWNS : Prawns in a whisky-garlic flavoured sauce served with crispy super thin roomali roti below gave a nice crunchy munchy effect. This was topped with few pomegranate grain, lemon and greens.

EAST INDIAN COMPANY :Thyme & lime scented chicken breasts soaked in butter caper sauce served with broken wheat upma at the side. Additionally, had asautéed vegetable stew which consisted of zucchini, broccoli, baby corn, capsicum and mushroom and the meat was topped with a buttery smooth basil flavoured beurre blanc.

MOHD ALI FAJITAS : These were corn meal tortillas topped with a sunny-side-up egg resting on hot mutton kheemaand served with green tomato chutney, roasted fried pearl baby potatoes, raw avocado, roasted bell peppers and stewed baby tomatoes salad, almost putting the whole of Mexico in your plate!

NIMBOO KALIMIRI CHICKEN : This was a juicy succulent chicken leg marinated in a black pepper and lemon base, garnished with charcoal activate sand, and braised with cream & lemongrass. It was served with garlic chutney, churchur paratha and a delectable lettuce salad that contained lettuce, ice berg, roman leaves, lollo rosso and romasco red sauce garnished on the paratha.

TEXTURES OF CHOCOLATE :  I couldn’t resist the temptation of trying this desert. It consisted of a brownie topped with cute milk choco chips served in a dark chocolate sphere with bitter chocolate mousse and grated chocolate at the side, Chocolicious!

What I liked about the place:
1. Ambiance is classy & stylish with the decor tastefully done.
2. Food looks fantastic, smells good & tastes heavenly.
3. Staff are very helpful & attentive. Special mention to a staff SURYA who knew the dishes so well and guided us while taking our orders.
4. The menu has unique &interesting options.

What I didn’t like that much :
1. The guava delight could have been a little less spicy.
2. You will need more than Google Maps to find this place.
3. Getting served can take a while in between orders.

My Recommendations :
1) Nilgiri Lamb Pepper Fry
2)  East India Company
3) Nimboo Kalimiri Chicken

Overall:
1. A great place to dine in, love the ambience, music and food.
2. Staff are very attentive and helpful.
3. Prices are a little steep but worth it as the food is amazing.

Price: Rs 1600 for two (approx.)

More Pics of the place –