Mumbai's first and only Casino themed resto bar- "Kasino Bar"

Mums 50th birthday couple of years back was an all expense trip to Las Vegas. The lights, noise and glamour was so overwhelming, that she still talks about that 5 day trip as though it had happened yesterday. The trendy music, the whirring of slot machines and the enchanting shows, the air had a sense of excitement which she could not get enough of. The trip had etched a sense of vibrancy in her life, a feeling of being young again. Still yearning for that bit of excitement she had found years ago, I tried thinking of places so I could have a themed birthday and finally it struck me – Kasino Bar! Here is an opportunity to give her a taste of what she may have experienced then and I thought what better way to celebrate than in style.

As I called the place and made a reservation, I was told that this was the first and only casino themed restaurant – bar in India. It seemed interesting and I was hoping it could be the tonic my mum was looking for.

The bar had an impressive ambience. Playing in the background was a live DJ who we later came to know took requests. The décor is thematic, with flashing card characters across the walls. There is a dance floor showered with sparkling disco lights and a big display screen which allows for playing virtual casino games like roulette and blackjack while sipping on some exotic cocktails. You can apparently win cashback and food discounts on the virtual games and this concept is something I have never seen in any other joint!

We arrived at the Kasino Bar which is on the 8th floor of the skyrise Synergy Court in Kanchpada, Malad, giving a pretty impressive view of the suburbs. The food is primarily vegetarian and this is what we ordered for.

Peach Margerhita - Kasino Bar — Peach Margerhita – Kasino Bar

PEACH MARGARITA : This was an ordinary peach flavoured margarita, perhaps lacking in its punch! (Rating: 3/5)

Pepper Black - Kasino Bar — Pepper Black – Kasino Bar

PEPPER BLACK: This was made up of a black currant crush, mixed with grape and lemon juice and garnished with black salt and white pepper| A tad bit salty not really stimulating the taste buds (Rating: 3/5)

Basil Mojito - Kasino Bar — Basil Mojito – Kasino Bar

BASIL MOJITO: A muddled basil and crushed lime ice, topped with ginger ale. I loved the sweetness of the lemon and ginger, against the peppery basil. (Rating: 5/5)

Dragon Fruit Killer Mocktail - Kasino Bar — Dragon Fruit Killer Mocktail – Kasino Bar

DRAGONFRUIT KILLER: This mocktail score high both on presentation and taste. It’s killer characteristics include refreshing dragon fruit scooped balls, the tangy baseline of lime juice and a minty aftertaste. It is one of the most recommended mocktails here and that is no surprise! (Rating:5/5)

Ying Yang Martini - Kasino Bar — Ying Yang Martini – Kasino Bar

YING YANG MARTINI: This was a creamy chocolate flavoured mocktail garnished with chocolate shavings making it a more romantic drink. (Rating: 4/5)

Harumaki - Japanese Cuisine - Kasino Bar Malad — Harumaki – Japanese Cuisine – Kasino Bar Malad

HARUMAKI– These were Japanese vegetable spring rolls stuffed with bean sprouts, mushroom, carrots and glass (cellophane) noodles. They have a classic garlicky crust taste against a caramel like flowery taste of Sake (Japanese rice wine) used in preparing the veggies. We all loved them! (Rating: 5/5)

Sambal Cottage Cheese - Kasino Bar Malad — Sambal Cottage Cheese – Kasino Bar Malad

SAMBAL COTTAGE CHEESE– Fresh soft paneer served with smoked veggies in a spicy Malay sambal sauce. The soft paneer chunks go well with the sautéed crunchy vegetables and it is not too spicy. A must try for paneer lovers! (Rating: 4/5)

Peri Peri Balls - Kasino Bar Malad — Peri Peri Balls – Kasino Bar Malad

PERI PERI BALLS: This had both peri peri flavoured mozzarella and cheddar cheese balls served in a lollipop style with a side of mayonnaise sauce. (Rating: 4/5)

Spicy Chipotle Mushrooms - Kasino Bar Malad — Spicy Chipotle Mushrooms – Kasino Bar Malad

SPICY CHIPOTLE MUSHROOMS: The highlight of this dish was the intact crispiness of the button mushroom although sautéed in a garlic, chipotle pesto. The pesto had almonds along with red and chipotle chillies (smoke-dried jalapeño) giving it an aromatic sweet spicy flavour. This was the best dish of the evening and in a decent quantity. (Rating 5/5)

Tiny Potato Cheese Lollipops - Kasino Bar Malad — Tiny Potato Cheese Lollipops – Kasino Bar Malad

TINY POTATO CHEESE LOLLIPOPS: This had Mashed potato cheese balls which had been deep fried in a coat of breadcrumbs and stuffed with mozzarella cheese. It was served with Gochujang sauce which is sweet & spicy Korean pepper paste mayonnaise. (Rating: 4/5)

Pasta Alfredo - Kasino Bar Malad — Pasta Alfredo – Kasino Bar Malad

PASTA ALFREDO: The classic penne pasta in a creamy white sauce with a strong garlic aftertaste. (Rating: 4/5)

Veg Paprika Rice - Kasino Bar Malad — Veg Paprika Rice – Kasino Bar Malad

VEG PAPRIKA RICE: This had herbed rice served with mashed potato and sautéed vegetables which were tossed in a creamy paprika sauce. This dish was our most satisfying item in the main course.(Rating: 3/5)

Needless to say, my mum had a blast. It brought back fond memories of her trip which we reminisced over at length. And the best part was that the food was better than what she had remembered from that time!

My Recommendations :
1) BASIL MOJITO
2)DRANGONFRUIT KILLER
3) HARUMAKI
4) VEG PAPRIKA RICE:
5) SPICY CHIPOTLE MUSHROOMS

OVERALL:

I loved the overall concept with the touch of glamour, gaming and the dance floor. A great place to party with family & friends!
Service is good & the staff are quite attentive to recommending dishes. (Rating 5/5)
Prices are easy on the pocket.
The ambience is good, with funky decor and lighting. (Rating 5/5)
Parking is not a problem.

Price: 1,200 for two people (approx.) with alcohol