अन्नcensored (Anncensored) - Innovation with Exploration

The summer of 2016 saw the opening of the long-awaited Anncensored Café. Having been a trending topic on various social media platforms, the launch of the café marked its entry as one of the big players in Kamala Mills. Weekday or not, the eatery is buzzing, either with neighbouring office folk or regular out-goers. Reservation is a must! However, you happen to go sans a reservation and get bummed-out, I will be compelled to say as Sheldon Cooper says, ‘I informed you thusly!’ 

The café boasts swanky interiors and seating areas. The booths are quite a charm and absolutely picture-worthy. The swings seat a smaller bunch of people, but seem to have the greatest demand. A large communal table and a couple of other tables sum up the entire seating area. The lower level houses a large bar counter, the dance floor and a Private Dining Area. The entire crew is super friendly. The Anncensored menu has quite an interesting twist to it - the censored and uncensored menu. Prior to its launch, we were quite curious to know what this meant (sounds like something nasty maybe) A gimmick, unique to Anncensored helps you go about and understand the censored-uncensored bit of it. But basically, the censored menu comprises of a continental fare, while the uncensored uses the same elements and gives it an Indian flare to it. I won’t say what the gimmick is but what I will say is…don’t take the glasses home (what on earth is this person saying, right? Well, you’ll figure it out once you’re there too)

The food at Anncensored goes way beyond the gimmicks and fancy décor. A very weird, yet true statement that someone once told me is that one eats with their eyes first. From the crockery, to the plating and the taste, Anncensored serves a beautiful fare.

First, we had some stellar salads. Love cheese and want to have a salad? Try the Mozarella salad with Tamatar ka Kut for some Hyderabadi inspiration, and Rasam Granite. Also, we had the Three Melon Salad. It had an orange and ginger salad dressing, some goat cheese and pinenuts, and also some seasonal goodness thrown into the mix…mangoes!

Three Melon Salad

Among all the dishes we had that day, the Mushroom Consomme with Hazelnut Foam won me over. Mushroomy all the way, and a ricotta dumpling to make it all the better. The Chicken Shorba was nice too, served with a warm Indian bread. Drowned in the soup was a mini chicken gustaba which gave it flavours of its own.

Mushroom Consomme with mini Ricotta Dumplings

Straight out of the uncensored menu and absolute must-trys, were the Fig and Duck Confit Samosa with a Sweet and Sour Glaze, and the Butter Chicken Croquettes. The croquettes will blow your lids off (caution: HOT). Another veggie must try was the meaty and delicious Malai Mushrooms with Shishito Pepper, Amul Cheese Fondue and Garlic Crumb. Adding a little censored to so much uncensored was some brilliant Teriyaki Glazed Mushroom, served with a skewer of crispy fried tofu and shishito pepper.

Teriyaki Glazed Mushrooms with Pan-fried Tofu and Shishito Pepper

I’m not the fondest of noodles, but I did try some Udon Noodles with fried cashew and chilli. Next, we had Chicken Roulade in Makhani Gravy. This was Anncensored bringing a little of the north to Mumbai…with a rich, creamy makhani gravy. We absolutely relished this!!

Udon Noodles with Fried Cashew and Chilli

Chicken Roulade in Makhani Gravy

For dessert, Orange Cheesecake drizzled with liquid nitrogen, the flavours of which brought back childhood memories of orange cream biscuits.

Orange Cheesecake with Raspberry Coulis and Honey Tuile

Anncensored is the outcome of immense creativity, and knowledge and passion for food and beverage. For anyone who shares the passion for the same, Anncensored is one for your wish list. The nights transform this restaurant to something else altogether, so come prepped with your dancing shoes. The food, the beverages, the ambience, the service, the vibes are all great…Anncensored is a total package. Innovation with Exploration indeed! 

The Pineapple Express