Dull vibe, decent food

We visited on a Monday night, so we knew we’d probably be among the few diners at Asado; but we didn’t expect to be the only ones. Promoted as Mumbai’s first and only Latin restaurant, Asado is located on an isolated stretch near the G7 Multiplex lane. By the end of our meal, we figured it was this location (and perhaps, the general lack of a character) that wasn’t working, because the food isn’t a deterrent as such.

The interiors take the Latin American theme a bit too seriously, almost to a point of feeling tacky. The lighting is unusually dim in the inside section, and there’s a bar on one side. Yet, this isn’t like the kind of place we’d land up on a party night to get a drink.

Apart from a bunch of cocktails, the alcohol menu has a pretty impressive collection of international beers and tequilas. We were in two minds about trying a cocktail, but our incredibly persistent server made sure we ordered one. His recommendation — Watermelon Mojito (`450) — arrived with a fresh bread basket and three delicious dips. The cocktail, unfortunately, didn’t stand out. It had enough alcohol to get you buzzing, and with a slice of watermelon, popped in, the presentation wasn’t spectacular either.

The appetiser — Baked Epazote Mushroom and Parmesan Polenta Cake (`375) — comprised four small portions. Each bitesized cake was topped with mushroom and parmesan mash that melted in our mouth, all thanks to the generous amounts of cheese and butter.

For mains, we ordered the Homemade Chorizo Flat Bread (`375), and Pork Ribs (`750); the latter came from a section called Live Lava Stone Grill. We love chorizo, so we were expecting fireworks with the former. But what came to us didn’t even taste like the spicy sausage. Our server insisted the flavour differed because it was made in-house, but what’s the point if it doesn’t taste as good? The flat bread, meanwhile, became rock-hard in a matter of minutes. The Pork Ribs kept us waiting for a good 20 minutes. Finally, a large tray with a slab of black stone arrived with four massive pork chops, potato and garlic mash and corn on the cob. This indigenous version of a sizzler can feed three easily. The pork ribs were well-cooked and meaty, with a lot of fat. The diet-conscious might want to steer clear of this one, but if you love pork, it might be worth trying.

The food here is good, but the presentation and dull ambience need attention. Maybe then, the location won’t matter as much.