Sassy yet classy

New kid on the hotspot block, Rassasy by Barcelos, is the blue-eyed boy that can get along with everyone. That’s because owner Gaaurav Anil Jethmalani has ensured that it is an all-rounder. It has the class of a sit-down dinner in one part and the sass of a lounge over a few drinks. And if you’d like a private corner, there is the family room. The food has classics such as pizzas, burgers, fajitas and what have you but also the South African chain Barcelo’s (which has introduced the restaurant in India) signature dishes, too. Gaaurav reasons, “The most important thing was the flexibility of choice of cuisines. In any group, everyone will want different things. We want all of them to not only come under the same roof but also leave satiated.” Hence, there are American, Mexican, Italian, Portuguese and other options, and also grilled food for the health-conscious diners.

SUBDUED ENERGY

As soon as we entered the place, which opened its doors for patrons yesterday, for an exclusive preview, the first thing that struck us was the subdued energy of the sprawling room — tastefully-done furniture and decor that seek your attention without crying for it. Gaaurav tells us, “My only brief for the interiors was to keep it pleasant and home-like.” The private area has a similar vibe but its better part is the view of a garden when the windows are opened. 

SO MANY SANGRIAS

The bar boasts of 21 types of wines from Australian, Chilean, Italian to Portugal and many more. Our evening started with the Orange & Christmas Spices Sangria (Rs 325), which had cloves spicing it up. It was delectable but the winner was the Winter Spices and Apple Sangria (Rs 325), which came with cinnamon sticks. The taste of the spice was more pronounced in the latter than the former. We also sampled Peach Sangria with Grapes (Rs 325) which came close to Winter Spices in being delicious. While sipping on the Sangrias, we munched on Hot Dips with Tostadas (Rs 345). 

(Clockwise from left) Espetadas; Banoffee Pudding; Grilled Chicken Drumsticks; Winter Spices and Apple Sangria; Empanadas

STARTING TO DIG IN

Our first choice in appetisers was Grilled Chicken Drumsticks (Rs 435). If its texture was anything to go by, it held the promise of succulent bites, and it didn’t disappoint one bit. And like that, it was a food session well-begun! Our vegetarian option included Macaroni Cheese Balls (Rs 455), which wasn’t quite out of the ordinary but the melted cheese whetted our appetite. After these, we were recommended Portuguese Gravy (Trinchado) with Rice (Rs 395), which was accompanied by sourdough bread and butter. This writer isn’t a fan of spicy food and the dish screamed double jeopardy as it included peri-peri sauce and a bed of spicy rice. But one felt adventurous. 

Interestingly, it wasn’t uncomfortably fiery but tingled the back of the throat. Mercifully, because the spices were soaked by the cottage cheese. 

UNIQUE OFFERINGS

While you can sink your teeth into (literally) the well-prepared classics, it’s the signature dishes that should be had a go at. For instance, Empanadas (Rs 295) that are tortilla pockets filled with assorted vegetables that looked like modest karanjis but just one bite and you’d know they are anything but regular; or Espetadas (Rs 595), which is a hanging dish skewed with chicken thighs or assorted vegetables served with rice. Lamb Chops with Red Wine (Rs 725) deserves a special mention for its combination of red wine with tomato sauce as well as herb rice with baby potatoes. Among cocktails, Rose Gin and Tonic (Rs 575) must be tried for its perfect blend. There was also Spiced Whiskey (Rs 550) with rosemary that was lit up and added a smoky flavour to the glass. The grill, kitchen and bar also has its own sauces — Supa Peri, Veri Peri, Mild Peri and Tangy Lemon. 

A SWEET ENDING

Our evening ended with Strawberry Glazed Cheese Cake (Rs 275) and Banoffee Pudding (Rs 225). The former was a creamy baked delight that you couldn’t find a fault with. Banoffee was passable and one has had better. 

Verdict: For everything from drinks to food, there really is something for you no matter what you prefer. The new entrant will soon have acoustic shows apart from a DJ spinning music. You must also head there for Sunday brunch.