Where cheating’s good for the tummy!

Roaming around The Orb at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, it’s the colourful glass facade of The Cheaters that first catches our eye. Bringing to our minds an American diner, our attention immediately goes to the fake ID wall as well as to the posters of iconic Hollywood con-films like Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Catch Me If You Can. The spacious interiors — with even a small place outdoors to sit — are an added bonus. 

But we are here for the food. A fusion of American and continental cuisine, we are told there is a bit of quirk in the dishes as well and we can’t wait to try them. First up, we’re treated to a Mushroom Cappucino (Rs 295), which, literally is a treat for those who want nothing but plain comfort from the dish they are having. Made to resemble a cuppa coffee, the mushroom soup with truffle foam served with garlic bread, is heartwarming. We go for the Rocket Leaves Salad with Wine Poached Pear (Rs 325) next. The goat cheese and balsamic dressing are on point but we only wish the pear had a bit of bite to it. 

With quite a few options in the burger section, we feel spoilt for choice but settle for the Beetroot Burger (Rs 395) and the Classic Grilled Chicken Burger (Rs 445). While the latter is enhanced with the chipotle mayo and Monterey jack cheese, we thoroughly dig the former with its Philly cream cheese sauce and beetroot coleslaw. A bit about the house fries served on the side — crispy and spiced to perfection!  

What follows next is the Baked Camembert Cheese (Rs 695) which is served with grilled veggies and garlic bread. It’s a heavy dish and just two bites of the same has us looking at each other in a resigned manner. Don’t get us wrong, the baked cheese certainly is delicious, soft and creamy and oozing cheese in the middle. We wash it all down with the Pineapple and Yuzu Jalapeno Sour (Rs 210), a refreshing pineapple drink with the yuzu enhancing it with its unique citrusy flavour. Smacking our lips, we almost forget that there’s dessert. But we promise to come back for it some other day.  

VERDICT: We don’t recommend cheating on your diet, but if the food is this yummy, then, by all means, go ahead. Oh, and while at it, don’t forget to order the fries!  

AT: Ground Floor, The ORB, JW Marriott Hotel, Next To Intl. Airport, Andheri East