Dashanzi comes to JW Mariott Mumbai

Dashanzi – is the famous Art district in Beijing, China, and anyone who is interested in modern art and knows a thing or two about modern art installations will surely love this place. Inspired by this Art District, JW Marriott Juhu has launched Dashanzi – “the newest trendiest restaurant and Lounge in town” on the 3^rd of July. Recently I got the opportunity to be a part of a Bloggers Table arranged by team Dashanzi. It turned out be a women’s table, though I am sure that was purely unintentional. Amidst lot of chit chat, we enjoyed an evening full  of good company and good looking food!

First we were served with a Gin and Tonic drink with a dropper full of Yuzu fruit juice. The idea was to squeeze out the Yuzu juice as per your personal preference towards the tangy taste. Since I prefer tangier drinks over sweet, I squeezed out the whole dropper. It turned out to be a perfect accompaniment for the food that followed. Dashanzi boasts of the largest Gin bar in the city and serves some excellent drinks with an Asian twist.

Our tasting of the food started with the Gurando Platter / Grand Sushi and Sahimi Platter. This platter included AKAMI (Lean red tuna), SHAKE (Pink salmon), HAMACHI (Yellow tail) and HIRAME (Japanese halibut) fishes. The sushi and sashimi were as fresh and as tasty as they looked. For vegetarians, there was a vegetarian platter too that included MYOGA (Ginger), OSHINKO(Pickled radish) , ASPARAGUS , INARI (Sweet tofu skin) sushi and sashimi. Executive Sous Chef Ranjit came to our table to explain each of the Sushi and Sashimi served.

Then was the time for my favorite food in any Asian Restaurant, dimsums! First came the vegetarian selection for Dimsums – Celery and water chestnut, Crystal vegetable, Edamame and truffles. The non vegetarian dimsum selection included Classic  Har Gow,Chicken and truffle suimai with shaved hajikame , Prawn and coriander with kafir lime pesto. I cut opened one Prawn and Coriander dimsum with the fork and that unmistakable aroma of Kafir lime filled my nostrils. Not that I am complaining; I just loved those soft and succulent dimsums.

In the maincourse, the non-vegetarian selection comprised of Seared Hokkaido scallops, tossed Enokitake, curry laced sauce and Stir-fried chicken, water chestnut, kung pao Sauce and Barbequed Lamb chops, braised radish, tender green asparagus. The Vegetarian selection had Four style vegetables, stir-fried in Schezwan sauce and Vegetable Panang curry. All were served with Jasmine rice. I must say the dishes were impeccable in taste and preparation.

The highlight of the evening was dessert, the Freezing Chocolate Balloon. This is a dessert which involves an elaborate presentation. The chef laid the table as all of us got busy in recording his moves! As the Chocolate Balloon was finally ready to be had; all of us devoured that awesome dessert. I would say if you go there with a group of people then only you order this dessert because this is definitely NOT for 2 or 3 people.

Dashanzi, as it’s namesake in China, aims at presenting food on your plate as a work of art. All dishes served were visually as appealing as they tickled my taste buds. The décor and vibe of this place is uber cool which has a section overlooking the sea too. Dashanzi opens only for dinner.

Ratings out of 5

Food: 4 | Ambiance: 4 | Service: 4 | Overall: 4
Meal for Two with Alcohol: Rs.3000 Approximately plus taxes| Alcohol: Yes | Credit Card: Yes|
Timing: 7:30 pm to 11:30 pm | Wheelchair acess : Yes
Address:  JW Mariott, Juhu Tara Road, Juhu, Mumbai
Telephone :  +91 22 6693 3000

Disclaimer: This review was done on an invitation from the restaurant. Due judgement and care has been applied by the author to remain objective and unbiased in the review, but readers need to consider this review keeping this fact in mind.