1 day Ago By Shradha Shahani
Walk through NMACC’s Art House , and some of the most captivating photos in wildlife come to life as part of its latest exhibit by the Natural History Museum, Wildlife Photographer of the Year —the dance of fireflies illuminating the Anamalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu, the iridescent colours of an orb-weaver spider’s web and the highly threatened lowland tapir gazing into the camera in the misty rainforests of Brazil. When hunger strikes after exploring three storeys, you don’t have to look too far or leave the arts behind. You can now sit amidst them and enjoy a nosh, courtesy of the new NMACC Arts Cafe, which now sits next door.
The Arts Cafe is Isha Ambani’s creative expression of her love for the arts and fond memories of food with loved ones. In her cover story with Vogue India from July, the business magnate referred to herself as a Carbie Barbie , revealing that she is not immune to finding comfort in a plate of hot French fries, buttered toast, vada pav—“basically anything that’s full of carbs.” Understandably, all things familiar and comforting from around the world make up the menu at the NMACC Arts Cafe—think French onion soup, mezze platters, som tam salad, Thai curry and Neapolitan-style pizzas.
But not without a few elements of surprise . A salad of shaved parsnips and carrots luxuriates in a velvety dressing of whipped tofu with a curry leaf tadka—a delicious combination of otherwise underwhelming vegetables. The shishito peppers are hugged in a mix of miso and crisp quinoa, lending a crunch to every bite.
The clay oven-roast chicken has the smokiness of meat cooked on a tandoor. The creme brulée has a tangy aftertaste of kaffir lime. The NMACC Arts Cafe isn’t named so simply by virtue of its proximity to the Art House; art enthusiasts will be able to spot works from renowned Indian and global artists around the space.
British artist Damien Hirst’s cheery spot paintings and a pretty pastel wall with salon-style paintings that hark back to 19th-century art exhibitions at the Louvre in Paris greet you into the café. Inside, you will spot the works of photographer Dia Mehhta Bhupal , an artist who breathes life into everyday objects through her work; artist and illustrator Sameer Kulavoor ’s vivid gateways and arched doors; California artist Jennifer Guidi’s paintings on sand; Bangladeshi visual artist Rana Begum’s spray paint on paper; and Japanese artist Takashi Murakami’s infamous Smile Flower. At the café’s preview night on December 21, Bollywood stars Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif, Janhvi Kapoor , Shahid Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit Nene were spotted doodling on the interactive art wall, so this could very well be your chance to say that SRK and you made art together.
The interiors by Gauri Khan Designs play foil to the works, with Art-Deco elements and chandeliers, cosy sofas upholstered in muted tones, and bookshelves stacked with titles about fashion and food. The only pops of colour here come from the paintings and photographs. The food is light and a good choice for a pre- or post-show bite at NMACC’s Grand Theatre.
The cocktails are playful: the Popcorn Negroni, a blend of popcorn-infused tequila, rosso and juniper, evokes the scent of caramel popcorn filling a cinema hall. The drinks are crafted at a 16-foot bar, with a striking textile by Delhi-based NorBlackNorWhite above, whose work also appears in the 12-seater private dining restaurant with a live kitchen. Every detail is built around the arts here.
The NMACC Arts Cafe opens to the public on 29th December and is located next to the Art House on Level 3 Also read: At the NMACC, a new exhibit brings the greats of the American Pop Art era to India for the first time Billionaire heiress Isha Ambani Piramal reveals her most prized possessions From A-List Guests To Priyanka’s Impromptu Performance, On The Ground At The NMACC Gala In Mumbai.
