Review: Ab Celestial, Reclamation, Bandra West, Mumbai

Ab Celestial ( Now defunct!)
*** RATED

We were onboard AB CELESTIAL a day prior to the Valentine's Day. The highpoint of AB is definitely the ambience, mostly contributed by nature. It was a picture perfect evening with the Sunset unfolding before us and the dusk setting in behind...

The ship is large, spacious and the gangway leading to the ship is slightly testing for us, ladies, who love to wear heels. Once on board the climb up to the deck is effortless and the very worth it. The deck with varied seating meant to accomodate couples as well as larger groups does so with ease. The view monopolized by the Sea link and the other 2 ships anchored mid sea add to the ambience. While there is a chill in the air and a welcome breeze caressing one's face, it can get stronger at times. Once the evening melts into the night the ship is lit up and appears more inviting.

Though the lights do not enable one to read the menu clearly, the seating for couples placed all along the deck is ideal and allows for an uninterrupted view. Now, for the 5000 rupee cover charge (2500 per person), this is where the experience ends. Food is less than ordinary. The variety, cuisine and quality is far from being satisfactory. We were recommended The Chicken Amritsari Tender, a KFC style fried chicken at 3 times the cost! One would assume considering it is called tender the dish would be so, but that belies hope. The cocktails, though overpriced, were good. Both in terms of presentation and taste. I would recommend the tidal wave and the lemon grass peach martini, both of which were delightful. Even the mocktail, Nonito, lived up to the description. The main course we tried were the Sri Lankan Curry and the Watermelon Chicken Curry, again very average but suffices for two.

The biggest let downs was the disinterested service, laxity in providing relevant cutlery and promptness in clearing the plates once done with food. And the most appaling part was the restroom located below the deck that went without tissues and toilet paper! Not only was it shocking, the wet floor and less than clean appearance with no safe seat either was very disquieting. Now, while the people or customers prefer to smoke despite such a beautiful ambience, the staff and management ought to ensure there are separate enclosures for the same. Their response to this complaint was that they could not stop others from smoking and one has to bear with it! So, if, like us, you are non smokers, be prepared to be a cheerful passive smoker!

Floating Restaurant, the newest innovation in the dining experience in Bombay is good to have. Wish the food quality undergoes a serious overhaul as at the end of the day, we also go there to dine!

The stars are for the ambience alone.

A G K