Plato once said, “All art is an imitation of an imitation.” Any skilled chef can whip up an excellent dish from a recipe book, but what does it take to serve a plate of ideas molded with dough and salsa dip? We actually understood the depth of this statement once we visited Poco Loco – a chemistry-based Spanish and Mexican Tapas Bar & Café that serves an experimental cuisine inspired by Latin American flavours.
As we enter the space, we are greeted by a chemistry-themed environment. We walk inside to a wall mural showcasing Poco Loco’s selection of experimental cocktails in the form of a periodic table of elements. The inviting contemporary tapas bar incorporates the Spanish influence through Majolica floor tiles and quaint hanging lights, the designs of which give the space an edgy yet fun chemistry lab vibe. With a peninsula bar and lounge offering a transition in the flooring to a linear-geometric patterned contemporary one perfectly accentuating the neutral backdrop. The walls painted with bold wine red, black and grey colors boasts of some punny Spanish and Chemistry themed doodles and wall art. Keeping with the theme of the bar are the lighting fixtures designed using borosilicate test tubes and calibrated glass flasks, taking a cue from the basic lab apparatus. A funky chandelier (Molecule-53) – inspired by the skeleto-structural formation of organic compound truly adding to the distinctive character of the space lights up the entrance which offers a blend of high tables and sofa seats to customers.
Mixing up an enticing menu of elixir cocktails and sumptuous dishes, Dr. Loco and the team have curated a wide selection of crafted cocktails and a premium menu to compliment it. Think Cocktails that come complete with foam, caviars, bubbles and even a dash of smoke, Dr. Loco’s has come up with his own tonics and bitters to offer a farm to foam approach. Set in sections of the periodic table, you can pick from an exciting variety of martinis, margaritas, fruity mojitos, longs island and of course the Poco Loco experimental drink offerings. Dr. Loco’s Fuego – a mixture of Sambuca and Tequilla mixed with a dash of Tabasco sauce and garnished with an Jalapeno ring, La Llorona Martini –a traditional martini with homemade angostura bitters, and Pisco Brandy with a touch of lime and sugar have the wow factor.
As for the food, we indulged in a comforting bowl of soup-the Champinones Kale Cappuccino – variety of mushrooms and kale cream topped with garlic mozzarella crostini- this one is pure perfection. For the salads, we recommend the Parmigiana – a warm salad with parmesan foam, bell peppers, mushroom, baby corn, potatoes on a bed of salad greens with paprika vinaigrette dressing. We give a thumbs up to the appetizers-Patatas Bravas – seasoned crusty potato wedges with spicy garlic mayo and the crackling Sriracha Chicken Poppers. Spain’s national rice dish-the Paella Valenciana – a juicy, tangy and spicy preparation available in a vegan is another delight. We also loved the Dr. Loco Risotto – chipotle and lemongrass creamy rice and shrimps.
For desserts, the Churros Con Chocolate and Tres Leches had us smiling ear to ear, for the dessert coma they left us with. With its superb combination of chemistry and delicious food, we heartily recommend this one.
Note: The critic was invited by the restaurant but all the opinions expressed herewith are her own
Where: Poco Loco Tapas and Bar
Ground Floor, Navish House, Bldg No. 87,
Plot No. 99,S.V Road, Khar West, Mumbai,400052
Phone:+ 91 9324191366
