Can there ever be too many bars? No, we don’t think so! We find bars to be a lively heady escapes, of which there can never be enough. Every city be it small or big are crammed with an abundance of bars, each different than the other in terms of style and approach. But where will you get more diversity than in Mumbai, which is gastronomically advanced in every way. The bar at Mahalaxmi Race Course is one of the hottest places to grab a drink in the city and for good reason. The open dimensions of the bar and a menu that fills your heart in anticipation are the strong points in its favour.‘Neel – Tote on the Turf’ as the bar is lovingly called is the perfect place to let down your hair along with some friends.

Neel – Tote on the Turf is one of the few places that serves pure North Indian food with a view of the racecourse. What can be more exciting or exhilarating then dining while a race is on cards? Grab a seat next to the window to get an eyeful or if the weather behaves, sit outside to be closer to the magic. Open the menu by choosing few of the appetizers such as, lachille tandoori aloo, kakori kabab, jaituni murgh tikka, Baghdadi seekh kabab, Awadhi sunheri jhinga, rajma ki golowti, kairi pudina mahi tikka, mattar aur soya ki shikampuri, pakhtooni peshawari boti and baida malai seekh. Pair kesari mattar pulao or an assortment of flatbreads to mop up the delectable curries. Khade masala ka paneer, murgh baradari korma, rawas ki teekhi tamatar macchli, kareli ka taar korma and kumbh singhada tarkari are the bestsellers.

Finish the meal on the right note with something sweet. Neel rabdi ice-cream, jalebi, malpua, kesari rasmalai, angoori rabdi and agre ka ilaichi jamun more than makes up for any lull. Neel – Tote on the Turf is an expensive fine dining place, save if for special occasions. Interiors are good-looking and enveloped by green belt so you feel nestled in something cosy and romantic. Furnishings are wooden with large picture windows bringing the outdoors in and filling the room with an airy vibe. But the best table in the house is outdoors, under the canopy of dense trees and surrounded by lush greenery.