• Lower Parel is slated to get a European restaurant and bar called Theory on Monday, December 19. Theory is helmed by the Magnanimous Group, which was previously an event company called Network Prive. Bar menu highlights at Theory include cocktails such as the Hickory Bong (tomato water and whisky); Asian mojito (vermouth, gin, coconut, passionfruit and basil) and non-alcohlic spritzers like green apple with fennel. The drinks can be paired with such dishes as tuna carpaccio with ponzu vinaigrette; Belgian pork belly with edamame beans, diced pear and parsnip puree; pork cheek Benedict with poached egg; and duck confit with crispy waffle, duck jus and maple syrup. Open daily, from 6pm to 1am. Theory, C Wing, Trade World, Kamala Mills, Lower Parel. Tel: 022 6666 6505.
• A South India-inspired pub called SamBar is slated to open in Khar on Thursday, December 15 in the same spot that previously housed WTF!, Loca Loca and The Hungry Birds. First-time restaurateur Pragnesh Rai’s venture offers Andhra fish fingers; chicken vepudu (a take on chicken chilli); goli baje (Mangalorean bhajiyas); Chettinad idli chilli; gunpowder fries; and chicken ghee roast. The cocktail menu lists the Chill Madi (Long Island Ice Tea with kokum); Spice-a-Talam (vodka, coriander chaat masala and Tabasco); and Cappi Madras (vodka, coffee liqueur and cardamom). Open daily, from 6pm to 1am. SamBar, Vora building, opposite Khar Education Society, Third Road, near Khar Railway Station, Khar. Tel: 98209 07212.
• In October, Kemps Corner hot dog joint New York Street was replaced by The Fryday House, a Belgian fries bar. The three-item fries focused menu lists fries, wedges and Jain fries (made using banana) that you can pair with dips such as wasabi; rosemary and garlic; peri peri; pineapple jalapeño; and chilli chocolate. Open daily, from noon to 10pm. The Fryday House, 2/A, Meherabad, Warden Road, opposite Mucchad Paanwala, Kemps Corner. Tel: 98198 71115.
• Paanwallaa, a chain of premium paan parlours with outlets in Chembur and Vashi, has a new branch in Bandra West. The menu, which features traditional and specialty plans such as chocolate chips; strawberry crush; dry fruit paan; and vanilla cream as well as paan shots and paan ice cream, is the same across the chain. Open daily, from 11.30am to midnight. Paanwallaa, next to Solanki Stores, opposite Five Spice, Pali Naka, Bandra (West). Tel: 98213 35655.