From Home to Heart: Freny's, Where Nostalgia & Heritage Intertwine

The essence of home intertwines with the magic of culinary flavours at Freny's - a newly launched all-day dining and bar by Chef Freny Fernandes. Nestled in the lanes of Bandra, this is more than a restaurant; it's an extension of Chef Freny's home, an intimate journey through her life and a celebration of her East Indian roots. 

In her culinary haven, Chef Freny aims to shine a spotlight on her East Indian roots, introducing patrons to the cultural nuances and traditional flavours that define the community and her childhood. You will find meticulously crafted details that pay homage to this heritage. From doilies that mirror the charm of a Catholic home where you’d find them atop speakers, and television, to the soft glow of linen lamps exuding a warmth reminiscent of an East Indian household. Freny also brings distinctive dishes that have graced her family table. From her mother - Monica's roast chicken, to her father - Peter's mutton curry, and the delightful cocktail inspired by Grandma Isabel's wine elixir; paired with retro music that would play in her mom’s living room, every element carries the essence of her heritage.

The interiors are a reflection of Chef Freny's personal and culinary journey, with an atmosphere that unfolds the comfort and familiarity of her own living room. As you step through the doors, you are welcomed into a two-storey European/Portuguese-inspired setting. The walls are adorned with frames capturing moments from Chef Freny's family timeline from early days, college graduation, her grandparent's wedding, and an intimate connection between the diner and the chef's personal narrative. The ground floor, reminiscent of a cosy coffee shop, features a long community table complementing the coffee bar— to share a story or a meal with a stranger. Soft pastel colours envelop the walls along with teak wood panels, blending in an old-school charm with the intimate ambience. The pastel blue is a walk in the past to Chef Freny’s childhood home. Wallpapered ceilings adorned with chandeliers reinterpret the grandeur of European church aesthetics, adding a touch of the charms of Portuguese-era churches. The black and white back-painted glass-clad bar on the first floor introduces a hint of retro charm. At Freny's, nostalgia is tied to the interiors. From the red and white checks on the table mats reminiscent of cosy family dinners to the playful scribbling that invites guests to engage in nostalgic puzzles, every detail is thoughtfully curated to transport patrons back to cherished moments of their past. Chef Freny's nostalgic touch extends to the entrance, where a cotton candy machine stands, inviting guests to relive the joy of their childhood. The intricate details in every corner are fragments of Chef Freny's life, creating an inviting space that feels like an extension of her own living room.

Freny's menu is a heartfelt reflection of her life and passion for diverse flavours. Rooted in her East Indian heritage, the menu masterfully elevates traditional dishes with a contemporary twist. From the robust flavours of the bottle masala, that come straight from her mom’s kitchen to the enticing dishes inspired by her global travels, each offering is a carefully curated selection. Seasonal local ingredients, some sourced directly from her mother's farm and kitchen in Vasai, add a touch of freshness and uniqueness to every dish. 

The menu unfolds as a narrative, tracing Chef’s childhood to her time in New York, Europe, Denmark, and France. Notable creations include the indulgent Fugiyas, traditional East Indian fried bread, the tantalising Bottle Masala Potatoes, the Chicken Soup for the Soul - A warm mama’s embrace in a bowl of clear chicken soup with egg noodles, just how Mama makes it! The Burrrata Salad, a Monèr special with burrata cheese nestled atop a velvety carrot puree, accompanied by the rich flavours of roasted corn, candied walnuts, and vibrant cherry tomatoes. East Indian influence shines through in the Indyal (Vindaloo) Tacos and the Vasai-style Cutlet Pav Sliders, offering a delightful fusion of tradition and creativity. Additionally, Chef Freny pays homage to her roots with the Yellow Fish Curry (Puris) with Rice, a coconut milk-infused delight served with rice or puris. Chef Freny, inspired by the vibrant brunch culture of New York, has brought the essence of it into the menu. From the delightful Waffle Benedict -  toasted waffle crowned with either a choice of crispy bacon or smoked salmon, along with perfectly poached eggs, all drizzled with a tantalizing spicy hollandaise sauce, to the Cookie Dough Pancakes — a towering stack of fluffy pancake batter, generously studded with chocolate chips, and adorned with a luscious drizzle of maple butter, the breakfast to brunch menu offers a spread of dishes from across the globe. Paired with bottomless mimosas and cocktails on weekends, Freny’s recreates the glamour of NY Brunches right in Bandra. The vegetarians at Freny do not just have to eat Paneer but can rather delve into dishes such as The Hot Honey Halloumi Burger featuring sesame-fried Halloumi cheese in perfect harmony with the bold kick of hot honey and a refreshing cucumber slaw, The Chilli Cheese Risotto presents a unique twist, transforming the Mumbai-famous sandwich into a creamy and spicy risotto, for those with a penchant for elegance and flavour, the Purple Potato Gnocchi stands out—an exquisite creation that showcases purple potato gnocchi in a creamy butter sage cream sauce, accompanied by a crispy fried sage leaf. 

For those with a sweet tooth, Freny's menu is a delightful journey into indulgence. It features some of the best sellers from Monèr like the Creme Brulee French Toast - where housemade brioche meets luscious pastry crème, crowned with seasonal fruits and also introduces new creations. One such addition is the Every Sunday Sundae, a nostalgic favourite that Chef Freny's mom used to prepare on Sundays. This delectable dessert comprises layers of raspberry jelly, custard cream, and vanilla cake, all crowned with Chef Freny's signature French vanilla bean gelato and raspberry sorbet. Adding a touch of cinematic magic, the menu introduces the viral Matilda Cake—a childhood dream of Chef Freny inspired by the movie Matilda. Another highlight is the Fernandes Rocher, a reimagined version of Chef Freny's favourite childhood treat. This exquisite creation features chocolate mousse enveloping liquid salted caramel and liquid hazelnut praline finished with a rocher glaze and a crispy tuile. 

Dive into the cocktail menu, where your tastebuds will embark on a flavour-packed eclectic adventure.  The menu has got the Classics - the Martinis, G&Ts, and Margaritas, but also drinks that bring a touch of nostalgia — think tamarind, jamun, and roohafza. Experience the Tamarind Pop - a lively blend of Vodka/Gin, guava juice, and tamarind jam, complemented by a hint of chilli and salt for that extra kick or The Queen Fernandes where Bourbon takes the lead in this royal affair, mingling with a homemade rose shrub and topped with a bubbly apple ginger fizz. The cocktail menu also introduces dessert delight with cocktails such as - Chocolate Skyline - an enchanting Chocolate indulgence, where whiskey meets the allure of chocolate and cookie syrup, enhanced with a touch of anantmool magic or the Rose Ciel - a luxurious blend of coconut liqueur, vanilla, hazelnut, and the delightful essence of roohafza rose ice. A sip of elegance!

Freny's is a space that feels like home, where patrons can not only savour the diverse menu but also immerse themselves in an atmosphere steeped in nostalgia. It's more than a restaurant; it's a living, breathing story—a narrative of flavours, and the cherished moments that make life extraordinary. 

Welcome to Freny's, where every detail is a chapter, and every meal is a page in the story of Chef Freny’s heart.

Days: Tuesday to Sunday

Address: Shop no.11, Silver Pearl Building, W, Waterfield Road, opposite China Gate, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050

Contact: +91 7770014123

Average Cost for two: INR 2000 plus taxes

----