Sep 21, 2002 02:56 PM
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(Updated Sep 21, 2002 02:59 PM)
(Its been a long time since I wrote anything, so umm hello people, great to be back)
For the non-Indians out there a cafe maybe something you find around the corner everywhere. But here in India its a fairly new concept. And the tremendous success that branded Coffee Pubs have had in India is testimony to both some shrewd marketing and a vibrant ever-innovative society. And the first name that comes to my mind when I say Coffee is Coffee Day.
I had heard much about Coffee Day (CD) when it first came out, all about it being the coolest hang out in Bangalore and so forth, but except for one futile attempt to go there a few years ago, I had never tasted the pudding myself. That time I couldnt make it in, there were a gazillion people waiting outside. That did leave me with a bad impression, I thought it was too much Nouveu Riche or something, and it was all about being seen.
Then an year back I spotted a quaint little branch in Anna Nagar in Chennai. After a little soul searching, I went in and, have been a CD regular ever since. Now to do full justice to CD and all about it, I have to talk about all the little elements:
- The Coffee:
Well thats what its about isnt it ? Well CD is the best. I have been to the other places a number of times, and nothing comes close. The portions are large, the prices are fine (all branded coffees are pricy) and the taste immaculatte. Most people prefer the cold coffees, and they have a fine range, my fave being the Tropical Iceberg. This particular one being coffee with a heavenly tang of coconut. The Cafe Frappe is the most expensive and rightly so, they make it wonderfully. And it is pretty filling too.
If you go there do try out the Mochachillo too. You will not be dissapointed. The hot coffees are extremely good too. Their basic cappuccino and Latte are good clean coffees, no strings attached. CD also offers a range of exotic foreign coffees, and they are not pulling fast ones here, I have had all of them and they all have a character of their own. If you really want to explore, try them all.
Their non-coffee drinks are good, especially the iced tea. The rest are fine, but CD is coffee period. Try them out, but only as a distraction.
All I can say is these guys grow their coffee and know their coffee. They are experts. Your taste buds and cash are in safe hands. And the taste is ditto between outlets too.
- The Snacks
Well nothing spectacular, and not the biggest of portions too. But just enough to make a meal if you want to. I have had a couple of brunches over coffee. So as far as that goes you could hope for a snack, but definitely not a lunch hang out. However their Mousse and Pizzas are great. The pastries are good too. But I wouldnt fork out cash for the sandwich. Though I dont think you get the same eats everywhere, so be your own judge.
- The Ambience
Excellent. I have read a lot of books, and spent whole Sunday Afternoons in their outlets. Good music, (you can play your fave songs too), the branch I went too, was a little too small, but for a quite couple of hours, it was perfect, and if you have got friends coming, have no fear they can hold you too. The furniture and settings, are all top notch, without being flashy or gaudy. 6 to 60 will all find their place here.
- The People
I have met some of the sweetest people working in CD outlets. (Souren and Raj, if you are reading this: HI !!!) They know when to keep you company, and a lingering smile sometimes makes the coffee taste all that much better. The best in store service I have had at any eatery or cafe. Excellent. Full marks on this one.
The service is quick too, no gimmicks, no jazz, just good old service with a smile.
- The Extras
They sell their inhouse brand of coffee, and have some merchandise too. All neat stuff, and decently priced. They also have a CD newsletter, which is a good One Coffee read.
- The Cribs
The snacks need to get better. I would love to see better sandwiches and eats. The stuff they have now looks and tastes exactly like plane food. And if there is one thing that spikes its that they change the menu after aeons. Not that the present one is bad, but for a regular the same choices everytime can put you off.
They should try a do it yourself coffee too. Where you can mix and match flavours and things.
- The Verdict:
The place to be. If you need a nice place to read a book, do some studying or just hang out with your friends, CD is your number one choice. And once there you are hooked for life. I think I have done enough to earn myself a nice cool Frappe. So adios and see you sometime at your nearest Cafe Coffee Day !!!
