You’re unwinding at a local cafe, a book in the hand and a hot cup of coffee in the other. Before you know it, the coffee’s over… er, not a good feeling if you’re looking at spending the next two hours there. Another cuppa doesn’t sound too exciting either. Well then browse through the menu you lazy lad! There’s more to a coffee shop than Americanos and Java Grinds. Almost all cafes offer more than just your average brews. Lets take a look…
Barista
Fruit Smoothies and Sparkles
One of the coolest cafes, Barista is a place to hang out with friends or a laptop. Don’t wanna sip on coffee? Try this! Mojito in watermelon or lime flavour - a traditional Cuban summer drink with sweet and minty undertones. If you like something more fizzy, opt for ’sparkles’. Ginger Fizz is one of their best-sellers. And if you crave for something sweet and milky, why stop at Latte? Try yummy smoothies in mango, strawberry or black currant flavours. Make it sinful by adding a dollop of ice-cream. Other refreshing alternatives include fruity ice-teas in lemon, passionfruit, blackberry and premium teas like Earl Grey, Lemon Ginger, Green Cardamom. Hey! They also have something known as Chai Latte. Aptly called ‘coffee companions’ they have muffins, cookies and sugar doughnuts. Weight watchers will fall in love with their low-fat banana muffin and Slimmers’ Choice sandwich. This coffee giant has something for everyone…
Mocha
Oreo Shake
This cult coffee shop is an experience in itself. Puff away a hookah or sink into a chocolate avalanche while watching the city’s ‘it’ crowd pass by. The ‘great shakes’ as they lovingly call them are the bestsellers here; they score well over the coffees. Why? We’re talking sinful and addictive flavours like Oreo, Ferrero Roccher, Lindt, Blackforest and Kit-Kat…mmm! They also have some teas and coolers, and all-day breakfast. Do not miss the BMT panini. Mocha’s hipper cousin Mocha Mojo in Bandra offers the good ol’ shakes and snacks along with some crazy new options. Try the cucumber cooler in a jam-jar. Or low-cal shakes with Splenda. How about some Thai-curried Maggi noodles? There’s no dearth of imagination at Mocha!
Costa Coffee
Snacks and Desserts
The popular British chain is perceived as a quintessential coffee place, and it sure serves the most authentic, rich coffee. What many don’t know is that Costa is equally good with its non-coffee drinks. Try the Green Apple Mojito, Virgin Sangria (a fruit-flavoured refresher), peach or lemon ice-tea or the delicious Choco-Mint shake. Costa Coffee has been quick to adapt to the desi palate. It has recently introduced many Indian bitings on its menu. Grilled paninos, cheese chilli sticks, salads and pastas were always there…Now they even sell paneer tikka wedges, spicy paneer wraps and tandoored rice! If you’re not full yet, end with the perfect passion fruit cheesecake.
Gloria Jeans Coffees
Choco Mocha Mousse Cake
The Aussie beauty has taken the town by storm! Not only does it look great, it tastes great too. Once you’ve had enough of the sweet flavoured coffees (Irish Nut Creme, White Chocolate Mocha, Hazelnut) then turn towards the yummy significant others. A wide range of teas is available; Earl Grey, Ceylon Decaffeinated, Peppermint, Chamomile and Green tea. But I’m in love with the Mixed Berry Cooler! The options for foodies are limited, but delectable. Try the mushroom-jalapeno sandwich, cheese croissant, cheddar cheese and tomato panino or the chicken sandwich. For dessert indulge in the choco mocha mousse cake or the carrot-cinnamon cake.
Cafe Coffee Day
Chocolate Fantasy with Ice-Cream
Pioneered in 1996 with its first cafe at Brigade Road in Bangalore, CCD is now omnipresent. This fast-mushrooming chain offers the most economical snacks and drinks. The tagline says “a lot can happen over coffee” but we’d like to believe that CCD’s claim to fame is its cool drinks menu - smoothies, granitas and cremosas. Try the Strawberry Colada and you’ll know exactly why! The Cool Blue with blue Curacao flavouring is also yummy. If you’re feeling peckish, try the Veg. Open Sandwich. CCD also serves desi favourites like Samosas, Masala Sandwich and Veg. Kathi Rolls. For the sweet tooth, they have chocolate cakes and sundaes. So much to choose from!
Tags: barista, cafes, CCD, costa-coffee
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