Lifestyle

Celebrating Chocolates

by Arundhati Gupta | @twfindia 09 Jul 2021, 11:45 am

On Jul 7 World Chocolate Day was celebrated! Chocolates are perhaps one of the most popular ingredients to spread happiness. Contrary to popular belief that Chocolate Day is celebrated in the month of February, World Chocolate Day actually falls on Jul 7.

From birthdays and anniversaries to mushy first dates, chocolate creates magic…they bring a smile and spread joy. In recent times the popularity of chocolates has crossed all borders…Indian brands are experimenting so are individual chocolatiers—the variety on offer is sophisticated.

The customers are spoilt for choice—rich luxury chocolates to dairy-free dark chocolates— you name it and they are available. In fact, Kolkata has witnessed in recent times a very high demand for luxury and handmade chocolates. Restaurants too offer an innovative range of chocolate based desserts which leaves the customer craving for more.  To celebrate World Chocolate Day, a few select Kolkata restaurants presented a specially curated menu of delectable chocolate desserts. Drop by before 14th July, 2021. Chocolates, if had in moderate amounts can be beneficial for health as well… so…don’t feel guilty!

The open-air dining experience at the Unplugged Courtyard on 13, Ho Chi Minh Sarani, is truly special as it prides itself in having one of the finest ambience that boasts of a stunning backdrop of the Calcutta skyline merging with the iconic silhouette of the Victoria Memorial. The sight is mesmerizing!

To make the experience even sweeter, they have on offer some amazing desserts. Don’t forget to order the Unplugged Chocolate Bomb that comes with a chocolate ganache, charred marshmallows and chocolate crumbs, covered in a chocolate dome. It is served with a hot chocolate sauce.  I would recommend the Churros with chocolate dust powder that comes with a hazelnut dip and also their Chocolate Bread— a chocolate sponge with molten chocolate cone that comes with a vanilla ice-cream. Drop in anytime between 12 noon and 8pm.

If you are in the Salt Lake area, Canteen Pub and Grub at City Centre 1, 3rd floor, DC Block, should be your gastronomic stopover anytime between 12noon and 8pm! Here one will surely be transported to your college days where the canteen used to be the most popular haunt. At the Canteen Pub and Grub, the food, the décor and the ambience will   remind one of the good ol’ days. 

This place is ideal for sharing food and drinks with friends over a rocking adda session! If you are dropping by, try their Thandai Chocolate Mousse. Swastik Nag, the proprietor states, “Our Thandai Chocolate Mousses is undeniably one of our best-selling desserts!”

On a pleasant rainy afternoon drive down to City Centre 2, Rajarhat, keeping Traffic Gastropub in mind! It is a delightfully vibrant place to be. The music, the food and the fun décor all together make it an attractive place to be. Here everything comes at a pocket friendly price which makes Traffic Gastropub a hotspot for those looking at good food plus ambience with a price range that fits every wallet.

Must try their Oreo-gasm, the delectable dessert! It combines all the good stuff— Oreo, chocolate and caramel. You can also try the Nolen Gur Brownie which is Nolen Gur ice-cream on a chocolate brownie – need we say more? It is open from 12 noon to 8pm.

Have you heard about Potboiler Coffee House? I am sure you have! Situated near Triangular Park on 92/1B, Purna Das Road, this one’s for all the literary fans out there! It is the perfect place to spend time (12 noon and 8pm) with books over a cuppa or two of your favourite brew! Drop by at Potboiler Coffee House to try their Deep Fried Oreos—Oreos dipped in batter and fried to perfection, drizzled with cocoa powder and confectioner’s sugar and served alongside ice-cream. 

Don’t miss their Choco-chip cake slice…it is a perfect combo for your cup of coffee!

The last stop could be at the Lord of the Drinks at South City Mall. This place  is on every party goers list. The Lord of the Drinks is perhaps one of the most popular pubs. Here you get to savour delectable food along with stiff cocktails… and yes…they also serve delicious desserts.

Their signature dessert, Monte Carlo, is an ice-cream sandwich that is layered with rich chocolate fudge and vanilla ice- cream, topped with nuts and chocolate syrup. It is your ticket to paradise. The other chocolate dessert that I would like to recommend is the Nutty Brownie, it is a rich and decadent walnut brownie   served alongside a condiment of nuts, chocolate syrup and vanilla ice-cream. Are you drooling? It is time for a bit of romance with chocolates! Don’t wait…rush!