Caramelle is one of the newest Patisserie & Cafés to open in the rather posh Ballygunge part of Kolkata. So, obviously, it was only a matter of time before we got around to sampling what they had to offer.
Well, today was that day.
It was a particularly hot late Sunday afternoon — pretty much the perfect time for a leisurely lunch somewhere indoors with air-conditioning doing its best to convince you that summer isn't actually happening outside. July is nearly upon us, which means the rains can't be too far away. And yes, the rains will be more than welcome... at least until we start cursing the messy roads, waterlogging and muggy days. But that's a completely different discussion!
Caramelle is located on the first floor and, right from the entrance, it was clear that considerable effort had gone into the place. The interiors are chic, elegant and very tastefully done. Everything seemed to have been thought through, and there was a definite air of understated sophistication about the place.
Of course, pretty interiors are all very well, but the real question was — had they put the same amount of effort into the food?
We started with two shakes, served in rather nice, tall glasses. A great way to begin lunch, especially on a sweltering summer afternoon.
Then came the food.
The Chicken Wrapped in Bacon arrived looking almost like it had wandered in from a fine-dining restaurant. Beautifully plated and rather elegant to look at, it certainly made a good first impression. More importantly, it tasted pretty good too.
The Steak and Pork Ribs followed, and both looked absolutely gorgeous. We also ordered some Garlic Bread on the side. These weren't your dainty little slices of bread either. The slices were huge and quite capable of holding their own against the main courses.
So far, the meal was shaping up rather nicely. Everything was elegant, tasty and beautifully presented.
There was, however, one small problem.
The portions were very much on the Michelin-star restaurant side of things.
Now, I have absolutely nothing against beautifully presented food, but when it comes to lunch, I do like my plate to look as though it intends to keep me alive for the next few hours! I would have preferred the portions to be a little more generous.
But then again, that's probably just me and my rather enthusiastic appetite.
Dessert, thankfully, arrived to make sure we weren't leaving without one last indulgence. A Cheesecake and a Pastry brought the meal to a suitably sweet conclusion.
While we waited for the bill, I took the opportunity to look around a little more. The interiors deserved another inspection, and this time I noticed something rather unexpected — the salt and pepper shakers.
Yes, even those had clearly received some thought.
It's funny what catches your eye in a restaurant. Sometimes it's the chandelier, sometimes a painting, sometimes the crockery... and sometimes, apparently, it's the salt and pepper shakers!
By the time the bill arrived, the verdict was pretty clear.
Caramelle was a great experience.
Good food, lovely presentation, stylish interiors and a rather pleasant atmosphere made it a very enjoyable late Sunday lunch.
And now that we've discovered another new place in Ballygunge, I'm sure it won't be too long before we are back to sample something else from the menu.
