Review - Di Bella Coffee

Named after its founder, Phillip Di Bella, Di Bella Coffee is an Australian coffee chain that has opened multiple outlets in the city. We dropped in at the outlet at Bandra Kurla Complex and were surprised to see all the tables occupied even at 3 PM.

After waiting for a couple of minutes, we got a table for ourselves. With Samsung Galaxy Tabs on each tables, Di Bella has taken customer experience to another level. You can go through the menu on it and place your order by selecting and confirming it on the tab itself. Quite similar to an online shopping experience. The servers are always around incase you need assistance. 

The menu comprised of Coffees, Teas, Cold Coffees, Light Bites and Desserts. Even though we were tempted to try the American Marshmallow Hot Chocolate, we thought of sticking to the Traditional Hot Chocolate since you can't really go wrong with it. However, the beverage was watery, not thick enough and lacked flavour. We wished there was more chocolate in it. The Cappucino on the other hand was well presented and seemed fine. We also tried the Baby Corn and Spinach Sandwich which was passable. 

Overall, Di Bella scores on the service and presentation front but there's room for improvement when it comes to the quality of food and drinks.

Venue: Di Bella Coffee

Ground Floor, Platina Building, Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Bandra

Landmark: Next to Range Rover Showroom

Phone: 65214222

Review: San Churro

"In 1528 Hernan Cortes brought the decadent Aztec tradition of chocolate to Spain. So precious was this gift that only the monks were allowed to manufacture chocolate strictly for the Spanish aristocracy. The head monk, San Churro, witnessed many miracles of chocolate including the healing of the Queen of Spain and made it his life's work to spread the 'secret' of chocolate across Europe.

And so began the legend of San Churro..." This is where San Churro, the international dessert chain, originated from. And now, it is in Aamchi Mumbai, after the popular chocolaterie A Chocolate Affair. After hearing so many people talk about it, my sweet tooth was whining till I finally visited it. One advice to everyone looking forward to this place is that, walk in without too many expectations.

The place is divided into two levels, ground and first. The ground level flaunts a big counter with a display of chocolates, desserts, limited snacks and more. The extensive menu has everything chocolate starting from Churros, Hot Chocolate, Shakes, Cakes, Desserts, Sundaes, etc. There is a small seating are on the ground level with about four to five tables and a couple of high stools.

The stairs lead you to the first level which is relatively spacious, brightly lit with huge french windows, comfortable couches and chairs. The decor is pretty impressive, not too loud, subtle and classy. The service could have been better, considering the fact that there were very few people behind the counter and they took close to ten minutes to take down our order. However, they were extremely helpful and well informed about each and every item on the menu; we appreciate!

Coming to our order, the good part is that with every dessert you choose, an option of Dark, Milk or White Chocolate is given to you. Since, Churros was their specialty, I took it for granted that it would be perfectly prepared and decided to skip it for the Double Chocolate Sundae and the Hot Chocolate both with dark chocolate! 

The contents of the Sundae were, Brownie, Chocolate Sauce, Dark Chocolate, Chocolate Ice-cream and Rich Cream. A poor imitation of the Chocolate Avalanche served at Mocha's, this one was a complete let down. The Classic Spanish Hot Chocolate, however, was absolutely sinful. With every sip that I gulped, I made a trip to heaven and back! Super amazing, pure chocolate melted into a beverage, this was the best I have had so far!

Children would love this place and adults who have a soft corner for chocolates are gonna drool as well! If you are planning to have some inexpensive desserts after a budget lunch, skip this place at it's priced on the higher end!

Venue: San Churro

Shop No. 11, Silver Pearl, Waterfield Road, Bandra (W)

Landmark: Opposite Red Box

Double Chocolate Sundae: Rs 180

Classic Spanish Hot Chocolate: Rs 120