The new chocolate drinks at the Fromage in MRC Nagar threw us into a quandary. Should we begin with these shots or should we save them for post-meal? If you ask L Nitin Chordia, the bean-to-bar chocolate maker who has researched and collaborated with this European themed restobar to create the new Boozy Drinking Chocolate menu – his response is, “Anytime is a good time for chocolate.” So, we decide to start and end with them — with each shot showcasing a different spirit and a specific artisnal chocolate blend. Meanwhile, Nitin adds that this menu is the first of its kind in India.
With five flavours to choose from, the Chocolate Barrel is warm with blended chocolate (beans from South America and Africa) and hints of whiskey. Seductively chocolatey, the finish has the fiery spirit — a reminder that these are not desserts but cocktails. Nitin, who is also India’s first certified chocolate taster, reveals, “We have not used any cocoa powder. These shots are made with pure chocolate – where the cocoa butter has not been separated.” The Chocolate Vodka Martini has about 20 ml of vodka with the rich swirling chocolate blend of African origin. The delightful blaze down the gullet after a generous gulp is gracefully smothered by the robust chocolate.
For an amuse bouche we dig into succulent slabs of cottage cheese lathered with pleasantly restrained pesto sauce. Soon our palate is ready for another shot — this time, the after taste is a stab of caffeine with Red Wine Mocha. Next, we try the other red wine option — without mocha — and decide that among the five, this one could pass for a virgin shot!
The main course sees a layered parmigiana recently included from their Christmas menu with a luscious puttanesca sauce. The cliché about saving the best for last works here — as we knock back the fifth shot — the Mexican Shot-out. With hints of pepper and spices, this one is an enticing blend of chocolate from beans sourced from our own backyard — Karnataka and Kerala. The tequila here is smooth as silk and promises to be my undoing!
At Rs 250 per drinking chocolate shot (60 ml), Fromage also has the Radio Room’s regular bar menu.