While you should not judge a book by its cover, you can certainly order your dessert based on how it sounds at Desserts & Co, the pastries and gelato boutique. CocoLoco, for instance, at this place in Raheja Mindspace, Hi-Tec City, is what it sounds like. Inspired by the ubiquitous kopra or coconut, this one is shaped like one half of a coconut. With pineapple salsa as the filling and wrapped in a layer of coconut Malibu mousse and a chocolate exterior, it is light and refreshing without a strong sweet aftertaste. “This dessert is among the rockstars in this pastry place”, says corporate chef Suresh Paul. The 16-month-old gelato and dessert place in Deccan Serai (attached to Palato Italian Restaurant) is a labour of techie Hanumanth’s love for sweet eats. Hanumanth is known for his passion for food and his other venture Ci Gusta is widely raved about in the Hyderabad’s foodies circle. “The idea is to make desserts mildly sweet using the natural sweetness of the ingredients rather than additional sugars,” he says as we bite into the CocoLoco. Meanwhile, their Chocolate Tatiana Vanilla catches our attention. Inspired by the classic Cuban cigar, this one is filled with chocolate Maquis mousse, chocolate flourless sponge and a touch of whiskey. “It’s like a light snack that you can even eat on the go,” chef Paul adds.
“Hyderabadis, who are used to excessive sweetness in desserts such as Double Ka Meetha, actually find these light desserts refreshing. They go in for seconds and we are happy as it makes great business sense,” he quips. “We serve a variety of treats, gelatos and delicious cakes for all occasions with chef-inspired flavours. So we do a lot of experimentation and yes, trial and error is a part and parcel of our work here,” says Hanumanth. Their range of gelatos comprises flavours such as ginger apricot and kesar pista which have a distinctly Indian flavour. “The variety changes, so you better come by every month,” says Hanumanth.
Price for two `800.
— Manju Latha Kalanidhi
kalanidhi@
newindianexpress.com
@mkalanidhi