When we stepped into Winterfell, we realised the Game of Thrones influence isn’t limited to the name. Having opened quietly in Velachery seven months ago, Winterfell’s second branch in Express Avenue has our attention. Owner Ragav Rishi is aware that passers-by often point to the GoT-themed wall art before they decide to enter the two-month-old outlet. “Chain stores with clichéd names are everywhere;Winterfell isn’t run of the mill, and it begins with the name,” says the 29-year-old, who adds that he owes his insight to previous experience in managing restaurants. It might be the name that draws you in, but you’ll stay (and come back) for their comprehensive menu. “Kids don’t usually like fruits or nuts, so options like cotton candy or jelly appeal to them, while chocolate and brownie-based flavours are all-time favourites with adults,” says Ragav.
What piqued our interest was the Chocolate Ice Cream Taco – a taco-shaped waffle shell coated in chocolate fudge, and stuffed with chocolate ice cream, chips, sprinkles and syrup. Taking 20 minutes to prepare, the taco is frozen in four stages to ensure that it stays intact in your hand. Nevertheless, biting straight into it after wondering where to begin and then licking the inevitable spill off of your palms is an experience that’s well worth the wait. “Food needs to look as good as it tastes,” Raghav tell us, as we go through the menu of Instagram worthy choices in caramel, coffee, and everything in between. We know he’s right when we see how kids look on with glee as their ice cream arrives, and adults look on with similar glee but through the lenses of their phones.
We recommend you try the Coffee Dream, a sinfully rich coffee ice cream topped with Oreos and Irish coffee syrup; or try Bon-Vita to taste your childhood in a cup, featuring a French vanilla base with Bourbon biscuits and Bournvita. For the creative soul, mix-and-match from a choice of 20 bases and 50 toppings. “There is no limit. A regular of ours often chooses upwards of 15 toppings each time,” says Raghav, with a laugh. He adds, “You could come here for months and never have the same thing twice!”
With plans for a third branch, the menu will also continue to grow with cakes in the offing next month.
- Rs.120 and upwards. Details: 9842944900.