Madéline
Café, Patisserie
Food: 4 | Service: 3.5 | Décor: 4
Located at Mayur Colony in Kothrud, Madéline is a new contemporary café, patisserie and tea room all rolled into one.
DÉCOR
From outside Madéline looks like a quaint Parisian café complete with a glass windows that allow a glimpse inside the café. Once you enter the first thing you notice is the impressive arrangement of flowers inspired by the blossom of a cherry tree which cover a large section of the ceiling. There is a glass display for the cakes and desserts and a unique coffee bar with high chairs. The seating is a mix of comfortable sofas and golden metal chairs with pink cushions. The use of soothing pastel colours mixed with gold gives a classic yet contemporary look. The walls are adorned with quirky quotes related to food like ‘Life is short, eat cake’. The outdoor section has comfortable patio seating with large umbrellas, perfect for the current weather.
FOOD
A glance through the menu and you will notice unique items like nitro coffees, artisanal lattes, infusion teas along with the regular small bites, salads, sandwiches and desserts. We started with the Nitro Lemonade which was poured at the table using a special nitro gun. This frothy blend of coffee and lemon was a new and delightful experience. Among their artisanal lattes, we tried their signature Rose Latte which was pink and floral. This was an acquired taste, but pleasant on the palette. Personally I find ice teas sweet and synthetic. But the freshly brewed Ice Tea with fresh blueberry juice and without added sugar was refreshing and unlike any other ice tea. The Cold Fashioned is a cold brew coffee drink inspired by the Old Fashioned cocktail where the whiskey is substituted by coffee. Cold brew coffee with orange rind seemed unconventional, but was absolutely delicious. We were lucky to get their last Plain Croissant which was perfectly flaky and buttery. I will be going back soon just for the croissants.
Among the salads we ordered the Coriander Mustard Grilled Chicken Salad. The taste of the chicken salad was enhanced by the generous use of coriander and mustard on the grilled chicken. We also tried the currently in trend Barley with Pomegranate and Chilli Salad. The mixture of barley, pomegranate, peppers and a hint of chilli was refreshing and extremely healthy.
The Grilled Cheese Melt Sandwich was our first pick. The caramelized onions and the freshly baked brioche bread enhanced the taste of this seemingly regular sandwich. The Spicy Bombay Butter Chicken Sandwich sounded very appealing, but fell short on the capturing the signature flavors of butter chicken. On the other hand, the Bombay Butter Paneer Wrap in a spinach roti was flavourful and tasty. The wraps and sandwiches were served with potato crisps, but I would have definitely preferred French fries or potato wedges on the side.
Among the desserts we tried the beautifully layered and espresso infused Opera Cake and the indulgent Baileys Caramel Dark Chocolate Cake and ended our meal with the palette cleansing fresh Franconian peppermint infused tea.
PLUS & MINUS
For the range and quality of coffees, teas and desserts they offer, Madéline delivers for being total value for money. The VFM factor along with the attractive, Instagram-worthy décor has made the place quite popular among youngsters and students. The staff is courteous and friendly, but the service has room for improvement.
Must Try Dishes: Nitro Lemonade, Cold Fashioned, Croissants, Mustard & Coriander Grilled Chicken Salad, Grilled Cheese Melt Sandwich, Opera Cake, Franconian Peppermint Tea
Cost for Two: Rs. 600
Address: Plot 15, Rajhans Chowk, Tejashree Apartments, Mayur Colony, Kothrud, Pune - 411029
Contact: 9607095678
Timings: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Photo Courtesy: Madéline
Note:
This review was first published in Pune Times on 21 June 2019.