Brunches be like...
While growing up in central Kolkata, I witnessed a pretty
sight in the neighbourhood park once a
year. Of all the trees that lined the
green round, one of them spectacularly changed colour once winter ended. The dark
green metamorphosed into a deep coral, almost like a raging flame shrouding its
very existence. That beautiful sight remains etched in my memory---the azure
background inked by the gorgeous russet clusters of Butea monosperma. Locally
known as Tesu, or flame of the forest, this phenomenon was acknowledged as the
blooming of the Krishnachura, to herald spring.
Little did I know that at Café Tesu, where we stopped by for
breakfast one morning, our musings would take us back to those childhood years,
replete with vignettes of the flower, now scientifically proven to be
multifarious in its use. As sunlight streamed in through the large windows, we
shared stories and an autumn tea infused with rose petals and lemon balm. If
morning shows the day, this certainly was a promising start.
Located in quarters that earlier housed a renowned bakery,
Café Tesu is a delightful find in the heart of the Capital. The bright blue
walls outside sets the tone of the visual experience within. It’s a spacious
eatery, done up with distressed rattan chairs and tables. Merging Mediterranean
and European influences in its décor, we are immediately taken in by the happy
vibes the place emanates. Pink flamingos and cute motifs dress the walls;
vibrant jars and hanging plants spread a colourful cheer all around. We settle
down to break bread.
Absolutely ravenous, my friend zeroes in on the Carnivore
breakfast, a platter of buttered toast, baked beans, grilled pork and chicken
sausages and two eggs cooked to order (scrambled to perfection in her case).
You can’t really go wrong with that combination, can you? She wolves down every
item on the plate without further delay, occasionally sipping on her Apple and
cinnamon flavoured iced-tea.
I am served Café Tesu’s signature Benedict. It’s a
revelation. Soft poached eggs mounted on crispy English buns, smoked salmon and
topped with a buttery hollandaise sauce. Every bite is an interplay of texture
and taste, subtle yet full of fresh flavours. Accompanied by a strawberry
smoothie, this is the best way one could kickstart a day. Those with attention
to fibres can opt for the yoghurt parfait (with granola and seasonal fresh
fruits). The Eggsecutive benedict is also an interesting option with shrimp
instead of salmon.
But if you like your mornings to start on a sweet note,
waste no time and order the French toast, a decadent dish of brioche bread
dipped in custard butter, grilled golden and served with cinnamon cream. Or
maybe the Banoffee waffle, served with warm bruleed bananas and rich cinnamon
butter. We took a slight detour with the café’s signature pastry, a fragrant
celebration of pineapple sponge cake, kiwi and pomegranate bits and orange
blossom
cream. It set the mood for our next visit…
Comments
Post a comment