Adam Richman might have turned vegan after his stint hosting Man vs Food, but if he was to come to Chennai now, he can still attempt the Assaultu Fries Challenge at Coco Jaunt 1728. Among the new crop of places that has opened in Anna Nagar, this neighbourhood travel-themed cafe has been challenging its customers to chow down a kilo of fries in 15 minutes. A slideshow displays a number of diners who have braved it — so far, only one man has managed to finish, and win a year’s supply of fries.
As part of the theme, the walls are covered in visa stamps, paintings and tyres; a mural even incorporates Anna Nagar Tower into a Venetian setting. The bright yellow and white walls and furniture are inviting, as are the spray-painted tyres filled with books. The place is self-service, and you can watch as your sandwich is being made at their open counter. A selection of in-house breads and a variety of fillings, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, are available. The espresso machine hisses occasionally as an order comes through; while I wait for my friend, I ask for an affogato. It’s good, strong coffee with smooth vanilla ice cream — the perfect drink at the end of a long week. Being quite a hot day, we also have a green apple ice tea that’s cold, but a little low on taste and a chunky, chocolaty brownie shake with the rest of our meal.
With the fries being a speciality, we must have them all — peri peri, Mexican, cheese and herb and olive — with their corresponding dips, and so the friendly staff obligingly put together a tasting platter. The house special, peri peri, is quite delicious without being too spicy, but the unique herb and olive topping and dip are a must-try if you’re a fan of Mediterranean flavours. The chicken masala fries are doused with minced chicken gravy that melts in the mouth, and has us reaching out for more.
As Coco Jaunt styles itself as a bakery/cafe, the wraps, sandwiches and toasties are their forte, but the Bunny Chow section is too intriguing to pass up. A popular street food in South Africa, it originated in the Durban Indian community. The name conjures up visions of lettuce and cabbage, but those are relegated to a small bowl on the side of the plate. The main dish is a hunk of hollowed-out bread filled with Railway mutton curry (there’s pepper chicken, butter chicken and paneer butter masala as well). The bread soaks up the gravy and the meat is flavourful; but be warned that it will leave you with your stomach filled to bursting. Or perhaps don’t eat as many fries as we did before ordering this. For dessert, we go for a deconstructed tres leches cake that’s luscious and creamy, but not for those who don’t like a lot of sugar or milk.
Attached to the cafe is a little chocolaterie, where they make and market their own brand of chocolates. They also sell the breads, biscuits and cupcakes that are served as part of their dishes. And while the fries challenge was too daunting to attempt, as we leave, we hear they’re planning “Death by Chocolate” next — anyone up for that one?
Coco Jaunt 1728 is located at T2 , 4th Main Road, Anna Nagar West. A meal for two costs Rs 500.
