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For the perfect cup

Discover the many flavours of fusion food and beverages

PHOTO: S. GOPAKUMAR

FUSION CUISINE A variety of teas and eats

It was raining while we were at Hawa beach the other day. Chilled to the bone we rushed to a sea facing restaurant called `Fusion.' Going through the menu, we were surprised to see the number of beverages the joint had to offer.

As there is nothing as aromatic and refreshing as a hot pot of freshly brewed coffee (Rs. 40), my friend ordered that, as I decided on a cup of Kasmiri tea.

To our delight, the coffee was made in a press coffeepot. Says Melanie K who runs the place along with her husband Sreekumar, "With this pot you can make the coffee to your liking. If you want your coffee strong, you just have to press the lid down and it grinds the coffee beans further."

The Kashmiri tea was a light black tea laced with saffron, cinnamon, cardamom and almond. It had a delicate rejuvenating taste.

Cofee and chai bar

The joint can be called a `coffee and chai bar' as many of the beverages on the menu are not usually available in the city.

Among the coffees, Café mocha (espresso, hot chocolate and milk), spiced coffee (Rs. 20) (coffee brewed with ginger, cardamom, pepper and palm sugar) and cinnamon café (Rs. 45) stood out. However what caught my attention were the teas.

Herbal tea with a choice of mint, lemon grass, ginger or fennel, Tea fizz (tea with lime soda and mint), Ice tea, Shikanjui (lime, soda, salt, black pepper)... The joint also has a host of fresh juices on its list. According to Melanie, organic teas is used to prepare the tea.

Warm and comfortable, we took in the décor of the restaurant. Earthen jugs arranged neatly on a shelf, terracotta lamps on earthen coloured walls along with cane furniture gave the restaurant a homely feel. An open kitchen in where they prepare the various drinks and desserts lent the place charm.

Apart from drinks, the restaurant has eastern, western and fusion food too. According to Melanie, the Roasted bhaji chillies (bhajis stuffes with cream cheese and tomato cheese) and grilled fish with tropical chutney are a favourite among customers.

As we waited for the rain to stop, we enjoyed the sight of the waves lapping against the sand. The fusion music played in the background gelled well with the pitter-patter of the rain. A great place to relax.

LIZA GEORGE

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