If a mirror had not pervaded an entire wall of this patisserie, its limited spread of space would have been more easily discernible. However, The Chocolate Box Lounge at the Radisson Blu MBD Hotel Noida, does try to compensate for this lacuna in many ways. The plush leather and hide couches, scintillating chandelier lighting and the vintage graphic posters heighten your experience apart from the epicurean finesse it promises.
The Lounge basically aspires to emulate the essential Anglican and Parisian café experience, in the Capital's suburbia. Started some time back, the TCB lounge is an extension of the reputed The Chocolate Box, which has since long improvised on the concept of a fancy myriad of handcrafted chocolates.
However, the lounge clearly veers away from this provenance. The TCB Lounge is a place for the lighter and warmer beverages and conversations, at least that is the idea as Executive Chef Rajesh Variyath apprises us.
The fine and extensive selection of teas chosen by connoisseurs of repute, is on display at the lounge and which in turn finds its way to that steaming and flavourful cuppa which is served to you by the gracious and cheerful staff. Hence a picking from the Darjeeling first flush to the Chinese Lapsang Suchong, Superior Oolong, Long Jing Green tea to the Japanese Sencha and Earl Grey. The blended and strong coffees and mocktails, though not striking in their novelty may be given a try. However, it would not be imprudent to give the upper hand to the wide array of teas being offered at this lounge.
Now a tea experience could be hardly deemed complete without that little bite accompanying it. The food served at the TCB lounge is a pleasant melee of the desi and the continental, strong western vibes of the place notwithstanding.
The gourmet spread here is mostly limited to sandwiches, patties, quiches and pastries and chocolates. Basically the idea is to serve something to go with the tea. The shredded chicken tikka and caramelised onion baguette and the samosa and mint ciabatta are worth a try. The grilled prawn with chocolate paprika butter and wild and white rice galette with roasted pepper pesto comes with the chef's recommendation. Another interesting feature is the High Tea served between 3 and 6 p.m.
(The Lounge is open between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. and the cost for two may range from Rs.1000 to 1500, without taxes and service charges)
