From the moment you step in, you are taken on a chocolaty trip. The 276th outlet of The Chocolate Room (TCR), a chain of cafés from Australia, was opened in the city a month ago. And people are falling in love with chocolate all over again.
The store manager Sampath Kumar tells us that their bestseller, the chocolate bomb, is targeted at the 12 to 24 age group. Of the size of a small musk melon, the chocolate bomb is a hollow ball of chocolate weighing about 100 grams and six inches tall. Inside, is either a pastry or a brownie with ice cream or hot lava cake. Hot chocolate syrup accompanies the bomb and when poured over it, the case cracks open and is ready to eat. Young customers in particular shriek with joy at the sight of the thick molten chocolate flowing out. It can even hide surprise gifts when a customer informs them in advance.
“It is both the sight and the taste that defines the experience,” says Rohit, a high school student who has already ordered the sinful delicacy twice. Since its launch, the store has sold close to 80 chocolate bombs a day. Priced at ₹300, it is a common sight to see groups of friends enjoying it now at the café.
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Rajesh Kannan, the outlet franchisee for TCR in South and East Tamil Nadu, says he is overwhelmed by the response. He started one outlet in Trichy last year but Madurai, has been more welcoming. The café is a standalone outlet with seating for 50 people. “People are loving the newness in the menu and innovative presentation,” he says. The chocolates at TCR are artisanal and their drinks decadent. White, dark and imported Belgian chocolates go into the making of the desserts and beverages.
S Mrinalini, on vacation from her workplace in Bengaluru, says that she is happy that her home-town now boasts such a hangout. “I grew up on filter coffee. Now, I am thrilled to get barista coffee here,” she says, knocking back choco-bailey shots at the bar.
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