One of the big changes in the city in 2013, food wise, is advent of new chains on Park Street. Much to the disappointment of the city, Music World, a losing business proposition was lost forever in favour of the next big business, food. Au Bon Pain, a Boston based cafe bakery opens its doors just next to the legendary Swiss Confectionery in town. We are enticed by the idea of an all day fresh bakery.
Decor:The huge and historic interiors is the last remnants of colonial Kolkata. The high ceilings, historic pillars and Gothic window design is juxtaposed with modern food counters, see through live bakery section and self help food display section. The staff await at every step, eager to help, but confused with the complex set up none the less. Seating is ample, from low loungers overlooking the busy street, wall mounted sofa seating to high bar style stools. There are enough places to hide beyond public eye, with private nooks and a desolate mezzanine level seating.
Food:The wall mounted menu is fairly simple. But the complexity of multiple queuing up to get the different choices makes it chaotic. Self help food display with trays - one counter, filling up forms for ordering -one counter, placing the order for beverages, breads, sandwiches, salads and soups - all different counters, prepaid payment - yet another counter! We try to keep it simple: Butter Croissant (Rs. 35), choice of Veg Soup (Rs. 115), we choose Potato Leek, Bagel with Cream Cheese (Rs. 99) with the portioned cream cheese charged separately (Rs.75), Chicken Chipotle sandwich (Rs.199), Salmon and Cream Cheese sandwich (Rs. 299), Make your own salad (Rs. 175) with add-on Tuna (Rs. 75), Gingerbread Hot Chocolate Large (Rs.140), Black Currant Danish (Rs.75) and Tiramisu Cake Slice (Rs.125).rnrn
Plus Minus:Our choice of potato and leek soup, a bit insipid, sees us through after a tasting of the other spicy options. The oven fresh butter croissant with an extra dollop of cream cheese makes things look up. rnThe Chicken Chipotle on baguette gives the freshness of grilled chicken, but lacks the zing of Emmental. On the other hand, the Salmon cheese sandwich has an overwhelming helping of cheese, killing the subtle salmon taste. rnThe Iceberg Tuna salad needs a lot of pep to make a mark. The desserts for breakfast make our meal. The black currant Danish and the Gingerbread hot chocolate are yum! However the Tiramisu slice needs proper refrigeration to retain the freshness of the mascarpone cheese.
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