We love most things French – architecture, music, food, fashion – but pastry would top all of that. It also seems to be what the macaron queen of the city, Pooja Dhingra, agrees with. She returned from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris completely smitten and went on to create one of the best brands Mumbai has seen. After growing Le 15 to multiple locations, she takes it to the next level with Le 15 Café, which we checked out on the first weekend of operations.
AMBIENCE
The Beatles have taught us that one can get by with a little help from their friends, and Le 15 Café is a fine example of just that. Our favourite Busride boys have traded their design services for food (#willworkforfood) and as always, have excelled. Tucked inside the colonial building that houses Abode Hotel, the newbie is spacious enough and welcomes you with a patisserie counter and some comfy chairs to sink into. As you walk in further, you’ll notice an absence of outside noise, yet the place looks bright and buzzing thanks to large windows. The mosaic tile pattern at the centre and teapot installation in the corner add vibrancy courtesy fresh flowers, while the upholstery designed by Masaba Gupta and menus wrapped in letter work by Nappa Dori give things a chic touch. In totality, the décor evokes a La Vie En Rose like mood.
FOOD + DRINKS
Colombian Chef Pablo Naranjo Agular is manning the kitchen, which focusses on signature French dishes. Currently, they are serving a limited menu with salads, sandwiches and waffles, but you can expect an elaborate all-day breakfast to be added in about two weeks.
Our siesta brunch began with a Burrata (Rs 400) loaded with tangy tomato sauce, a refreshing hint of basil and topped with finely chopped almonds that added a crunch to each bite. The next pick was a Cold Chocolate or as the French call it – Chocolat Froid (Rs 190) that was rather sinful and thick, right till the last drop. Their Poached Eggs (Rs 325) with tomato sauce on a Parmesan waffle was our pick of the lot, and comprised of perfectly poached eggs married with sauce and crispy waffles. The plated desserts are all referred to as common French girl names, so being an Audrey Hepburn fan, we had to try the Audrey (Rs 300). Handpicked from Dhingra’s Jump line of healthy desserts, the Belgian dark chocolate dessert loaded with the goodness of walnuts, dates, honey and coconut milk was polished off within minutes.
IN A NUTSHELL
WH Verdict: A charming French café perfect for lazy sojourns.
Meal For Two: Rs 2,000
Cuisine: European
Review Other Details: Le 15 Café on What#39;s Hot
They are also on
Facebook: Le15 Patisserie
Twitter: @le15cafe
Instagram: @le15cafe
**The writer visited the restaurant anonymously and the bill was paid by What’s Hot.**
We love most things French – architecture, music, food, fashion – but pastry would top all of that. It also seems to be what the macaron queen of the city, Pooja Dhingra, agrees with. She returned from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris completely smitten and went on to create one of the best brands Mumbai has seen. After growing Le 15 to multiple locations, she takes it to the next level with Le 15 Café, which we checked out on the first weekend of operations.
AMBIENCE
The Beatles have taught us that one can get by with a little help from their friends, and Le 15 Café is a fine example of just that. Our favourite Busride boys have traded their design services for food (#willworkforfood) and as always, have excelled. Tucked inside the colonial building that houses Abode Hotel, the newbie is spacious enough and welcomes you with a patisserie counter and some comfy chairs to sink into. As you walk in further, you’ll notice an absence of outside noise, yet the place looks bright and buzzing thanks to large windows. The mosaic tile pattern at the centre and teapot installation in the corner add vibrancy courtesy fresh flowers, while the upholstery designed by Masaba Gupta and menus wrapped in letter work by Nappa Dori give things a chic touch. In totality, the décor evokes a La Vie En Rose like mood.
FOOD + DRINKS
Colombian Chef Pablo Naranjo Agular is manning the kitchen, which focusses on signature French dishes. Currently, they are serving a limited menu with salads, sandwiches and waffles, but you can expect an elaborate all-day breakfast to be added in about two weeks.
Our siesta brunch began with a Burrata (Rs 400) loaded with tangy tomato sauce, a refreshing hint of basil and topped with finely chopped almonds that added a crunch to each bite. The next pick was a Cold Chocolate or as the French call it – Chocolat Froid (Rs 190) that was rather sinful and thick, right till the last drop. Their Poached Eggs (Rs 325) with tomato sauce on a Parmesan waffle was our pick of the lot, and comprised of perfectly poached eggs married with sauce and crispy waffles. The plated desserts are all referred to as common French girl names, so being an Audrey Hepburn fan, we had to try the Audrey (Rs 300). Handpicked from Dhingra’s Jump line of healthy desserts, the Belgian dark chocolate dessert loaded with the goodness of walnuts, dates, honey and coconut milk was polished off within minutes.
IN A NUTSHELL
WH Verdict: A charming French café perfect for lazy sojourns.
Meal For Two: Rs 2,000
Cuisine: European
Review Other Details: Le 15 Café on What#39;s Hot
They are also on
Facebook: Le15 Patisserie
Twitter: @le15cafe
Instagram: @le15cafe
**The writer visited the restaurant anonymously and the bill was paid by What’s Hot.**