Nutmeg - The Gourmet Shop at Cafe Mercara Express, ITC Grand Chola Chennai

It was 11 pm few nights ago. We were done having some eats and drinks elsewhere and looking to try someplace new and this is the place that popped into my mind. I've never been to this Cafe but do know that they serve some amazing desserts and that it's a 24 hour one. When I suggested it to my friend he asked me if I was mad and that he didn't want to go broke eating dessert. I assured him that he would have to spend much lesser than expected for some items here. He obviously didn't believe me. So to prove him wrong we Ola'ed here. The best part is you can walk in anytime day or night here.

I've been here once before but even then the sheer grandeur awes you like its the first time. The cafe was dimly lit with a cricket match being shown on the screen. There was a single other diner having dinner while chatting to a waiter. The ambiance was classy yet modern with the huge fibre optic chandelier changing colors slowly. Or did I imagine that?

We opened the menu and the prices sobered us up pretty quickly. Everything was more than 500 bucks. But I was sure there were affordable options too! So went towards the showcase where desserts are displayed at the front and yes, there were plenty of desserts at just 140 bucks. Chocolates start from rs 50!

My friend had the Chocolate eclair (rs 140) and me I chose the Guanaja Chocolate tart (rs 140) which looked elaborate and heavy even by sight.

Back in the cozy seating, I was amazed by the smooth creaminess of the mousse layer sitting on top of a chocolate tart shell. The taste of cocoa was perfect with a pleasing milky profile to it. The dessert was chill to hold the shape but I wouldn't have said no if it was half melted too. 

The dessert with the tart shell has a substantial quantity and would be hard to finish by one person if they are full. My friend said the chocolate eclair was the best he's had so I had to take a bite and agreed with him. Very smooth pastry with a thick creamy chocolate center. This place offers unbelievable value. Bill added a 20% tax on the price of rs 140 per item.