These days, if you are in Cochin, a visit to Lulu Mall is on everyone’s to-do list. Home to quite a few popular fashion brands, the mall also houses some amazing dine out options. Located on the second floor, next to PVR Cinemas, Bloomsbury’s Boutique Café and Artisan Bakery is one such place. The smell that wafts out of the café is tempting enough to give it a try. Trust me, once you do that, you will not be let down.
I’ve been eyeing this place for a long time now. I finally got to visit it when meeting a friend on a Saturday afternoon. Although it was a weekend, it was not crowded. We were ushered in by the friendly staff who guided me to the table where my friend and her daughter were waiting for us. While we were provided with the menu, the kids were given a colouring sheet and a couple of crayons to entertain themselves (a few extra brownie points to the café from us mothers for that).
After scouting the menu that was full of delectable options, we ordered a Falafel and Garlic Aioli Arabic Pita Pocket and a Pan Fried Fish Fillet. For the kids, we ordered a Pasta in White Sauce from their kiddie menu. We didn’t have to wait much for the food to come and it struck the right cord in terms of presentation.
One bite into the Falafel and Garlic Aioli Arabic Pita Pocket and I knew I had a new favourite. The pita bread was stuffed with falafel, garlic aioli, onion and tomato along with hummus and served with pickled vegetables (cucumber, carrot, cauliflower, and chilli) and tomato sauce. I ditched the tomato sauce because, well, whoever would want to put tomato sauce on Pita Bread and spoil the Mediterranean taste. There was generous amount of filling in the pockets and the flavor was spot on. The pickled vegetables had the right tanginess, the falafel was crispy and crunchy and the pockets were wholesome, both in terms of taste and quantity.
The Pan Fried Fish Fillet came wrapped in banana leaf and was served along with rice pilaf and roasted baby potatoes. The fish, when unwrapped from the banana leaf, was so aromatic and we had two little kids who were eager to take the first bite. While my friend and the kids polished off the perfectly cooked fish, I flicked a couple of the roasted baby potatoes and a few spoons of the pilaf. The roasted baby potatoes were perfectly spiced and well cooked – crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Given a chance, I would have preferred not to share it with anyone else! The rice pilaf too, was amazing in terms of flavor, with the rice and vegetables sautéed in butter and flavoured with the right amount of salt and pepper.
While we gorged on our food, the kids finished off their pasta without any fuss either. Well, who would want to say no to perfect pasta? Dressed in a cheesy sauce, it was perfect for the kids and they loved it.
Though we were full after the main course, the children wanted to try the desserts. We ordered a black forest cake and a chocolate jar pudding. The black forest cake was not bad, but I wouldn’t gush over it. We absolutely loved the chocolate jar pudding! The pudding came in a mason jar with the top layer covered in chocolate shavings. It was drool-worthy. The pudding was chocolate heaven with the right amount of sweetness and it was undoubtedly my favourite dessert. And with that, our lunch came to an end.
The food was indeed very delicious. The main course was the star of the day and I liked it better than the desserts that we had. I’m sure that this is not the last time I would visit this little café at the mall. How can you not go back when there are so many interesting things on the menu?
And if that is not enough, there is still a lot more to try from their amazing range of cakes and tarts in the bakery section. I’ve been told that the chocolate gold cake is a must try. The place may be a bit on the pricier side, but no complaints there as we had some amazing food. I must also add that its an extremely child-friendly place and they definitely go the extra mile to keep their little patrons happy.
