LA-style ice-blended coffee chills Delhi

I’d been eyeing the creamy white marquee with the coffee-bean logo thirstily ever since it went up — ‘The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, estd. 1963′.

So of course I was there when the covers finally lifted a few weeks ago to unveil ‘the Bean’, arriving in India all the way from LA. The swelter in the spacious shop evidently left the Sunday crowds undeterred — the aroma of roasting beans was irresistible.

By the time I got to the counter, all five batches of blueberry muffins were gone. But the pecan pie was made in heaven. No regrets — especially as I’ve meandered back thrice to bring back a doggy bag of those selfsame muffins. The Original Ice Blended cafe latte was luscious even sans cream, yet scored a stronger caffeine hit than its competitors. Half-way through, I discovered that their ’small’ is substantial.

The most popular order seemed to be the signature ice-blended drinks, followed by Swedish Berry tea. Among the eats, the highly recommended cheesecakes — classic Philadelphia style, German and espresso-flavoured — sold out faster than hotcakes. The creamy fat wheels were regularly replaced, but customers hung out by the counter, refusing to budge until they were certain of being served a slice!

Tea-totaller dames who enjoy defrosting with a masala chai cuppa will love the slurpalicious ice-blended chai this summer. (Tip: Their range of to-buy tea canisters are too cute, and the scones are sound too!)

If you arrive at crack of dawn, they’ll even do you a plate of sunnies and sausages to go with your joe. Late-night munchies after the movie? I’ll zealously (and jealously) recommend the biscotti and apple crumble.

Psst: this is the first outlet in India, but will soon go to other cities too!

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Ground floor, Select Citywalk Mall, Saket, New Delhi. No phone. Across from the MAC store. Prices: Beverages from Rs 50, snacks from Rs 45.