Cocoa Tree, Ernakulam

We are heading back to Ernakulam after a fabulous trip to the Alleppey backwaters. As we reach M. G. Road, fond memories of an earlier trip flood Shamin and she enthusiastically tells me about it. We want to halt at a coffee joint, one other than our regular haunt - Cafe Coffee Day. She knows one (her friend had mentioned that it was one of the more popular joints around) that she visited the last time but can only vaguely remember the directions. We see Levi's around the corner, and suddenly she knows we're near it. A short walk ahead is the coffee joint - Cocoa Tree - right next to a popular night haunt, Loungevity.

We settle down on a couch and browse through the menu. It's got the usual suspects, but the rates are definitely not metropolitan. Our eyes fall on the Pancakes with Blueberries & Honey at the same time, and amicably agree on it! Shamin picks a Cafe Mocha to go with it, while I settle for an Assam Tea. Other items that catch our attention are their pies (chicken and fish), sundaes, homemade pineapple and carrot cakes. But a heavy breakfast unfortunately ensures that we do not binge here.

While we wait for our order, we notice the beautiful wallpaper next to us. It's a happy party scene; one with a lot of colour and joy. But it can't be happier than our trip so far!! Our order arrives - the pancakes are yummy; the blueberries, honey and whipped cream add to the yum quotient. We talk some more about Shamin's previous trip as we devour the pancakes and our drinks. We're happy now, and are off to see some more of Ernakulam.

Location: Cocoa Tree, M. G. RD, Ernakulam
Meal for Two: Rs 250-300