Ishan, founder of the artisanal bean-to-bar Toska Chocolates, spoke to me about his dream of opening a space which housed a production room with a store and café serving up the perfect cups of hot chocolate. Almost 8 months ago, he called me to see the place and as I walked the home that housed all his precious memories, we talked about how to preserve parts of it to integrate into his new dream. Ishan although a client for this project, is also a dear friend, and it was a delight to work on this menu, mainly because he was so clear about his vision for the café’s menu – comfort food, real food, fresh food = food that touches your soul.
I started brainstorming dessert flavours, taking inspiration from his chocolate bars; for example, the Madagascar Chocolate Ganache Cake, Fruit Cake from his orange, green grape and cherry bar, Banana Espresso Smoothie Bowl from his Coffee + Cardamom flavour bar (and the list goes on!). The dessert menu is a well-balanced one with decadent chocolate, light and airy fruit cake and a warm and soothing Cinnamon Streusel Cake with Chai seasoning.
To up the gourmet factor in a simplistic and comfort oriented menu, I created signature components that add flair of the menu. The fries are seasoned with our homemade salt rub and served with a signature house sauce. A spicy tomato chutney and homemade olive tapenade and garlic herbed butter is a condiment in many of our sandwiches. The smoothie bowls come with a delicious homemade gluten free granola made with Toska’s raw cacao, peppery rosemary and coconut oil. These are a few things that have really marked a difference.
The all-day breakfast menu includes of course, smoothie bowls (flavours are inspired by the chocolate bars here – Blueberry Mocha, Coffee Cardamom and Hazelnut Bar by Toska. There’s also the fluffiest pancakes served with whipped cream, Toska Elixir, and maple syrup and bananas. A wide range of egg dishes, along with the classic egg masala toast is a crowd favourite. I try to bring out signature dishes that are either centered around the brand or the brand’s owner, reflected their tastes and loves. The Signature Toska Omelet is with caramelized onions, spinach and cheese – Ishan’s favourite! And the same ingredients along with our Spicy Tomato Chutney get layered between multigrain bread for the perfect toastie for the Signature Toska Sandwich. Another delicious signature dish is the Maggi in Coconut with Asian flavours and piece de resistance is a fried egg on top – which has already garnered a cult following!
In addition, there are salads, Mediterranean dishes, delicious teas and coffees and our Plum + Roses Brew is also served up as a cold brew; there’s also kombucha on tap, and of course a range of hot chocolates that are perfect for comforting the soul under any situation.
Since opening, the team has also introduced a few pastas, cookies and more sinful desserts for catering to all cravings.
This was a project that was a delight to see transform from a construction site to a beautiful café and store (designed by the gorgeous Parthavi Patel), along with a workshop where you can see chocolate bars being made and you can also custom your own bar!
Go grab a bite and tag us with your food and chocolates!
Address:
19, Pahelgav Bungalows
Shivalik Platinum Lane Opposite Goyal Akash Towers, Near Chief Justice Bungalow,
Judges Bungalows Road
Bodakdev, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380054
Phone: 090999 83230
Available on Swiggy and Zomato also
Timings: 10 am to 11 pm
Instagram: @toskachocolatehouse
