Right in the heart of Koramangala, amidst the chaos of traffic snarls, on the roof top of a corner building lies a little oasis. Christened The Choux Box, this Greek-inspired space done up in pastel shades of lime green and white is the labour of love of Natasha Patrao. Being classmates, hostel mates and good friends with her sister Dianne meant that I was privy to the launch of this lovely boutique teaching and catering studio that promises to stand head and shoulders above the chatter that is home baking and teaching scene in Bangalore today.
Natasha Patrao with her creations
The Choux Box is placed on the terrace of a 4-storey building and is split into an air-conditioned studio with rustic exposed brick interiors and a lovely grey and green open seating space that is strewn with soft cushions, delicate lights and planters all around the railings. The water body adds to the serenity of the space and has a magical effect of cutting out all the chaos that is just 4 floors below.
A part of the lovely open-to-the-skies seating area outside the air-conditioned studio
A look at one part of the indoor studio that was done up for the inauguration party
The start of a venture is best heard from the person who had a vision for it all. Natasha says that "...after working in Conrad, Singapore as part of my internship, I really fell in love with their concept of High Teas and bite-sized food. That concept is still building here and I want people to experience it outside of a five-star hotel and also have the liberty to pick out their own menu for private parties and events".
"I was a Kindergarten teacher before this and I realized how much cooking and baking is co-related with some of the traits essential in every growing child. Creativity, social development, motor skills, numeracy and so on. So I also conduct workshops for the children and will now have classes for adults as well".
The menu at the inaugural was just the right size so as not to overwhelm. Each visit to the tables that were decked out like something from an Enid Blyton tea party ensured that I had something small and delicious to go back out and savour. The pictures don't do justice to them at all. Here is a look at just some of what we had.
The Lemon Cupcakes with Italian Buttercream
Classic Bruschetta
Creamy Red Wine Mushroom Canapes with Fresh Parsley
Here you see the Creme Caramel, Lemon and Rose Macaroons and the Duet Pannacotta
From all that was laid out that evening one thing is for certain, Natasha has a gift - of creating lovely bites of food that are from the heart and don't carry the stamp of assembly line creations to them. The finish, right down to the little parsley leaves, the glistening blueberry filling of the cheesecake that calls out; and the swirl of the butter icing atop a cupcake, everything beckons you to return for more.
What you have to keep in mind is that The Choux Box is not a shop where you can walk in and make a purchase. What it does have is a fabulous menu to choose from and place orders for your goodies. Natasha also works on customized cakes for occasions including weddings. Connect with The Choux Box on their Facebook page to know of classes and new specials and all the fun things that promise to come out of here.
Address: #59, 17D Main, Koramangala, 6th Block, Bangalore
Phone: 099161 42238
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