First Feature Article- DNA Pune, Page 2

Waking up to congratulatory messages and mails can only mean one thing- I'm doing SOMETHING right. The confidence gives me a high, and even though it's a small step, it's worth the effort. Writing feels liberating, and it feels good to be acknowledged. It's just the beginning though...one small step at a time.



Here's what I wrote-

Red Velvet Cake at Fat Cat’s Café

A quaint little café situated opposite Salunke Vihar, Wanowarie, Fat Cat’s Café will remind you of a small bistro you might stumble upon somewhere in the English countryside. Melanie Andrade is the owner and chef at Fat Cat’s Café, while Sunil Kirpalani takes care of the business.

The moment you open the door, you are greeted with a delicious aroma which instantly makes you drool. The mint interiors provide a calming effect, and it’s quite refreshing to get away from the hustle bustle of the city life. The café also has a book shelf- perfect for some "me" time.Melanie and Sunil are very patient with the customers, and help them choose a dish that suits the mood. They are one of the most genuine people one can come across, and the love for baking is reflected in all the dishes.

Melanie has always been fond of baking, and catered from home before she decided to open the café. We were a little curious to know where she learnt her fabulous cooking skills from- “Oh I haven’t learnt anything. Just a whole lot of experimentation, that’s all. I’m lucky it turns out well.” This answer left us a little speechless, and we couldn't help asking – “You haven’t learnt any of this…?” She must be used to this reaction by now, because she smiled back politely and said “Touchwood”

We couldn’t help but agree.

The café serves pies, quiches, sandwiches, cakes, coffee, and also has a special menu every weekend. The concept is interesting, and ensures nothing is wasted. The meat served is fresh, and in generous quantities. We asked a few of the customers to recommend a few dishes. “Red velvet cake” was the prompt answer. Even Sunil and Melanie agree- “it’s flying off the shelves, but you need to try some of the other stuff too!”

Red velvet cakes have slowly gained popularity, but very few have managed to do a good job.The red velvet cakes here are by far one of the best you will have in Pune. A slice of red velvet cake is priced at Rs. 100; one bite and you’ll know it’s worth it. Warm and fresh, this cake melts in your mouth. The cream cheese on top gives the cake a distinguishing flavor, and you’ll know you’ve tasted something that could one day be one of the wonders of the city.

The best part about this place is you cannot stop after one pastry. We ended up eating a lot more than what we had planned, but since the food is fresh and well cooked (not to mention delicious) we are not complaining. In case you haven’t tried out the red velvet cake (or other cakes for that matter), we recommend you visit this café soon.

Check out the article at-

http://epaper.dnaindia.com/epapermain.aspx?pgNo=2&edcode=820040&eddate=2014-3-08

Deliciousness and Laughter- Fat Cat's Cafe

This weekend has been the best one that I’ve had this year. Catching up after months, re-visiting old memories, and a whole lot of bonding over good food- awesome weekend was awesome. Laughter and good food have been the highlights of the weekend, and why not? A place like Fat Cat’s Café can only guarantee deliciousness and laughter, duh! 

We planned to meet up for a coffee, and ended up spending the whole evening here. Similarly on Sunday we stopped by to eat a red velvet pastry (we all have our cravings) and ended up eating a lot more (as soon as you walk into the café, I think the aroma clouds your judgment, and you end up ordering all that’s on display. It’s not a bad thing) So here’s a summary of what you might have missed if you didn’t come over to Fat Cat’s this weekend ( :P)

Bacon Cheese Quiche

Crab Melts

Coffee Cake

Red Velvet Pastry

Apple Pie

Baked Raspberry Cheesecake

Cold Coffee

Here’s what it went like (warning- pictures might make you drool)

Bacon Cheese Quiche

A soft creamy blend of bacon and cheese, complimented by a delicate flakey crust that enhances the flavor. Take a look at the inside of this-

The red bacon with the creamy cheese is sure to make one drool. And it tastes better than what it looks like. And I doubt you’d get any other place that would be so generous with their bacon servings.

Crab Melts

One word when you bite into it- “mmm” You don’t even want to take some time out to say “It’s awesome”. The name is self explanatory- the crab melts in your mouth.

Also, it’s one of those rare occasions where you’ll find such authentic and tasty and FRESH crab anywhere in this city. If you’ve missed this, I feel bad for you.

Coffee Cake

Melanie (the baker/owner) continues her magic with baking. I’ve had the red-velvet cake, the baked cheesecakes, and now the coffee cake. And I think I have found my favorite (yes, imagine something better than the red velvet cake. Imagine.)

The flavor of the coffee, the frosting, the chocolate- I’m drooling while writing about it. You get the point.

Red Velvet Pastry

Everyone’s heard of the red velvet pastry here. Everyone. I don’t need to say anything about this, it’s found it’s niche.

"It looks like Christmas!!" 

Apple Pie

Autumn at grandma’s place for a family re-union- this is what the apple pie will remind you of. Of laughter, memories, nostalgia, sweetness, and good food, this apple pie will remind you of a happy childhood.

Baked Raspberry Cheesecake

I’ve had the blueberry cheesecake and absolutely loved it ( the red velvet cake was even ignored for a couple of minutes while I drooled over the cheesecake last weekend) Hence the decision to try out this new flavor. I personally prefer the Blueberry cheesecake, but I feel even if they come up with a plain cheesecake I’ll love it. Magic, that’s what it is.

Cold Coffee

Yes, even the cold coffee deserves a mention. And I love the way they are served chilled with ice, it’s like the stuff you see in ads. Reminded me of the days I used to come back home after my evening games, and mum used to have a glass of cold coffee waiting for me at the table. Good thought ^_^

So if you don’t know what to try out here, come along, have a cup of coffee, read a book, eat a red velvet cake, and experience magic.