Dazs for Mayer

Who says I can’t get coned? / Turn off the lights and the telephone / Me in my house alone / Who says I can’t get coned?

That’s exactly how you should approach American ice cream chain Haagen Dazs’ first Bombay store. Take your spoon, shut out the world (and the calorie police that run it), put your phone off and concentrate on the giant sundae in front of you. We apologise for the John Mayer lyric modification, but it was either this or something about getting the ‘scoop’ on Dazs. Mayer it is.

Cold Cuts

It opens today, this 1,600 square feet ice cream parlour at Goregoan where you don’t just get single scoops and tubs, but also fondue, waffles, patisserie items, sundaes and beverages. bpb got a sneak peek last week, where we got to spoon all kinds of happy treats. Which ones made the train ride from Churchgate to Goregaon on a rainy day worth our while? Read on to find out.

They say that the mark of a great icecreamist is the vanilla version they make, and if that’s something to go by, Haagen Dazs is worth a visit. Their vanilla is ivory white, smooth and creamy, with no smell or after taste of essence. Simple and sweet.

From then on, the frozen dessert tasting got more complicated, starting with Seventh Heaven (Rs. 950): a bowl of seven flavors and fruit (fresh and preserved) that almost seemed other worldly due to the mystic steam looming above it courtesy dry ice. The first bite revealed rich and velvety Belgian chocolate, its flavor kept in check by raspberry sorbet - tangy, coarse and light. A yum contrast! Strawberry cheesecake, macadamia nut, vanilla and strawberry supported this lead pair. If you want something more over the top (like it’s possible), get Flower Blossom that has eight different scoops smothered with whipped cream. Try and swap the synthetic-y mango sorbet for another flavor, though.

Ice Cream in Glass Houses

We’re usually happy to see shot glasses but it was hard to smile through our ice cream induced coma, when Fruity Journey made its way to the table. Pity, because this sundae turned out to be our favourite: four ice cream flavours served with fresh and preserved fruit in shot glasses. Unexpectedly, the most delicious was the peach preservative, strawberry cheesecake and orange fruit combination.

Stuff We Didn’t Like

There’s one more, they told us at the tasting, but we couldn’t go on. Or at least not without getting some coffee in us first. The Café Belgian Mocha worked perfectly, replacing torpor with preparedness to dig into The Royal Monte Carlo. This sundae comes with two scoops perched precariously atop a long, impractical glass that’s filled with waffle and fudge. Looked splendid, but lacked stability and didn’t taste remarkable either. And last, the apple pie a la mode was a little too sweet and the dulcified braised apples were a far cry from the freshness one would expect of the brand. Stick to the basics, we say.

It’s sad that we had to end with our least favourite of the line-up, but we know how to remember the good times and forget the bad, especially while getting coned.

… I don’t remember, you looking any better. Then again I don’t remember you.

Getting there: Haagen Dazs, ground floor, Oberoi Mall, Goregaon (E), 40233700, Rs 680 for the Fruity Journey, opens today July 1.

Disclaimer: Since this was a media sneak peek, the review wasn't conducted anonymously or paid for by bpb.