There was a time when the week wasn't complete without the launch of a new cupcake or froyo place. Thankfully, those times are over and we are back to celebrating patisseries that make real desserts and not just toppings!
Tucked away in a little by lane of Bandra is one such gem called The Mystery Box. Launched by Chef Shahzad Variava and Ajay Agarwal, the Mystery Box is an unpretentious little dessert shop serving primarily cakes, pastries and chocolates. They've also recently started serving sandwiches and coffee. A couple of weeks ago, I was invited to go visit the shop and try out some of their desserts - an offer no self respecting food blogger can possibly refuse ! Especially, not when the Chef in question is a MasterChef India finalist.
So, I forgot all about my diet and went to the patisserie - a good decision if I do say so myself. The Chicken Dynamite Sandwich we tried first was juicy and delicious. Made with chicken marinated in a spicy yet creamy mayo style dressing and grilled, this sandwich made it 'okay' for me to skip to the dessert part of things. We also tried the Chicken Stuffed Croissant which was alright except that the chicken filling was a bit dry.
Over sandwiches, coffee and conversation, Shahzad shared that he is a completely self taught baker - thank you, You Tube - and a stickler for using only the best quality chocolate. The latter is evident when you try the Chocolate Mousse Cake with Paillette Feulletine. This one is a dense mousse cake coated with a delicate chocolate netting and served with a small chocolate disc. I am not a fan of chocolate excess and this one was #Bawa Groom's choice. How was it? Well, let's just say he had his eyes closed in inner chocolate reflection the entire time.
I gave the chocolate excess a skip and tried Shahzad's variation of the Black Forest. For me, hearing the words 'Black Forest' always draws up this image of the Monginis pastry I used to have as a child. It came in a flimsy plastic container and was just layers of sponge and cream. This one was nothing like that. The Mystery Box's Black Forest uses layers of mousse, sponge, cream and berries and comes cleverly encased in a chocolate tower. While the casing makes it hard to figure out how to start eating, I soon embraced my inner goddess which was telling me to just attack with my fingers. Each layer in this pastry was delicious and I was left licking my fingers - literally!
While my mind was craving more dessert, the tummy protested and so we packed up a Nutella and Roasted Almond Chocolate as well as the Classic Chocolate Jar - to share with the family was the official excuse. While the former was over before I could even take a picture, we saved the chocolate jar for a couples' night in. Now I know that these desserts in a jar are at the risk of becoming the newest cupcake but The Mystery Box does the utmost justice to this not so classic trend. Theirs comes layered with chocolate sponge, mousse, brownie and chocolate sauce and is just a delight for the senses once it has been in the microwave for 30 seconds.
Overall, The Mystery Box reminded me of my childhood when I used to visit Croissants on a Sunday evening and unapologetically scoff down an entire Zebra Torte just by myself. Except that they take it a notch higher with their presentation and the quality of ingredients. And for the prices they charge, it is totally value for money!
Ratings out of 5Meal for Two: Rs 1000/- plus taxes | Alcohol: No | Credit Card: Yes
Timing: 11.30 AM to 12:00 AM| Wheelchair access :No
Address: Shop 3, SaiPooja Building, 16th Road, Near Mini Punjab Rest.,Bandra West, Mumbai | Telephone : 91 9920099381
Disclaimer: This review was done on an invitation from the restaurant. The dishes that were packed away however were paid for. Due judgment and care has been applied by the author to remain objective and unbiased in the review; however readers may exercise their own discretion.
