Lavonne, Bangalore

 
This pretty caf&eacute is at the Domlur end of Double Road. It's part of the Lavonne Academy of Baking Science and Pastry Arts. The sunlit space, with a European caf&eacute air about it, is on the ground floor and there's an outdoor deck set amidst foliage as well. The upper levels house a superbly equipped school where aspiring bakers and pu00e1tissi&eacuteres hone their skills. So, you know where to head if you want to master the art of tempering chocolate or rolling out puff pastry.

While the tarts, entremets, cakes and desserts are the star offerings here, you can also order pasta, salad, sandwiches or from a selection simply titled 'Toasts'. Try the quartered eggs and crisp bacon over cream cheese on two chunky slices of sourdough toast. They are generous with the bacon and a drizzle of pesto oil lifts up the whole thing. There's a range of Danish pastries and the Cherry Pistachio is a delight, all buttery and flaky, with the sourness of the fruit serving as a delicious contrast. Lavonne is also one of the best places to order a Pain au Chocolat. One of these and the seriously good coffee makes for a perfect pick-me-up as you unwind at this caf&eacute.

Alongside the counter stocked with croissants, brioches and wedges of quiche is one holding the signature desserts of the place. Glazed to a perfect, flawless sheen, they gleam like so many massive jewels
in hues of dark chocolate, wine red and passion fruit yellow. And they taste as good as they look, appealing especially to lovers of rich confections.

They also have a pasta selection and the Penne in Browned Bechamel with mushrooms, including shiitake, is superb.

The breakfast menu, available from 8.30 am till 11 am, looked tempting with French Benedict (choux ring filled with mushroom and cheese, topped with bacon, poached egg and hollandaise), Grilled Brioche and Pancake Stacks.

Students of the academy handle the service at Lavonne and pretty good they are too.

Address: 263, 3rd Cross, 2nd Stage, Domlur, Bengaluru 560071
Mob: 0 97409 54505
Meal for two: Approximately Rs. 800 + taxes (no alcohol served)