High Tea With Elma

Since their menu was handwritten on a blackboard,it was a tad difficult to grasp their offerings in one go. Chef Shelly Sahay welcomed us warmly like old friends and advised us on the “specials”. We started with the Tulsi tea

(Rs 120),which was good,but we were disappointed that it was not served in one of the china cups on display,but in a see-through one. The Iced Coffee

(Rs 100) was poorly done — watery,bits of milk powder floating on it. As the manager explained that it was only a “French press” and not the real thing,we would still advice you to avoid it.

Next came the delicately served Chicken Vol au Vent (Rs 200),a small hollow case of puff pastry filled with chicken and cream sauce,which looked as good as it tasted. The quantity of the sauce,however,left something to be desired,as the pastry felt a little dry. The Cheese,Tomato and Mushroom Sandwich (Rs 150) served hot,was good.

Elma’s has a lovely spread for those with a sweet tooth and offers fresh cakes,brownies,cupcakes,muffins,éclairs,pies and pastries. The Cupcakes (Rs 85 each) were divine,with just the right amount of fluff and cream,but the star of the day was definitely the Chocolate Croissant (Rs 85) with its perfect buttery flakes and the molten chocolate inside.

Loaves are their specialty,informs the manager,and they have a huge variety — bacon,ham and sausage — to satiate the carnivore’s soul. We tried the Bacon Loaf (Rs 200) but were disappointed by the small portion of bacon inside.

Since they have opened up just on September 1,we assume they’re still ironing out the finer details. Elma’s,which gets its name from the owner’s beloved pet dog,has a cozy homely atmosphere,which will make even the bad boys use right forks and take their elbows off the table.

Meal for two: Rs 1,000

Elma’s Cakes,Bakery and Tea Room

24,Hauz Khas Village

+919711114180,01126521022