Chocolate from King Midas' kitchen

A new store at the Palladium sells chocolates sprinkled with pure gold and silver flakes. But in India where A penchant for bling is deep-rooted, we wonder whether the concept will find enough takers

In October last year, the London Evening Standard reported a new craze in the city. Aptly titled, Food Bling, gold and silver sprinkles on your favourite dish gained popularity in swish restaurants and at Selfridges, a high-end department store on Oxford Street. Real gold and silver sprinkles nattily packed in 150 mg boxes priced at $15 (Rs 1093 approximately) each, flew off the shelves, with demands pouring in from Kuwait, New York and Paris. "People want to feel special in these difficult times. This is an inexpensive way to make a meal more glamorous," explains Laura Santini, who came up with the product.



Will Mumbai respond in similar awe, about a new chocolate store that sells fine Belgian chocolate adorned with 24 carat gold and 100% pure silver? The idea isn't path breaking; Indians are known for their preference for for precious metals. Historians would tell you that in India, gold and silver have been used in culinary preparations, medicinal and ritualistic, since ancient times. Mandavi Kanchan, proprietor of Bruijnu00a0-- Chocolade En Noten seconds, "Pure gold is believed to boost immunity and have myriad health benefits." Edible silver foil is a familiar sight at mithai stores and in the Mughal era, the aphrodisiac qualities and healthy functioning liver was attributed to Varak.

When quizzed whether the price of chocolates would fluctuate with the bullion rate, Kanchan says, "It would, if there was a large fluctuation. For the interim, minor changes in the price of gold and silver have been factored in; Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000 for 5 pieces."

While the gold and silver bars caught our eye, the Caribbean Rum Chocolates were the show stealers. At the centre of these moderately dark chocolates were raisins soaked in alcohol. Try out Single Malt Scotch Chocolates too, Here's a tip: The store is giving out free samples including Single Malt Chocolates and coated exotic nuts, prepared in collaboration with the store's Dubai-based parent company.

Bruijnu00a0-- Chocolade En Noten is located just as you get off the escalator on the 1st floor of the Palladium, High Street Phoenix;
Call: 43473986 and 43473987. The store stays open through the week.