Food review: Coffee lover? This cafe in Worli serves diverse artisanal brews

FOOD FRESHAMBIANCE SOOTHINGSERVICE FRIENDLYCOST REASONABLEVERDICT 24In Worli where mornings have lately been marked by the whiff of freshly mixed concrete and cement thanks to the cityrsquos neverending makeover the aroma of freshly ground beans wafting from Toise Coffee Roastery Brewstudio on Dr Annie Besant Road might feel almost nostalgic for locals The cosy cafeacute that seems to have taken a brave leap across the Bandra Worli Sea Link away from the caffeinated western suburb claims to operate on a simple ethos mdash slow down unwind escapeOrange latteOur escapade begins with a chat with the friendly baristas at the counter about our preferences in coffee beans allergies and favourite flavours We are recommended the specials for the day mdash cranberry espresso orange latte and the Toise affogato all roasted and brewed inhouse We learn from founder Aman Gogri who is attending to patrons on the opening week that the beans are sourced from estates like Kerehaklu Baarbara and Salawara in Karnataka Most items on the menu to this lactose intolerant writerrsquos delight are available in vegan alternatives such as almond oat or soy milkThe workstation consists of beginnerfriendly equipmentWe pick the orange latte in oat milk R360 and settle into one of the high chairs in the seating area that hosts an abundance of indoor plants that blend into the earthy tones of the minimalist interiors Those seeking solitude might prefer the solo coffee table nestled in a warmly lit corner Our latte soon arrives at the table topped with a flamed orange slice It packs a pleasant punch of caffeine that gives way to a bittersweet aftertaste of orange peel that grows on us as we slowly sip the drink as the barista suggestsNeapolitan toastieFuelled by caffeine itrsquos time we make the trek to the mezzanine floor to the brewstudio section that allows novices to brew their own coffee The unusually low ceiling means we must bow to the coffee gods before reaching the compact workstation After picking the lightest roast among three bean options barista Nagraj first introduces us to the flavour profile of the beans which in our case is marked by muskmelon and berries After a detailed demonstration of the process including grinding understanding proportions picking the right filters and pouring the perfect drip itrsquos time we put our training to testThe coffee gods are possibly busy on that working afternoon we realise as we struggle through the process Our barista fills in with handson assistance and occasional pep talk ldquoThe key to a good brew is patience and love If you rush you will fail But once you learn the ropes the process is almost therapeuticrdquo he says After three rounds of pouring over our freshly ground beans and watching the clock to time it right our concoction is served in mini cups that we learn have been specially crafted with rough bottoms to allow the flavours to taste smootherOur day ends with tucking into a welldeserved Neapolitan toastie R420 that turns out to be a safe and fulfilling bet after a day of experimenting A generous spread of marinara sauce topped with creamy mascarpone and arugula comes with lightly toasted multigrain bread that helps us escape the usual postcarbohydrate meal food comaToise Coffee Roastery BrewstudioAT Shop No 1 Madhuhans Dr Annie Besant Road WorliTime 8 am to 10 pmLOG ON TO toisecoffee on Instagram44 Exceptional 34 Excellent 24 very Good 14 Good 04 Average Toise Coffee Roastery Brewstudio didnrsquot know we were there The Guide reviews anonymously and pays for meals