Doppio: Coffee shop meets cocktail bar

Doppio, Breach Candy’s newest bar & brasserie is a breath of fresh air (with a refreshing whiff of caffeine) in the neighbourhood. Although tipping towards the expensive side on the rate scale, it’s neither a fine dine affair, nor a casual bistro. Its ambience — much like its menu — reflects a fine blend of a coffee shop-meets-chic cocktail bar and you can seat your self in the corner you’re in the mood for. A living room style couch set, a long dining table with bar stools, a regular four-seater table or cozy four-seater booth. The place plays peppy music for most part of the night and gets dancy closer to mid-night.

We started the evening with two of their signature cocktails — Doppio Espresso Martini (vodka with house coffee liqueur, espresso and sugar syrup, Rs 400) and Creme Caramel (brandy, house coffee liqueur and caramel syrup, Rs 400). Doppio by the way, means a double shot in Italian, used most often to refer to espresso. The martini was a strong and slightly bitter blend, which we sipped slowly, but the caramel — which we were told is a hit with the ladies — we guzzled down with a slurp! They were both delicious, so pick the one that suits your taste for bitter and sweet.

We delved into the food menu by first ordering the Feta and Spinach Spanakopita (Rs 375). A thin layer pastry with feta and spinach, it was creamy and yet very light on the stomach — just the way we like our appetisers or small plates as Doppio calls it. Next up, the Creole-spiced tiger shrimp (Rs 650) was a burst of flavours. It was strong and tingled the palette just the right amount after a light Spanakopita. The third small plate was the Jerk spiced fish (Rs 425). It was crisp and fresh although cointreau foam and lemon beurre blanc served with it didn’t do much to add to the dish that was quite delectable even without them.

A strong recommendation from the chef, we tried the mushroom soup (Rs 350) next. When we asked if he could split it in two, he politely declined saying it would hamper the construction of the plate. And we saw why. Served with stuffed cremini balls and mushroom on toast, it is light yet rich and creamy and makes for a small and wholesome meal if you’re up for a light meal.

Another strong recommendation, from bar tender this time, was a Doppio Mokka shot (Rs 400) a potent kick of coffee and chocolate liqueur.

Main course or large plate included stuffed courgettes (Rs 500) served with potato purée, spiced tomato coulis which was a bit bland as compared to the small plates we were to delightfully indulging in. Possibly the only thing that wasn’t as impressive is the dessert section. It limits itself to three items and the Mulled Wine with Strawberries, Mascarpone and Basil (Rs 375) we tried wasn’t exactly the aftertaste we’d hoped for.

That one glitch apart, Doppio is a refreshing new spot that lends itself to any occasion, company or taste. Coffee lover or not, this one is an absolute must-visit.

Rating: ****, Meal for two: Rs 3,000