157: It’s A Feeling

…that of ordering sundaes from Corner House, and settling back into our respective couches to catch up on episodes of The Crown, which btw, we’re completely hooked on to.

From what I gauge, and from what is in fact the way of the world, all that glitters isn’t gold, and the grass always somehow looks greener on the other side.

Having said that, I will also maintain that I’ve always wanted to live like royalty, even if it was for just a day. Okay two. :P

Things I’m Eating In Bangalore

To help further categorize my gastronomic necessities and adventures, I’m classifying all these posts on places I’m eating at in Bangalore before I leave, under this title. Because as surprising as it is to even me, there are things other than eating that I would like to engage in that remind me of Bangalore as well, if not more. Shocking, indeed.

Also, to slightly deviate, did you notice my in-your-face background? Testing times, this blog is going through, eh? Let’s see what next. It still isn’t it, but it currently satisfies that ants-in-my-pants need to do something on this blog. Also, going the parchment way makes me feel like I’m writing substantial stuff even though it may hardly even classify to be. Now that I’ve made my self feel a bit better, let me proceed to the next tale of how I’ve been adding copious amounts of fat to my body.

This is with what.

Ja ja, courtesy Bangalore’s longtime sweetheart, Corner House’s ice creams and sundaes. You’re welcome.

This is that one universal spot that makes Bangaloreans and non-Bangaloreans alike, converge at. Be it for brunch, lunch, for dinner, a midnight snack, a drive treat, a rainy day’s companion, a feast, a nibble – you name it, and we’re all here, gobbling away at their varied range of ice cream sundaes. From saving space at fancy restaurants for a trip to Corner House later to crowding its space after college over conversations and swiftly melting scoops (pun intended), from family gatherings to crazy orders at work, there’s not a time I remember when we didn’t turn to this place. Heck, I’m (blindly) sure that folks on a “strict” diet visit this place too. As do our folks who live outside Bangalore; this is a place they look forward to visiting and one that we feel so proud taking them to.

It’s a place I will always associate with home because it is non-fussy, not ornate, comfortable, comforting and definitely only fancy in taste – the stuff that defines a classy home meal and one that makes you come back for more. What was once just a tiny and overwhelmingly crowded corner shop on Residency Road, which I first got introduced to so many years back that it’s hard to remember or even count, has now multiplied generously all across the city and its outskirts only. No mister, you cannot find them in Mumbai or Delhi, New York or even on a plane leaving from Bangalore. I guess that’s what makes it even more Bangalorean than ever and its loyalty makes me beam; except now when I won’t be able to just take an auto and get my fix whenever I want.

It was the first place I ever wrote about when I worked at a newspaper and it comes a full circle when I write about it today as my Bangalore chapter comes to a close. It’s not like their products are imported or fancy; I think it’s just the sheer confidence and belief in doling out combination after combination that makes them such a hit. However, they do have a magic chocolate sauce which is what lifts their chocolate-based sundaes like no other chocolate sauce does or ever can. But do note that there’s only so much of it that you can eat, which has its benefits, because I doubt anyone ever wants to get sick of the place.

While many find it overrated and not as great as they imagined, it is to many of us that quintessential small-town ice cream parlour that is everyone’s go to. In fact, the first time I ever went to this place was on a very cold, rainy night, where I dug into my first hot chocolate fudge standing under an umbrella. It’s these small experiences that count and one that I will hopefully remember for as long as I can. There’s a fondness to this place that makes it feel like a place you can always come back to at any time.

Because I’m not very adventurous with new dishes and combinations, I stick to my regulars and have of course, a few standard sundaes that I can blindly fall back on.

Hot Chocolate Fudge

This is a classic order of vanilla ice cream, hot chocolate sauce and peanuts, which is something you can always count on if you’re not adventurous or in the mood to try anything fancy. Simple, delectable and delicious.

Trilogy

If you love fruits and ice cream, here’s the jackpot of all – a combination of fresh and canned fruits, ice cream, jelly and sauce. Most delightful. Though I’m not a fan of jelly, my staple fruit sundae orders are Peach Melba (vanilla ice cream, peaches and melba sauce) or even Impeached (a more versatile combination inclusive of fruits other than just peaches). You could even try their Fruit Jackpot, a favourite of my cousin’s who totally digs fruity sundaes.

My all-time fruit combinations are their fresh fruit with cream and ice cream combos, the highest ranking being this beauty.

Alphonso Mango with Cream and Ice Cream

One can even try their inviting strawberries with cream and ice cream during the strawberry season. They are even kind enough to tell you when the strawberries and mangoes are sweet enough to try.

No one can ever ever go wrong with a fruit and cream combination. Fruit-cream lovers, you know what I mean.

Chocolate Malt Thick Shake

There are days when I want something like an ice cream but wish not to have an ice cream (I’m weird, thank you). And for those days, I reserve this beauty. Made solely with ice cream, this shake is one to stir even the ice cream loyalists. So good. So thick. So tasty. Be sure to ask for the thick shake, because that’s where the goodness of ice cream lies. Yum.

And here’s for the final, though it’s here not because I order it but because it’s Corner House’s signature, do give this a try if your appetite permits.

Death by Chocolate

This magnum is for those true-blue chocoholics who can have it all and then some more. A meal by itself, do savour it when your chocolate cravings are at their worst (or best); enough to keep them satisfied for a while and more.

If you want something lighter and don’t mind eggs, you could give their chocolate mousse a try. Though not on top of my list, it’s one of those combinations I indulge in for the sake of eating something at Corner House.

Their Brownie Fudge Sundae, similar to the Chocolate Fudge Sundae, except with brownies, is another delight, should you want something cakey in your sundae.

When I really want something sweet, I opt for their Royal Butterscotch Sundae – this one is caramel heaven topped with butter roasted almonds. Delightful.

I’m going to miss this place and there isn’t enough I can write about it or its ice creams. All I can do is eat my fill and feel at peace for the madness that it can create.

Thank you, Corner House, for just being.