Cinnabon

Critic´s Review

• Food: 3 / 5
• Service: 2.5 / 5
• Decor: 2.5 / 5

-By Rashmi Uday Singh

What began in Bandra soon spread to a second branch in Juhu, another in Bandra, and finally, a fourth in Breach Candy - all within a year! Ooof! Who wants a sticky, sweet regression to childhood and to puppy love? Who wants to willingly subject their dieting resolutions to a guerrilla attack by the short, sweet menu of this latest American chain? The answer to both questions is "We do". I can only explain it to myself as a kind of temporary insanity as I sit there, sinking my teeth into the yielding, supple Cinnabon confections. What on earth is a cinnabon? Buns of rolled-up dough (pre-made in their central kitchen) with layers which clasp cinnamony, gooey, velvetty sauces in their doughy embrace. The Caramel Pecanbon comes out tops. The excessive sweetness and smoothness of the caramel sauce is balanced by the salty crunch of the Pecan nuts. The Classic Cinnabon (suffused with cinnamon and topped with cream cheese frosting) is the next favourite. And strangely enough it’s the Chocobon which lags behind. The Cinnastix (you buy extra cream cheese frosting dips) are a welcome break from the overdose of sweetness here. From the short menu of hot teas and coffee, it's the luscious cold coffee Mochalatta Chill which emerges the winner. The first sin? Cold cinnabons and in the tiny sit-out area of the Bandra branch, we are served just that. We send them back for reheating. For sure, this not-so-inexpensive sugar-fix (Rs. 100-135 per Cinnabon, Minibons are smaller and cheaper) chain needs to iron out its teething troubles. They have also added on a new savoury menu of sandwiches (Turkey Sandwich recommended) available in a choice of breads. You will love it or hate it. But you can't ignore this open-through-the day craze that is seducing those with a sweet tooth.... I call it Sinnerbon. My guests love it and call it Cinnabon. If you enjoy tasting butter in your frosting, try their new cupcakes (Red Velvet, Chocolate and Vanilla). P.S. They have introduced an elaborate savoury menu. Choose from Fire Roast Veg Sandwich, Mushroom Chilli Cheese Burst or the truly gourmet Veg Sandwich. Non-vegetarians go for Chicken Ham Sandwich, Roasted Chicken and Apricot Sandwich or the Turkey Sandwich.