When it comes to desserts one of my absolute favorite, well after chocolate of course, is marzipan! It is a flavor that I associate with special moments from my childhood. Whenever me or my younger sisters would have our birthdays approaching going to one of the most famous bakeries in town way back then was an event in its self. They used to make the best marzipan themed cakes that I have had till date! Usually the cake would be a complete surprise for the birthday girl so the grand unveiling on D-day was a cause for an even bigger excitement than the presents. When that bakery shut down it was heart wrenching…very corny but I will say it….end of a beautiful era! Cut to the present there is a distinct lack of places in Kolkata which serve up “proper” marzipan…yes true blue one not the royal icing masquerading as one.

 

 

 

 

     When I heard that a recently opened cafe aka Mrs. Magpie had marzipan on their menu I was at first skeptical at best. But one bite into their marzipan cupcakes had me thanking the sweet lord. You will find some of the most artistically crafted cakes here complete with intricate little details. Throughout the year Mrs Magpie does seasonally themed window dressings which is unheard off in a cafe setting especially in Kolkata. This time around we were invited to witness the Durga Puja themed window complete with the Pandal, Pandal hoppers (visitors), Food stalls, Ferris wheel and Bungy for kids 🙂 And the Ferris Wheels lights up and moves taking some humans, rabbits and owls for a ride. I loved the food stall complete with the bhel and other local favorites 🙂 So much fun!

 

 

 

 

     The puja mela scene continues inside where you can spot a fashionista making her way through the revelry passing by the pucchkawala and the various stalls stacked with goodies that people can buy. There is even a cake shop complete with row upon row of beautifully crafted mini cakes but what caught my eye were minute paintings gracing the wall of the cake shop. There was so much detail in them that you could even distinctly make out the last petal of the flowers. I mean just think of the kind of skill not to mention steady hands that are required to make something miniature let alone the way even the tiniest characteristic could be made out. Whoa! They have specially designed cupcakes and daily special cakes available especially for the pujas. But the cutest are the Owl shaped cake pops! Dressed in colorful regalia with fine detailing all over they will make you want to decorate them rather then taking a bite out off 🙂

 

 

 

 

     We even got to sample some items that they are planning on introducing to their menu soon. The Broccoli tart blew me away! Each bite was packed with flavor of broccoli and cheese encased in the softest flakiest tart I have ever had. There are Zucchini and Bell Pepper variants also available for the tarts. There are some really interesting cookies coming up – Chocolate Oat, Cranberry shortbread and Cranberry white chocolate. The chocolate oat are the bomb! All the cookies have a very distinct texture to them as they are being crafted from a special flour. Incidentally the Veg Patty Sandwich will have the bread made from the same flour. So much to look forward too… nom nom nom 🙂 Seriously that broccoli tart tho!!! Well make your pujas even sweeter with the lovely treats from Mrs. Magpie. Happy Durga Puja to you and your family loves! Take care <3