Comparisons with Willy Wonka’s legendary Factory are inevitable, but what A Chocolate Affair, the sweet new spot at Pali Naka really resembles is Max Brenner, an international tourist-fuelled chain of chocolate-centric meals, beverages and of course, dessert.

Maxed Out

If Willy Wonka had his way, the menu here would feature weird and wonderful gems like Fizzy Lifting Drinks and Everlasting Gobstoppers, dinner chewing gum and golden eggs. As it is, A Chocolate Affair has only a river of chocolate running through it, in the form of desserts that seem like they’ve been lifted directly from Max Brenner: donuts and brownies, fondue and fondant, and even a chocolate pizza.

Similarities don’t end there. The walls at both places are framed with pipes that look like they’re pumping chocolate, and are painted a velvety brown; both serve (excellent) hot chocolate in “hug mugs” that diners can cup comfortingly between their palms; both have similar mascots – Max Brenner’s signage advertises the face of a fictitious bald candy man, the Mumbai version imaginatively uses a woman’s features instead. 

Jewels in the Brown

But is A Chocolate Affair as good as its inspiration? Nearly. On opening weekend, our debauchery began with bowls of hot cocoa that come in white, milk or dark chocolate and a range of flavours, the most intriguing of which are orange, Mexican and waffle. All three are impeccable, thick and rich and mercifully unsweetened – grown up versions of a childhood treat. Despite the heat, we suggest you get these instead of the cold drinks, which are cloyingly sweet and not nearly chocolate-y enough. They also serve some fruit chillers and a nice selection of organic tea and coffee.

We moved on to dessert next, again picking the most unusual offerings: churros and a sandwich made from vanilla ice cream and warm chocolate chip cookies. The churros were excellent, piping hot and crispy, accompanied with a gravy bowl of pure Belgian chocolate. Ask for a dusting of cinnamon on top of these, and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Spain. The sandwich is more of a disappointment, with cookies that are fibrous and unpleasantly hard. The abovementioned pizza, with chocolate sauce and “toppings” of fruit, cornflakes and marshmallows can be best described as ridiculous, suitable only for kids young enough to enjoy the gimmick.

What Lies Down Under

According to an earnest manager, A Chocolate Affair is part of an Australian chain that sources its ingredients from all over the world (there’s even a map on the depressingly dingy lower level), and uses pure Belgian chocolate for most of its dishes. This is the first Indian branch, and they plan to open a couple more soon, including one in Pune.

We Want Wonka!

Despite our bittersweet experience, we suggest you swing by A Chocolate Affair, especially this month when they’re offering a 25% introductory discount. The place is perfect for after dinner hot chocolate, or a casual date where you can flirt over strawberries and fondue for two. We were also told that they’re planning on adding some sandwiches and salads for a lunch menu. Request to management: while you’re at it, can you please arrange for some Everlasting Gobstoppers as well?

Getting there: A Chocolate Affair,13A Dheeraj Arcade, Pali Naka, Bandra (W), call 26425287, Rs 600 for two.