The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Chennai

S: Have you been to it yet? I have, it is huge and so many shops. Only about 1/3rd are open. Do make a visit. 

Me: But it is so far off. I have to spend like half a day if I wanna visit. 

Cut to few days later... 

F: Hey, How about we visit the place before we head to dinner?

Av: Sounds good

Me: Super, that sounds like a plan

F: let us meet there at 6:30pm, spend about an hour and head over to Tadka Talk for dinner meet. 

Av & Me: Roger that! 

So, that fateful Thursday  I headed out of home around 5.30 pm and thought I was going to make it there by 7 which would mean I barely had time to look around as dinner was planned for 7.15. But luckily, there was no traffic beyond North Usman road and I made it by 6.15. Yayy!! 

Curious to know where I was headed? Phoenix Market City Mall, Velachery! Those who know me, know I am not a mall person, and the only reason I visit a mall would be for the Book store, a movie or to meet friends. I am not into shopping at all. 

So, this day, at Phoenix, I entered, spoke to F and Av, who were already there, got directions that dint really help because they had approached the place from a different entry. Decided to just take a chance, hopped on the escalator, walked down the 1st floor and there it was- "The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf" cafe. It was a small cafe, located right across from Rajdhani [which is tucked away inside a left], and looked quite cozy. 

"Founded in 1963, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® is the oldest and largest privately-held chain of specialty coffee and tea stores in the United States. With a reputation for excellence, the company is a leader in product innovations, having developed the original Ice Blended® beverage."

Av was already there sipping on tea, F said he was full, and so I went ahead and ordered a Peach Iced tea. The place is fairly small, can seat about 20-25 people max. There were a few others and I also spotted a few tuned into their laptops. The furniture is all brown, wooden, and has a very earthy feel to it. I waited, and waited, and then went to the counter only to be told the waiter had forgotten my order. The manager took over and made sure I got my Iced tea in a few minutes. Chatted with him and came to know he was in the Bangalore outlet and had been sent to Chennai to train and get the place going. 

While we walked out, we couldn't help it, we had to pause and oggle at the muffins and cheese cake. They were huge, and looked divine. But then, we were headed to dinner, so with a promise of repeat visit we left, making our way to the parking lot.

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URL: The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf,

1st Floor, Phoenix Marketcity,

Velachery Main Road,

Chennai – 600 042.

Tel. No: 044 30083411

Disclaimer:

The reviews posted on this blog are based on my personal experience. Also remember that restaurants and eat outs sometimes change with time, so does their food and service. So, kindly consider these factors while visiting the places. Remember, no two palates are the same. Bon Appétit  :-)