All my “Brownie Points” to this one
Brownie Point (Karama,UAE)
The cake shop that stole my heart
Okay, for starters let me begin by introducing my 32 chocolate loving teeth that encage the many tickling taste buds on my salivating tongue which occasionally presses against my palette only to intensify the cravings. Okay, that sounded like a drunk poets nonsensical blabber. But what do you expect when you along with the love of your life walk into paradise. So, the wife and me were craving chocolate and wandering around karama, we walked into Brownie Point ( referred as paradise in the previous sentence). Unwary of what delight awaited us. I am typing this blog with just one finger as I am still licking of the tiny crumbs of leftover pastry from the visit (Now I am definitely drunk). This cozy cake joint instantly vibed with what we were craving. Having travelled extensively I can distinguish good chocolate from awesomely delectable chocolate. As we looked around the vast variety of displayed yummies at the glass counter,we were assisted by the very friendly sales staff who patiently explained the variety of pastries, brownies and cupcakes on display.
and a chocolate sponge base topped with chocolate mousse & cream filling and garnished with a thin crispy chocolate plate
Soaked in chocolate sin, our adventure had just begun, we tried the next delight which was the chefs recommendation .A dense pistachio sponge interlayered with saffron custard and garnished with crushed pistachio pieces.
Our taste buds completely drenched and satiated, I introduced myself to the chef, revealing myself as a food blogger and asked him if I could meet with the owner of this wonderful place. I was introduced to a tall well built handsome and courteous gentleman Mr Rajbir Kohli. I immediately requested for a tete to tete interview for my food blog, for which he immediately agreed
my questions sprang out like unleashed lions.
Me: So clearly, you are passionate about chocolates.
Rajbir: We love baking. At Brownie Point, we are passionate about desserts and the smiles we earn when our customers indulge in our freshly baked mouthwatering cakes & desserts. Everyday, we make hundreds of customers fall in love with our unique flavors. Our cakes grace occasions and become catalysts for people expressing themselves. Established in 1994, Brownie Point has grown to create a brand following. Our outlets showcase the range of our desserts and we deliver all over the city. We have our loyal customers from individuals to corporates. Today, all three Brownie Point outlets in Dubai are considered the perfect choice when it comes to delectable, unique and beautifully crafted desserts.We don’t just add sugar, cream and everything sweet, but also a whole of love in every bit of food we conjure. At Brownie Point what you taste is not just dessert- what you taste is love and celebration guised as freshly made, delicious confectionaries.
Me: So is this your family business
Rajbir: Actually my wife Reena Kohli’s story includes the undying and passionate love for baking. She harnessed her talent with a couple of culinary and pastry making courses and laid the founding bricks of the company. With a degree in business administration and the thorough zest for baking the finest desserts, she currently oversees the retail operations and product innovation. I am an ex-corporate banker, my experience as a thorough business professional and distinct attention to detail has helped me get well versed with the nuts & bolts of his business. I presently overlook the Finance, HR & Business expansion areas of the business
Me: So tell me about the journey.
Rajbir: It all started in 1992- 1996
The idea of having a dedicated Brownie store on a commercial level was coined by renowned chef – Manish Khanna after completing his stint with the Taj Hotels and under going training at Sugarcraft – India. This period saw first and second Brownie Point stores open on the busy streets of Mumbai. In 1997 – 2009 the third store opened in Mumbai. Year on year the number of stores kept adding leading to a total of 14 stores in Mumbai by 2009. In 2010 – 2012 we saw the brand’s first international leap by opening a store in Karama, Dubai, UAE. After an incredible response and wide recognition for the product the brand opened a 2nd store in Al Barsha, Dubai. In 2014 – 2015 the brand underwent a major makeover with a new logo, new identity and a completely new look and feel. The brand’s rapid expansion of chain of outlets continued with the 3rd outlet opening in Deira, Dubai.
Currently the brand operates a network of 19 stores across 4 major cities in India and 3 stores in Dubai, UAE taking the total to 22 outlets.
Shaking his hand, I bid goodbye to Mr Kohli, who has a clear vision of where he is going. Meanwhile, my wife sipped the last of her coffee and slyly suggested that I can order for a valentines cake from here. Both of us left this chocolate paradise to continue with our food-ventures, vowing to return as soon as my 32 sweet friends desired another toothsome experience.