Sugar Candy and Chilled Chardonnay

2 Photos

by Stephanie Sherrill
on Friday, July 31, 2009 12:00 AM

Tucked away down Lane 274 at Taikang Lu, Vin et Chocolat sits at the end of a quiet alley. Take it from me, though, that stumbling upon this quaint choco-wine café can be the start of a very pleasant afternoon. As its name implies, the specialties are, yep, chocolate and wine. The menu of chocolate drinks is expansive, ranging from classic hot chocolates to a refreshing cold banana and cocoa treat. The wine list is also extensive, with a good choice of bottles for each favoured grape. The Rose (RMB160) made for a refreshingly crisp and enjoyable glass on a hot afternoon.

The menu, for the most part, is simple but practical, making it a well-rounded café - with salads, sandwiches, pastas and even a sirloin catching the eye. The creamy Porcini Mushroom Soup (RMB15) was drizzled with basil oil, which added both color and a light, flavorful uplift. The Spaghetti Bolognese (RMB45) was mildly satisfying. The Penne with Cream Sauce (RMB38) was served with crisp broccoli and red and yellow tomatoes, but canned mushrooms and chewy bacon.

For desserts, the spongy Mocha Cheesecake (RMB32) was more gelatinous than creamy, but inarguably delicious and served on a thin vanilla crust.

This cafe could easily become a favorite wi-fi hotspot. The upbeat music was not overbearing and would make for a nice backdrop while plugging away at the keyboard. The first floor has small tables around the bar, and the spiral staircase winds up to the spacious yet quaint second-floor dining room. Unlike traditional coffee houses, Vin et Chocolat has not crammed the space with tables - and this affords greater privacy.

The Bottom Line: Laid-back summer afternoons are made for relaxing in one of the cushioned chairs and sipping a signature chocolate drink or glass of wine.