Concu’s cakes topped with macaroons and more

Pastry chef Sahil Taneja and wife Swati are adding more sweetness to the Hyderabadi palate with their fairy-tale creations of cakes, topped with carefully crafted macaroons. Together the couple run Concu Cakes.

After completing his postgraduation in London to perfect the art of pastry-making, Sahil went on to work at Harrods under legends such as Josef Marsalek (senior sous chef at Harrods London). He is nostalgic about the days when he worked hard. “I used to be up by 3 am and in the kitchen by 4. But the pleasure of serving people, especially clients like Angelina Jolie, Tom Cruise, the King of Qatar and soccer stars is incomparable to anything else,” shares Sahil, now 37.

Pop star Boy George would personally call Sahil to place orders. Sahil also cherishes the champagne bottle he received as a gift from footballer Wayne Rooney. But Hyderabad is home. “I have been here since I was three. My family is based here,” he says, also adding, “The Hyderabad market is fairly unsaturated for the high-end products that I make.”

Marketing and promotions tend to take a backseat when you are as focused on quality. In fact, you will not even find a signboard at their Begumpet office. “I wanted to enter the market slowly. I think most people go wrong in expanding too quickly and compromising on the quality. I also wanted to test the city’s palate for flavours like balsamic vinegar. Everyone here seems to want pineapple, butterscotch or chocolate,” Sahil smiles.

All orders are personally taken care of by Sahil now, and he is also training two apprentices when the volumes increase. The use of natural and imported ingredients means the prices are on the higher side, but Sahil’s customers are not complaining. He recently made a mango and strawberry cake for Ram Charan Tej and Upasana, ordered by friends of the couple.

If there’s one thing that gives this gifted pastry chef the jitters it’s baking macaroons. “Macaroons are very tricky, you never know where and how they go wrong. But now I am ready to challenge anyone,” he declares with a smile.

To place orders, you can contact Sahil on 9985800031.

source: http://www.DeccanChronicle.com / Home> Tabloid> Others / June 21st, 2012