PBC @ JW… flourishing bakery philosophy of Pune, INDIA

Do you know that Pune, served as the capital of the Maratha Empire under the rule of the Peshwas in the 18th century has an affluent history and a thriving bakery culture?

Well! Pune has an energetic and exciting bakery culture that advanced over time, influenced by its distinct population and historical stimulus. The city is identified for its conventional bakeries that offer a multiplicity of luscious baked goods.

The most momentous characteristic of Pune's bakery culture is the existence of Irani bakeries established by Persian immigrants which are distinguished for their scrumptious bread, biscuits, cakes, and pastries, often complemented by a cup of Irani chai (tea).

And since Pune also had a significant German impact during the colonial period, with German missionaries and settlers residing in Pune, the slow and steady establishment of German bakeries introduced a European touch to Pune's bakery prospect. And these bakeries now offer a range of bread, cakes, and pastries with a German finesse.

In recent years, Pune has witnessed the emergence of modern and specialty bakeries that cater to changing flavours and favourites. They experiment with exclusive flavours, inventive recipes, and fashionable designs, offering an extensive array of artisanal bread, cupcakes, macarons, doughnuts, and other heavenly indulgences.

PBC, an outlet of JW, Pune is a tasteful Tea lounge that gives you the sense of all three Persian, German and Modern Bakeries at one place. Keeping into consideration the bakery culture in Pune that mirrors the city's cosmopolitan character and its people's love for baked goods, it persists to progress, blending traditional recipes with modern vogue, delighting in-house and walk-in guests alike with its wide variety of sweet and savoury delights.

PBC has an affectionate and welcoming interior that makes its guests feel restful and relaxed. While gentle lighting, indoor and outdoor comfortable seating areas, and pleasing decor augment the complete ambiance, the fascinating fragrance of freshly baked goods permeating the air adds to the sensory experience. It is a sparkling and well-organized lounge that generates a sensation of professionalism and attention to detail. It reflects an assurance to maintaining elevated standards and can make you feel convinced in the excellence of the baked goods.

Try any item at PBC and you would know that Brigade of Pastry Chefs use premium ingredients including tasty and tangy extracts which improve the taste of cakes and pastries. And we know that use of fresh, natural, and well-balanced ingredients do deeply impact their flavour.

The bakers under command of Chef Dinesh Pandurang, especially Chef Pravin, Tanvi, Apeksha, Prajyot, Deepak, Vilas and Suraj definitely do a brilliant job. Cakes and pastries made by them forever have a balanced level of sweetness, achieved through the right amount of sugar or alternative sweeteners. Evidently, well-balanced sweetness permits other flavours to excel while avoiding an overly sugary taste.

I must say that each item prepared is moist, has immense flavouring, well balanced sweetness and above all its arrangement is magnificent: The visual charm of cakes and pastries @ PBC do enhance the perception of their taste. Decorations, frosting, glazes, and garnishes not only make them visually appealing and alluring but also add additional flavours and textures.

Believe me or not, something that is neither Cheese nor a Cake but known as Cheesecake, prepared by PBC is purely out of the world. It has a velvety and creamy texture, has a firm but tender consistency, strikes an ideal balance between sweetness and tanginess and feels rich and luxurious when a bite is taken, It simply melts in the mouth. Whatever toppings such as fruit compote, chocolate ganache, or whipped cream it has, they absolutely complement the inclusive flavour profile and add an extra layer of deliciousness.

If and when you are @ JW, do ask for it and you would love it.

And I must add on that the outlet is positively known for its capability in crafting excellent espresso beverages.

What I personally love is Cappuccino @ PBC, this distinctive hot beverage served here is made with a balanced ratio of espresso, steamed milk, and creamy milk foam. The eminence of the coffee beans, the skill of the barista, and the overall presentation contributes to an excellent cappuccino experience.

PBC is undoubtedly a magnificent place to relax and indulge in delicious treats. It offers a variety of tea and coffee options to complement the sweet offerings. The combination of a cosy ambiance, a wide selection of teas and coffees, and freshly baked cakes and pastries would create a delightful experience if you appreciate these indulgences. It's certainly a great place to enjoy the perfect pairing of a hot or cold beverage and a delectable dessert.

The Servers @ PBC under Amit Negi (RM) and Pema (ARM), Bhaskar, Jacenta and Komal offer excellent service that elevates bakery visit. Here, friendly and knowledgeable service personnel are passionate about their craft and they provide helpful recommendations. Their smiles, care and concern, and comprehension about the products can make you feel valued as a guest. They would without doubt make your experience more pleasurable.

I would like to extend my thanks to Executive Chef Vivek Rana, Pastry Head Chef Dinesh Pandurang, his entire team and F&B Service Personnel. Kudoa!

Nothing in life is a piece of cake; well, excluding truly a piece of cake. Do visit PBC.