Simply Strawberries By Jagro is a really popular dessert place despite being somewhat remote (off Baseline Road, past Lanka Hospitals). In addition to being far, you also have to wait because it's so busy. Their new outlet in Colombo 7 solves both of these problems and serves the same great stuff.
Location
If you're walking or driving by, you can miss this new outlet entirely. It's within the Cotton Collection premises, on Dharmapala Mawatha across from the park and next to the Java Lounge. There is (right now) no signage on the road and barely any signage on the shop, which is a hole in the wall with some table seating outside.
It's small, but it's a nice location and there's a good amount of parking.
The Desserts
This outlet has the same menu as the main one. Waffles with strawberries are Rs. 450, strawberry cheesecake is Rs. 550, strawberry tart is Rs. 150, juices and smoothies are Rs. 250 – 300. Everything is based around the strawberries which Jagro farms themselves and they also sell bottled jam.
Jagro is an interesting concept in that the supplier of a commodity (strawberries) has turned that commodity into consumer products and served it directly. Unlike many cafes or restaurants which simply buy what's on the market, Jagro controls its supply chain down to the farm. But perhaps that's too esoteric for a review.
The strawberries taste good and the desserts are amazing. They seem vaguely healthy cause they involve fruit, but they're also served with generous helpings of cream, ice cream, sugar and chocolate (if you want it). Really a treat.
Service
The service at the main Jagro is good, they're just busy. What makes the Colombo 7 Jagro different is that they are (for the time being at least) not busy at all. They make most things fresh so it still takes a bit of time, but not a lot of time as you're probably not going to be waiting in line. Note that this could change fast as people get word of the place. By telling you about this advantage we are reducing the advantage.
Conclusion
Simply Strawberries makes wonderful desserts and their new outlet on Dharmapala Mawatha serves the same products in a more central and less busy location. Win.
