Cocoa Colony (The Star Vista)

Sigh. So much promise, but so disappointing. 

I wasn't full from my lunch at Rollie Olie, and I was (as per normal) craving chocolate. We were wandering around the un-airconditioned section of Star Vista and because it was a hot day, I thought it'll be nice to get something cold. Cocoa Colony's Iced Cocoa Shakerato ($7), which sits at number 2 on their Favourites menu, seems like a good idea as we walked past, so I stopped and ordered it. 

Huh. It sounds really fancy, but it's just a chocolate drink with a large quantity of ice? It has a gritty mouthfeel too, like the copious amount of cocoa powder hasn't been fully dissolved. Drink fast, before the ice melts and dilutes the drink further. 

I like Cocoa Colony's decor, with the chocolate fountain obstructively located over at their counter where their wagons stand displaying their wares. If only they spend as much effort on their food. 

It's easy to criticise and tear something down. Criticism without suggestions is useless as hell; any half-wit on the internet can do that. With that said, here's what some of your competitors have been doing. Go ahead and try their ideas.  

Koko Black's Iced Chocolate, the finest iced chocolate I had.

1) Make sure the cocoa powder dissolves fully. Or, if the low temperature re-precipitates the cocoa powder, use chocolate bars instead of cocoa powder. Try using the hot chocolate recipe from Wittamer, one of Brussels' finest chocolate shops.  

2) Take a leaf out of Koko Black's book: Skip the ice cubes, and add two scoops of ice cream, one vanilla, and one chocolate. The beverage gets creamier and creamier as the ice creams melt. If Koko Black can sell their Iced Chocolate with two scoops of ice cream for $8.90 with local minimum wage laws stipulating $20++ per hour for employees, you have no excuse. Charging $7 for cocoa powder plus milk plus ice cubes is excessive. 

3) Top your beverage with chocolate shavings, à la Koko Black. To hide the ice cubes if nothing else. Or some whipped cream from a can. Anything. The version I bought looked really drab. You're a homegrown brand (I think), and I really really hope you do well.