Christmas & New Year 2014 at Courtyard by Marriott Pune City Centre

Christmas just went by and the whole world was swept with emotions most pleasant. Good food was consumed with gusto. At Courtyard by Marriott Pune City Centre was no different. On December 24, a special Christmas Eve buffet was laid out for the interested Punekar. Quite a few walked in with quizzical faces and went out with happy grins, courtesy the fabulous spread of combination of Indian and continental food.

Starters like Honey Chili Potatoes, Bhatti Da Kukad and Dhuan Aur Sarsoon Ka Paneer wowed us. There were also veg salads like Grilled Veg Antipasti Platter, Crispy Nachos with Guacamole/Salsa/Sour Cream and Venetian Artichoke Corn Salad which were interesting. Fennel, Orange, Rocket, Nigella got my taste buds tingling with its simple dressing. I loved the assorted salami slices which tasted well with the Hard Rolls. The exclusive salad bar looked amazing with the assorted selections like Seafood and Meat Selection (Seafood & Meat Selection), Assorted Lettuce, Dressings, Condiments and Breads. Then there was the usual Cheese Bar and Non-veg Salad Bar. I personally loved the sublime taste of the French Onion Soup. The usual Christmas specials – Roast Stuffed Whole Turkey, Honey Baked Leg Ham with Green Peas and Bacon and Suckling Pig – too were seen.

I saw the Main Course too equally divided in Indian & Continental food spread. There was Barbarie

Duck Breast with Orange Ginger Reduction, Pork Tenderloin with Port Wine Glace Topped with Apple and Apricot, Methi Ki Khush Mehak Machalai, Kadahi Ki Subzi, Gobhi Musallam, Dum Nali Ka Gosht, etc. I choose to dig in to Nutty Ricotta and Prunes Stuffed Chicken Breast with Mustard Sauce which was tempting but not as brilliant as Nazakat Ke Koftey and Tawa Murgh Zor Masala. The creamy dense flavour of Dal Makhani had to be had. Subz Chilman Ki Biryani was another well-prepared rice dish – typical but good. It was a hearty meal which finally led to the desert section with varieties like Exotic Cut Fruits, Chocolate Yule Log, Chocolate Stuffed Gulab Jamun, Chocolate Mud Pie, etc. Each of the desserts completed the meal with aplomb. This Christmas Eve menu came at the price of Rs 1, 200 + taxes per person for non-alcoholic package while the unlimited domestic alcoholic package was priced at Rs 1, 499 + taxes per person.

NEW YEAR’S DAY AND LATER...

Now comes the best part for those looking at celebrations around New Year’s. On December 31^st, one can attend the New Year’s Eve Countdown Feast priced at Rs 2,999 + Taxes per person and is inclusive of unlimited food and alcohol. It will be on several levels for any kind of crowd wanting to enjoy the moment. Starters will be served at the Cafe & Lounge, with items like Prawns in chilli garlic sauce, Amritsari Macchli, Peshawari Chicken Tikka, Mutton Shammi Kebab, Satay Bar, etc. Variety of Soups & Khow Suey Counter and Bread Display will be at Cafe, L1 and Lounge. Salad Bar, Assorted Sushi Roll Station, Seafood Bar, Charcutiere Selection, etc, will be seen at Cafe & Lounge. You can try the Live Counters like Chaat, Gujrati Tawa, Grill, Lebanese, Italian, Roast, Asian & South Indian at the poolside and lounge. There will be your usual Indian Selection Buffet at Cafe, L1 and Lounge, while deserts like Passion Fruit Pannacotta, Chocolate truffle Cake, Baked dry fruit tarts, Poached pear in red wine with cinnamon and oven baked green Apples in white wine, Selection of Petit fore and chocolate truffles, etc., and Hot Dessert, Ice Cream Station and Crepe Station would be stationed at Momo 2 Go. One can also try the Only Midnight Buffet at Rs 699 all inclusive per person. Several fun events will mark the occasion.

Wait, there is more. For those wanting more and others who missed the previous outing, they can^st 2015, which will be Rs 1,199 + taxes per person inclusive of a glass of sparkling wine and Rs 1, 499 + taxes per person inclusive of unlimited domestic alcohol. Here you can start with Veg Salads like Grilled Vegetables Marinated In Pesto, Panzanallea Salad, German Potato Salad, or gravitate towards Non-veg Salads like Mix Seafood with Pommery Mustard Dressing, Oriental Chicken Salad, Chicken Chat, Roasted Lamb with Tzatziki, etc. There will be your usual Cold Meat Platters with assorted items and the Cheese Platter. Be healthy with the Chef Salad Counter with dishes like Assorted Lettuce, Marinated Boccancini, Marinated Feta, Marinated Artichoke, Marinated Palm Heart, etc. Try going towards the Chaat & Sushi Counter. Get surprised with the Food from Hot Kitchen – Buffet consisting of Indian & Continental dishes, Hot Action Counters (Egg, Pasta, Shawarma, Oriental Stir Fry, and Roast). Feed your sweet tooth with French & Continental Pastries, Indian Sweets, Breakfast Pastries and even Pastry Action Counters like Waffle & Pancake Station.          
come for the New Year’s Sparkling Brunch on January 1

In short, Courtyard by Marriott Pune City Centre will not just wow you with food and events on New Year’s Day but also the day after. Located near Jehangir Hospital, it would be a good idea to contact them soon for a party within your budget and for the entire family.