Sarhad Ke Pakwaan Food Festival at The Westin Pune Koregaon Park

The Sarhad Ke Pakwan food festival at Kangan, The Westin Pune Koregaon Park is perfect foodie's attraction longing for food from Kashmir, Punjab & Rajasthan. It is on till September 30, 2016

(L-R) Rabri, Shakore Ki Phirni and Malpua

It's always a task to present food or cuisines which are as authentic as the ones at home. The Westin Pune Koregaon Park has been doing that with a bit of reinvention. They have a reputation to bringing cuisines from all around for its valued customers who throng its varied restaurants to pounce on their food offerings. This time, it is Sarhad ke Pakwan, a food festival serving northern cuisines of India at Kangan. As you guessed it, the festival is serving Kashmiri, Rajasthani and Punjabi delights in a ala carte fashion and will be available every evening till September 30.

The starters are what you call the superb starting point of the delightful food experience. One of the best starters would obviously be the Tabak Maaz which is a mild preparation of lamb ribs cooked with milk on slow flame and mildly flavored with Kashmiri spices. The meat's tenderness and slight flavored wows you and apparently it goes well with the red chutney served along. I though had it just like that. The Bhatti Ki Tangri which is chicken drumsticks marinated with bhatti ka masala is another winner which melts in your mouth on every bite. The masala is neither too spicy nor too mellow. Just right! While the Jodhpuri Paneer Tikka and Bhatti Ki Khumb are interesting, the Amritsari Fish Tikka is another option for non-vegetarians. The fresh fish becomes tangy with the slightly spiciness of the masala which has garam masala. I loved the Nadru Chorma which is lotus steam flavored with whole masalas. This Kashmiri fried delicacy with a slightly chewy consistency tastes great with the walnut chutney served along. 

Bhatti Ki Tangri

When I went over to the main course, I was already wowed courtesy the starters. I was simply intrigued of what will come next. I loved the Martaban Gosht which is pickled flavored lamb. This is another melt-in-your-mouth delicacy. Though pickled, the spices are not overwhelming. While the Baingan Ka Bharta is well-prepared. I preferred the Amrud Ki Sabzi which is a Rajasthani preparation consisting of guava flavoured with kalonji, coriander and cumin. You get suprised with the fact that guava tastes so well as a main course. The Papad Mangodi is another Rajasthani delicacy consisting of lentil flatbread and deep fried fried lentil dumpling with tomatoes. I found the turmeric dominated taste perfect. The dal selection is another winner at the food festival. I loved the Kashmiri Rajma & Maa Ki Daal which are midly flavoured with different spices and are distinct. You keep on wanting more. The Kashmiri Pulao with nuts and saffron wows you on its own and is fragrantly tasty with ghee. 

Nadru Chorma

The finishing touch happens to be  Malpua with Rabri which needs to be tried after a lovely dinner. A word of warning - this heavy sweet dish is not for the faint-hearted. The sweet pancake served with rabri of condensed milk & nuts makes you all quiet and focus on just eating. The Shakore Ki Phirni is a rice cooked sweet of milk and flavored with saffron. It has the right sweetness and does not overwhelm you. But do not mix the two sweet dishes together.

Kulchas

On till September 30, the Sarhad Ke Pakwaan food festival at Kangan, The Westin Pune Koregaon Park is a perfect offering for you and your family. Be there in the evenings to enjoy a good meal. Nothing to beat it! 

Jodhpuri Paneer Tikka

Sarhad Ke Pakwaan Food Festival at The Westin Pune Koregaon Park

The Sarhad Ke Pakwan food festival at Kangan, The Westin Pune Koregaon Park is perfect foodie's attraction longing for food from Kashmir, Punjab & Rajasthan. It is on till September 30, 2016

(L-R) Rabri, Shakore Ki Phirni and Malpua

It's always a task to present food or cuisines which are as authentic as the ones at home. The Westin Pune Koregaon Park has been doing that with a bit of reinvention. They have a reputation to bringing cuisines from all around for its valued customers who throng its varied restaurants to pounce on their food offerings. This time, it is Sarhad ke Pakwan, a food festival serving northern cuisines of India at Kangan. As you guessed it, the festival is serving Kashmiri, Rajasthani and Punjabi delights in a ala carte fashion and will be available every evening till September 30.

The starters are what you call the superb starting point of the delightful food experience. One of the best starters would obviously be the Tabak Maaz which is a mild preparation of lamb ribs cooked with milk on slow flame and mildly flavored with Kashmiri spices. The meat's tenderness and slight flavored wows you and apparently it goes well with the red chutney served along. I though had it just like that. The Bhatti Ki Tangri which is chicken drumsticks marinated with bhatti ka masala is another winner which melts in your mouth on every bite. The masala is neither too spicy nor too mellow. Just right! While the Jodhpuri Paneer Tikka and Bhatti Ki Khumb are interesting, the Amritsari Fish Tikka is another option for non-vegetarians. The fresh fish becomes tangy with the slightly spiciness of the masala which has garam masala. I loved the Nadru Chorma which is lotus steam flavored with whole masalas. This Kashmiri fried delicacy with a slightly chewy consistency tastes great with the walnut chutney served along. 

Bhatti Ki Tangri

When I went over to the main course, I was already wowed courtesy the starters. I was simply intrigued of what will come next. I loved the Martaban Gosht which is pickled flavored lamb. This is another melt-in-your-mouth delicacy. Though pickled, the spices are not overwhelming. While the Baingan Ka Bharta is well-prepared. I preferred the Amrud Ki Sabzi which is a Rajasthani preparation consisting of guava flavoured with kalonji, coriander and cumin. You get suprised with the fact that guava tastes so well as a main course. The Papad Mangodi is another Rajasthani delicacy consisting of lentil flatbread and deep fried fried lentil dumpling with tomatoes. I found the turmeric dominated taste perfect. The dal selection is another winner at the food festival. I loved the Kashmiri Rajma & Maa Ki Daal which are midly flavoured with different spices and are distinct. You keep on wanting more. The Kashmiri Pulao with nuts and saffron wows you on its own and is fragrantly tasty with ghee. 

Nadru Chorma

The finishing touch happens to be  Malpua with Rabri which needs to be tried after a lovely dinner. A word of warning - this heavy sweet dish is not for the faint-hearted. The sweet pancake served with rabri of condensed milk & nuts makes you all quiet and focus on just eating. The Shakore Ki Phirni is a rice cooked sweet of milk and flavored with saffron. It has the right sweetness and does not overwhelm you. But do not mix the two sweet dishes together.

Kulchas

On till September 30, the Sarhad Ke Pakwaan food festival at Kangan, The Westin Pune Koregaon Park is a perfect offering for you and your family. Be there in the evenings to enjoy a good meal. Nothing to beat it! 

Jodhpuri Paneer Tikka

Authentic Marwar on your table at The Westin Pune

Rush ahead to catch your table for The Flavours of Marwar – a special food festival at Kangan, The Westin Pune Koregaon Park. It is on only till July 31. Taste the authentic essence of Marwar.

Daal Baati Churma

Most would obviously think greasy but delicious vegetarian fare when we hear the words ‘Marwar Cuisine’. It is more than the typical Marwar fare you might eat at your friend’s place. It is a healthy mix of both veg & non-veg fare which can be tasted at Kangan, the Indian food restaurant at The Westin Pune Koregaon Park. The reputed five-star hotel has already started its Marwar Food Festival called The Flavours of Marwar. It is on till July 31, 2016.

Jugalbandi Kebab

A word of warning – if you are on diet, this is the best meal to break it. The appetizers just get you thinking & wanting for more. The winner is the Pathar Ka Soola which is lamb slices marinated in spices & grilled to perfection. It appears like Tandoori Chicken. But the tenderly cooked lamb just melts in your mouth and leaves a well-cooked spice flavour. The same can be said about Jugalbandi Kebab which is an interesting combo of lamb & chicken mince (yup, mouth already has started watering) treated with mild spices and cooked on skewers. While the kebab might remind you of Malai kebab, the lamb-chicken combo leaves a lasting taste due to the spice mix. I personally also loved the Marwari Seekh which again is an interesting blend of veggies and dry fruits which is then roasted in Tandoor. I loved the fact that the veggies & dry fruits could be tasted independently. Other two options – Mirchi Vada and Jodhpuri Paneer Tikka – were neat but I was too impressed by the other kebabs. What went well with the starters were the special drinks. I tried out the Kalakhatta which was more of well-made & easygoing Jeera drink.

The main course had a tough, according to me, to live up to the well-done appetizers. The winning

main courses are two, as per my view. The first is the obvious Rajasthani specialty Laal Maas or red meat gravy. I loved the well-made lamb which had absorbed the rich spicy gravy. The Achaari Ker Sangri is a twist to a special Rajasthani delicacy. The tangy taste of Ker Sangri (a typical Rajasthani vegetable) works well with the Achaari (pickle) flavour. The very popular Dal Baati Churma which is the face of Rajasthani cuisine is another winner. Well spiced Dal and Baati works well for the appetite and even better if you add the churma. Murgh Makai Soyta which is a mild preparation of boneless chicken cooked in spices might be an interesting option to choose as it does not overpower your palate. The mild preparation might not excite many as you have strongly spiced options but I loved this very aspect. The rest of the main course – Papad Mangodi (moong dal dumpling in mild yellow gravy) and Jodhpuri Gatta Curry (Bengal gram dumpling in spicy yoghurt gravy) were good but I already was wowed by other dishes.

Maave Ke Ghewar

The icing on the Rajasthan cuisine was the absolutely delightful Maave Ke Ghewar – a traditional sweet from the region but given a twist here. This sweet made from cottage cheese has milk reduction added to it and is covered with saffron & pistachios. The result is a sweet delight to die for. Not overwhelmingly sweet but just right for the sweet tooth, I loved this sweet option tremendously.

Those looking for a good Marwari food should visit Kangan at The Westin Pune Koregaon Park for their absolutely delightful The Flavours of Marwar which is on till July 31, 2016. Rush Quickly for a fabulous meal!

VENUE: Kangan, The Westin Pune Koregaon Park, Mundhwa

TIMING: 6.30 PM to 11.30 PM

CONTACT: 020 30189197

On a Persian Food Trail at The Westin Pune Koregaon Park

The Persian Food Festival called A Persian Feast at Seasonal Tastes at The Westin Pune Koregaon Park will delight you with its authentic tastes. Rush now as it lasts till July 24

Persian cuisine has come to town for a few days. Known for its diversity, many Asian cuisines have borrowed dishes and cooking styles from the grand Persian kitchen. And bringing that to the Puneri table is The Westin Pune Koregaon Park which has its Persian food fest going on titled A Persian Feast. You need to rush in to their restaurant Seasonal Tastes as the festival gets over by July 24. Special guest chef has been called from Grand Sheraton Bangalore – Chef Subimon.

Vegetarians & non-vegetarians are in for a treat as the menu has sufficient dishes to delight your taste buds. The special bloggers table organised started with the middle-eastern staple – Mezze. We were served the basic – Hummus & Babaganoush, while others – Burani Spinach, Kashka Badanjan, Mutabla, Muhamara and Kashkabadigan – too were presented. While the Hummus & Babaganoush were as authentic as ever, the Kashka Badanjan (also made from Brinjal), Mutabla and Muhamara (rep pepper & walnut dip) were simply superb. It was served with superbly prepared pita bread. Ashe Adas which is an amazingly prepared Lentil Soup could be a meal in its own.

The starters were better too. The Joojhe Kebab, though well-made, tasted similar to a well-made chicken kebab. The Falafal & Kibbeh were just the way it should taste like – delicately spicy. The Paneer Sabsi Kebab tasted just like any normal well-prepared Paneer Tikka. Fatayer had to be the pick of the Kebabs. This small pie for easy eating had an interesting filling of spinach and feta cheese. Mahi Kebab (Deep Fried Fish Kebab) was as tender as it gets but could do with less salt. The Iranian Chicken Shawarma was so soft and had chicken, yoghurt and spices deftly mixed.

We turned to the main course which had delicious & fragrant Saffron Rice & Baghali Polo Veg as the base. The Ghormeh Sabzi, an Iranian veggie dish, happens to be Iran’s national dish and has leafy veggie with spices. Other dishes like Ghereh Badanjan, Khoresh Maigo & Veg Salona worked well.

Time for some desserts! The very popular Baklava was the winner – rich with dry fruits and sweet but not too much. Omali which is the Iranian rice pudding was good but pale as compared to Baklava.

Do visit the Persian Food Festival at Seasonal Tastes at The Westin Pune Koregaon Park, if you want to taste some enjoyably genuine Persian delights.  

VENUE: Season Tastes, The Westin Pune Koregaon Park

DATE: Till July 24, 2016

TIMING: 24 Hours

FOR RESERVATION, CALL: 020 30189766

Reach for Positivity

Get positivity in your lives with discourse on June 4 by motivational &lifestyle coach Shri Gaur Gopal Prabhu at the fundraising event jointly organised by Intellisense & Yuvatva, a youth run NGO. 

Sometimes, just listening can work wonders for your life. It is about listening to things positive. If this listening is coupled with a cause, things get even better. This June 4, be prepared to hear all things positive from Shri Gaur Gopal Prabhu, an internationally known motivational and lifestyle coach. He will be in town for a fundraising event called ‘Intellisense Living’ organised by Intellisense - Smarter Planning for Better Living and Yuvatva, a youth run NGO. The proceeds will go to Shantivan which is a Beed-based organisation working towards the children of farmers who have committed suicide for their basic food & educational needs. It is organised at Hotel Westin Pune Koregaon Park. 

Raunak Jayya Shetty, who is the founder of Yuvatva, gives the real reason behind organizing such an event. “In an agrarian country like India which vests 65% of its population in the youth, it is heartbreaking to witness the farmer suicide epidemic that accounts for about 11.2 % of all suicides. We at YUVATVA believe it is time for the 65% to construct solutions aiming at providing opportunities to each individual to develop and prosper across different arenas. The restoration journey of these basic rights has begun for Yuvatva by joining hands with ‘Shantivan’ in Beed an organization which works for the development and education of children of the farmers who have been a part of this grieved epidemic. The event is part of this initiative to raise funds for these children, helping them with food, education and a better life.”

Shetty reveals more about what will be in this discourse. “It will be about lessons that we can learn from everyday life and His Grace Gaur Gopal Prabhu’s philosophy on how to live an easier & happier life. This deep philosophy will be shared using anecdotes, jokes and humour so that something as heavy as life lessons are made easy and fun to understand. How wonderful is it to have someone who can give us this knowledge curated with humour and help us grow into better and happy individuals. He has lectured extensively throughout India and all over the world to deliver lectures & seminars on varying aspects of Vedic Culture wowing his audiences with his unique mix of deep knowledge and witty humour.”

Shetty further reveals that Prabhu’s talks are perfect for impacting positively on everyone’s life. “His talks are addictive in nature and the discourse will definitely bring one close to believe why happiness is an inside job. We often pose rhetorical questions like – why do bad things happen to good people? Does God really exist?, etc. This discourse gets us closer to these answers but also helps us to understand how knowledge can change one’s life. At the same time how wonderful it is to have someone who can give us this knowledge curated with humour and unknowingly help us grow into better & happy individuals.”

 Gaurav Kataria, Co-Founder, Intellisense, said, “It is wonderful to see young people who are so motivated to make a change in our country. Yuvatva is a completely youth-run, non-profit organization of passionate and committed individuals with the desire to help inculcate the values of liberty, equality and inclusive development in our society. We believe in their cause of helping the children who have been affected by drought and farmer suicides, and feel it our duty to help them in the best possible way that we can.”

Shetty gives the perfect reason why everyone should be attending this discourse. He says, “One should attend this discourse to help the children of Shantivan in Beed in providing them with food, shelter and a better life; while at the same time get to hear a internationally-renowned motivational speaker with deep spiritual knowledge and an even better sense of humour. It’s an evening a Punekar should not miss out on. "

With such positive message, it is time to attend the fundraising event ‘Intellisense Living’ on June 4^th organised by Intellisense - Smarter Planning for Better Living and Yuvatva, a youth run NGO and listen to the discourse of Shri Gaur Gopal Prabhu. It will be at The Westin, Koregaon Park Pune and the fundraiser will be followed by complimentary high tea.

Donation Passes Available at:

1.       Intellisense Ventures, 917/19A City Chambers, FC Road, Opp. Hotel Vaishali, Pune - 04

2.       All Malaka Spice restaurants - Koregaon Park, Baner & Phoenix Marketcity

3.       NCC Canteen, Next to Symbiosis College, Senapati Bapat Road, Pune OR

4.       Call 9890011114 or visit http://intellisenseventures.com/event.php

Date: June 4^th 2016

Time: 6 PM to 9 PM

Venue: The Westin Pune Koregaon Park

PHOTO CREDIT: : video.iskcondesiretree.com

It’s all Italiano!

Going to Prego, The Westin Pune Koregaon Park’s Italian restaurant is a must with its new chef Eraldo Collazzo. Sapna Sarfare checks the place and comes out all pleased.

It’s Italian cuisine reloaded at the much-loved and acclaimed Prego, the Italian fine dining restaurant at The Westin Pune, Koregaon Park. While their Italian specialties have always been attracted foodies from all around Pune, they were in search of a new head chef to lead its troop for a few months. And the wait got over with renowned Chef Eraldo Collazzo who has take over as the new Italian chef at Prego. His 38 years experience from all around the globe serving celebs & commoners alike will come in handy here. From May 5^th 2016, his new and well-researched menu will be served to all hungry and interested Punekars visiting The Westin.

At a sneak preview, I got a hang of what will surprise everyone. It’s going to something different from the last chef as Chef Eraldo is more about going all natural with ingredients, a touch of authenticity and a twist. I found that out with the simplicity of the food he served at the preview. And you will love this touch. Originally, from Rome, the food from that region can be seen here. You will find chef’s signature dishes like Spaghetti Sofia Loren, Big Bang Seafood Salad, Cacio e Pepe to name a few.  

Freshly Baked Breads

First, we were served two types of freshly-baked breads typical to the region – the rye bread and Focaccia which just had us reaching out to it every time. The breads combined with some salsa (quite surprising) made our taste buds go wild.

Insalata Itaca

We then tried the Amuse Bouche that was tempura zucchini with balsamic sauce, which was light and delectable thanks to its easy flavours. What made me go crazy was a perfect salad for summers consisting of watermelon, feta cheese and mango. The combination amazed with me as I realised how easily they complimented each other. The Insalata Itaca which was a salad made of lettuce, feta cheese, olive, onion, pepper and sundried tomatoes was another winner thanks to it light dressing and good combination. Cheese lovers will go made over the Burrata Cheese with Tomatoes, which combined a dollop of Mozzarella cheese over tomatoes and just perfected the simple taste. The other previewers and I were won over by the amazing salads while we sipped on assorted drinks. I loved being served the 5-year-old red wine that was light enough to appreciate the rest of the meal.

Chef Eraldo Collazzo

We shifted to the main course, which began with the Penne Norma, which combined aubergine, basil tomato sauce, and mozzarella, was likable. The prominent basil tomato sauce surprisingly did not overwhelm the other flavours especially the bite size pieces of aubergine. Mozzarella cheese was sprinkled with ease but it was not too cheesy. I personally rated the Salmon Pasta as one of the winning recipes from the kitchens of Chef Eraldo. I loved the delicate flavours of salmon combined with the pasta and sauce which melted in your mouth. Chicken lovers would like the Pollo Genova that is chicken fillet in sweet basil pesto, pine nut and served with salad and potato wedges. The fillet was well-made and again, the basil pesto with pine nuts gave the chicken delicate flavour. Though the Beetroot and Parmesan Sauce Risotto (beetroot risotto topped with extra aged parmesan sauce) tasted decent, some might be bothered with its too simple taste and al dente nature. A word of truth – that is how risotto is cooked in Italy. I personally found it overshadowed by other well-made delicacies. That’s unfortunate.

Panna Cotta

The icing over an excellent meal was the Panna Cotta containing sambuca scent and berry coulis. The berries flavoured the panna cotta well but were not too sweet. You just want to drown in its taste.

I personally found Chef Eraldo Collazzo’s food to be simple yet full of taste and true to his belief that authentic food should be natural and speak of the region. Though some delicacies won our votes big time over others, I found it hard to reject anything per say. Now Punekars get a chance to check the new chef’s magic at Prego, The Westin Pune Koregaon Park.

Venue: Prego, The Westin Pune Koregaon Park, 84/36, N Main Rd, Koregaon Park Annexe, Pune

Timings: 6:30 PM to 11:30 PM 

Contact: 020 67210060

Pune Event Listings

Check out the events happening all over Pune; select the ones that suit your mood

BURGER & BEER FEST @ COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT PUNE CITY CENTRE

It’s burger & beer time at Courtyard by Marriott Pune City Centre. As the world celebrates Oktoberfest, every burger gets you a beer complimentary! Tuck into juicy burgers like Grilled Asian Burger, Prawn Tempura Burger, BBQ Cottage Cheese Burger, Spicy Mexican Bean Burger, Tenderloin Burger and more. 

WHEN:  September 29 – October 12, 2015

WHERE: MoMo Cafe, Courtyard by Marriott Pune City Centre, Bund Garden Road

PRICE: INR 425 plus taxes and above

CALL: +91 20 67248250 

OKTOBERFEST @ FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON, PUNE

It’s Oktoberfest time at Four Points by Sheraton Pune. Sip on Erdinger beer and relish a Oktoberfest dishes like Chicken Bratwurst, Potato Pancake with Cheese & Chives, Beer Roast Chicken, and Oktoberfest Strude! Get a selection of international beers at Panash, The Eatery, Best Brews and Alfresco Beyond the Eatery.  

WHEN: September 26 – October 4, 2015

 WHERE: Four Points by Sheraton Pune 

CALL: 7709006688 / 02030931031

THE TIGRIS TRAIL @ THE WESTIN PUNE KOREGAON PARK

Be ready to visit Seasonal Tastes at The Westin Pune Koregaon Park as they bring the eclectic flavours from around the Tigris River, mainly Turkey, Syria & Iran. Dig into the zingy flavours of Mediterranean cuisine & its delicacies until October 11. Be there to enjoy a truly epicurean dining experience. 

WHEN: Till October 11, 2015

WHERE: Seasonal Tastes, Westin Pune Koregaon Park

FOR RESERVATION, CALL: 9158882124 or email Taste.westinpune@westin.com 

SIGNATURE ITALIAN GRILLS @ JW MARRIOTT HOTEL PUNE

Head to Alto Vino – the Italian restaurant at JW Marriott Hotel Pune for its ‘Italian Grills Festival’. Feast on grilled delicacies with the finest collection of wines. Starters include Prosciutto Di Parma, Focaccia Al Rosmarino , Carne Like Costine Di Molale, Poletto Alla Birra and Pesce like Salmone Scozzese and Spigola Chilena. Also choose from the A la Carte menu by Italian Expat Chef Christian Huber.

WHEN: Till September 27, 2015

WHERE: Alto Vino, JW Marriott Hotel Pune, SB Road

TIMING: 7.30 PM Onwards

FOR RESERVATIONS, CALL:  91 20 66833333

For events listings, email details & photos to sapnasarfarejournalist@gmail.com 

Something Veg & Interesting!

Check the special vegetarian fare at Kangan, the all Indian and quite impressive restaurant of The Westin Pune Koregaon Park

Some places make you want to visit it with pleasure... always. If it’s food, then the pleasure gets an extra sumptuous touch. Kangan, the Indian restaurant at The Westin Koregaon Park Pune, is the place one wants to be and have delicious Indian food. And a few weeks back, it has done an interesting jump by introducing a vegetarian special to already popular menu. And it was just to experience some vegetarian delights that I went to taste it one charming evening with a good friend for company.

Though much has been written about the ambience of the restaurant, I wish to throw some light on it.
Low lights enough to see the appetising meals and comfortable sitting makes you want to relax. Not to large not to small... it is the perfect size and you are not privy to other people’s conversations. Service too is apt considering the kind of restaurant and hotel Kangan & The Westin is respectively. Polite and attentive are the two adjectives apt for their work.

Our main focus is the food which turned out to be quite an interesting spread. The vegetarian spread was the highlight here. One of the first things to greet us was the Bitter Gourd Chips with Fig Chutney Relish. Bitter Gourd or Karela has to be one of the misunderstood vegetables but courtesy the chef, it turned out to be quite a treat. The crisp coating of a bhaji went well with the Karela slices which had its bitterness toned down. Of course, the tangy fig chutney completely made it a must eat.

The other rather interesting item on the menu had to be the Tandoori Artichoke. Yes, you heard it right! Tandoori marinade applied to this phoren vegetable is an acquired taste. You might like it or you will just pass it. Either way, you might want to just try it just once. 

I loved the soft Masala Garlic Naan which just well went on its own or with your main course. Even the other varities offered from the regular menu became winners. It was quite disappointing to find the Arbi Ke Tukde served with Saunth Relish and Sabj Tarkash Ke Seeth to be just about okay in taste. Paneer lovers might find the Nazboo Paneer Lababdar to be quite decently tempting. Paneer in special masala (not too much thankfully) gets your attention.

The winner of the veg fare has to be Kangan’s prized Dal Makhni which is a well-cooked kali dal in cream. The outcome is a delicate dal which melts in your mouth to leave a light creamy taste like no other. Do end the meal with the lip-smacking Gulab Patte Ki Kheer which literally is kheer with gulkand flavour in it. But it is delicately sweet which might appease even the most finicky sweet enthusiast.

The exclusive and innovative vegetarian offers are limited but not something which should be

avoided. I have mentioned just a few names from the list. The overwhelming chances of your liking it are higher. Plus, you can mix it with the regular ala carte menu offered at the restaurant. Going to Kangan, the all Indian restaurant at The Westin Pune Koregaon Park, would be quite an option to be differently vegetarian.

Photos: Sapna Sarfare

The Kitchens of Kangan Festival – The Westin Pune Koregaon Park

Achari Murgh

When you happen to the presence of a popular chain of 5-star hotel, you invariably get a taste of flavours from all its outlets. The Westin Pune Koregaon Park is making sure all Punekars get the flavour of their popular Indian food restaurant. They have brought together their best chefs from all the Westin Hotels in India to give a taste of some great culinary delights via the ‘Kitchens of Kangan’. This interesting concept has great signature dishes from the 3 chefs from Mumbai, Pune and Hyderabad. This happens to be the 2^nd edition of the festival and serves some amazing North West Frontier cusine at their very Indian restaurant, Kangan. It will be open for the interested people till November 28^th. The chefs involved are Chef Narayan Salunkhe from The Westin Pune Koregaon Park, Chef Rakesh Anand of The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace and Chef Shamsher Ahmed from The Westin Mumbai Garden City.

Daastan-E-Kumbh

The vegetarian starters has dishes like Kale Chaney Ke Kebab (black gram patties stuffed with mint and chilli yoghurt), Bhutta Amritsari (crisp fried spicy tender corn & green peas bites), and Hare Masale Ka Paneer Tikka (cottage cheese marinated in herbs & cooked in tandoor). I tried the Paneer Palak Ke Sikke which were subtly done seasoned spinach sandwiched with picatta of cottage cheese. The rather tangy taste of Daastaane-e-kumbh consisting of char grilled mushroom marinated with tandoor masala, cheese and pepper, will be a more popular (and tasty option). But one felt one could give the Subz Tarkash Ki Seekh a miss which has assorted veggies cooked in Indian spices in clay oven. Amidst Non-veg Starters like Murgh Siya Masala (Chicken sautéed with onion and tomatoes, spiked with crushed black pepper), Murgh Kalmi Masala (tandoori chicken leg with cheese, chilli and marinated with home made garam masala), Tala Gosht (baby lamb leg marinated with ginger, garlic, chillies) and so on, I really liked the very desi Bhatti De Murgh (spicy chicken marinated with secret spice mix and dried mint) and the delicate flavours of Soofiyana Tandoori Jhinga (tiger prawns marinated with fresh fennel leaves, laced with seasoned egg white, finished in clay oven). Many might opt for Tandoori Nalli which is well-prepared baby lamb in cinnamon, vinegar and spices. The tender meat came off easily and the spices did not overwhelm each other.

Sarhad Ki Fish Curry

The vegetarian main course has some interesting options like Nazbu Paneer (Roulade of stuffed cottage cheese gratinated with basil flavoured tomato gravy), Subz Noorani Korma (Seasonal mixed veggies flavoured with carom and nigella seeds), Guncha Meethi Matar (cauliflower tempered with fresh fenugreek & indian spices) and Peshawari Chole (slow cooked chickpeas with Peshawari spices). For me, Subz Aashiyana worked just okay as it meant eating mix veggies in traditional spices, cheese, spinach and cream. Lovers of rajma might love the Rajma Dum Biryani. I am a big fan of Kangan Pune’s signature dish – Dal Kangan which is black lentil cooked overnight and cooked with tomato, fresh cream and butter. The smooth and slightly tangy flavour stays with you and despite the cream content, you want to keep on eating. The non-veg section is filled with dishes like  Murgh Benazeer (chicken drumstick flavoured with tomatoes & feneel seeds and cooked on dum), Nalli Gosht (lamb shanks cooked in Indian spices in brown curry), Musafir Ka Adlah (slow cooked lamb in spices, red onions, ginger-garlic and Peshwari chillies) and Sarhad Ki Fish Curry (fish cooked in a special masala).

While there are some interesting daals and rice dishes to entice you, get the Masala Garlic Roti and Kacche Haldi Ke Parathi which is layered bread infused with raw turmeric and carom seeds. 

From the desserts section, I personally felt the delicate flavours of Gulab Patte ki Kheer is the clear winner. The Shahi Khubani Tukda might be heavy for some.

All in all, going to Kangan at The Westin Pune Koregaon Park might be a good option to eat like a king. The Kitchens of Kangan beckons you to eat heartily till November 28^th. 

Moroccan Food Festival at The Westin Pune Koregaon Park

Morocco stays in Pune till November 8^th at The Westin Pune Koregaon Park, as an interesting Moroccan Food Festival is underway at the hotel known also for its exquisite food at its different restaurants. Held at Seasonal Tastes and planned by Chef de Cuisine, Prasad Metrani, it was definitely a peep into the food which smells of authenticity. Chef Metrani has had experience of getting to know the cuisine when he had visited the country quite a few years back. He personally saw how it is prepared and has brought ingredients straight from the North African country to give it a touch of reality. It had everything from tagines, salads, and soups to wraps, grills, hot spreads, typical breads and the works. A taste of authenticity marks the eating experience here, as I was witness to it.

Amidst the Moroccan cold salads like Zaalouk- Aubergine Dip, Ispinaki Limone Salade (Spinach And Pickled Lemon Salad), Serouda (Chickpea & Tomato Sauce Salad), Taktouka (Tomato & Green Pepper Salad), Beetroot With Yoghurt & Oranges and Fegguos Salade (Chopped Cucumber & Tomato Salad), I loved trying Hummus with Green Harrisa, Berber Salade (Country Style Salad From Marrakech) and Onion Mezgueldi (Caramelised Onions With Butter). The spiciness in the hummus might appeal to the Indian palate. While one shifted to the one veg and one non-veg soup, the Lamb Harira might tempt you with its lightly spicy and tangy soup with hints of lamb.

Sure, there were starters like Kasbah or Spicy Chicken Bites, Sesame Halloumi Bites, Puffed Moroccan Pizza, wraps and grills, the Grilled Merguez Sausages or Lamb Sausages were simple ones. It was main course which called for the attention with Samak Chermoula (Pan Fried Moroccan Fish), Vegetable Tagine, Maakouda Batata (Moroccan Potato Cakes), Cous Cous and Mograbieh (Semolina Dumplings With Cumin). I personally loved tasting the subtle flavours of Dijaj N’Quallu (Pot-roasted Whole Chicken) and the well-cooked & spicy Arin M’Qualli (Braised Lamb Leg with Cayenne Pepper).

One had to try out the desserts which consisted of B’stilla Au Lait (Layered Pastry With Almond Cream), Fresh Fruit Briouates (Fresh Fruit Triangles), Almond Gharibiya (Biscuits from Casablanca), Fakkas (Morrocan Rusks), Almond & Cloves Cookies, etc. One could give the Fez Style Rice Pudding a miss for being too typical. Try the Chakbkia (Fried Pastries drizzled with Honey & Sesame), Chocolate M’nancha (Chocolate Rolls) and the very delicately flavoured Orange Flower Blossom & Pistachio Ice Cream. My favourite in the whole lot was the B’stilla Dijaj (Chicken cooked with Eggs wrapped in Pastry & Baked in Pots, served with Relish or Salads). It felt like a lighter version of scrambled eggs with chicken in it inside a bun. One could it gobble a few in one go, if you are too hungry.

The special Moroccan spread is quite wide to let everyone’s taste buds feel happy. I felt the veg and non-veg options were quite vast to satisfy everyone. Yes, Moroccan cuisine might sound like something for the meat lovers but veggies do have space here. Try it if you want.

Date: till November 8^th 2014

Time: 7.00pm

Venue: Seasonal Tastes, The Westin Pune Koregaon Park