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For that dumdar dinner menu

The Punjabi food festival at Le Meridien is a foodie's dream come true

RURAL RICHNESS The ambience is typically rustic at the festival

Though I consider myself quite an ustad at cooking the Punjabi fare, it was a welcome break from drudgery of the kitchen when the invitation came from Le Meridien for its Punjabi food fest, Sanjha Chula.

The rustic ambience created at the five-star hotel was quite like the one it did for the same festival last year, though this time there were a few additional props such as a well and an auto laden with desserts. Thankfully, the kebab and roti counters were not filled with smoke like last year.

Savouring the food by the poolside with some good Punjabi music was very soothing for frayed nerves. So without wasting time we hopped, skipped and jumped across various counters that were dishing out starters — kebabs, chaats, soups, salads and much more.

Main course

In the main course, designed by Chef Saini and Chef Vijaya Bhaskaran, the best part was that each counter served seven to eight varieties. But that was also the sad part because it made taking your pick that much more difficult. Not being fond of chaats, we opted for some non-veg kebabs to go with the chilled beer (there is a delightful variety for the veggies too).

After a disappointing start (as not all kebabs were crisp), we started with the roti counter and the signature sarson da saag. The makki de roti and the melt-in-the-mouth rumali rotis brought the smile back on our faces. Though there was the jeera rice and the biriyani, the true-blue Punjabi soul craved for the rotis. I tucked into them to my heart's content with murgh saagwala, keema kaleji (keema and liver fry), machali kalia and aloo gobi.

Those cravings

Then came (as always) a point when the foodie in you craves for more while the stomach just refused to cooperate. That's when I decided to give up and save some space for hot jalebis, the sinful chenna rabri kheer and ice cream. One did miss the ghee-laden gajar ka halwa here.

Friendly warning: weight watchers had better stick to the roasted papads with fat-free pickles, while it's a foodie's delight all the way.

Good food, unlimited vodka and service with a smile. That's an ideal dinner! The fest — dinner only — is on till February 28.

Le Meridien can be contacted on 22262233, ext. 4471/72.

Ambience: Rustic
Service: Good
Specialty: Punjabi fare
Wallet factor: Rs. 625 per head

SHILPA SEBASTIAN R.

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