Matadors in Madras

SPAIN IS in town. Yes, the sunny nation with its rich and colourful tradition and distinctive cuisine is here in Chennai.

Flamenco, bull-fight, colourful dresses and costumes, vibrant quick-stepping dances and culinary delights - these are the things that spring to mind as you wander off... And its all happening here at Park Sheraton.

The taste of spain is provided by a group of three chefs who have come here all the way from Madrid, the Spanish capital, to capture the hearts of the city gourmets.

Whether it is the `Entradas Frias' (starters) or the main course or the `Postres' (desserts), the Spanish cuisine is all about meat and sea-food and has very little scope for vegetarians.

The names `Boquerones en Vinagre con Anchoas' (fresh and salted Anchovies), `Gambas al Ajillo' (garlic prawns) and Jomon de Jabugo' (Spanish cured ham) are as much unfamiliar in this part of the world as is the cuisine. These are only the beginnings.

The chef trio from Hotel Westin Palace, Madrid, - Alberto Garcia Carnero, Alberto Frutos and Victor Langreo Dorrado - has much in store in the main course which includes `Carnes' (meat), `Pescados' (fish) and `Verduras' (vegetarian).

Apart from the usual `Parilla de Verduras' (grilled vegetables), the Venduras section is enriched by `Empanada Gallega' (vegetarian Galician savoury pie) and `Pisto Manchego' (summer vegetable medley).

The rather quaint item in the Pescados section is the `Calamares Rellenos' (stuffed squid). The Carnes section has `Pollo en Pepitoria' (chicken in almond sauce) which comes with rice and `Lomo de Cerdo con Queso Cabrales' (pork loin with Cabrales blue cheese). The `Paletilla de Cordero al Horno' (over roasted baby lamb shoulder) is a delicacy.

Yet, things are not complete without some Flamenco and folk with the main course! There is Stephen Rouse along with Esperanza Carmona Moles and Marisa Claudia Zoella entertaining the guests with flashes of Spanish dance. While Flamenco, a Gypsy dance `having its roots in Kathak', forms the main course, folk dances from all over that country formed the cuisine for the dance performances.

`Jota' (pronounced hota) is the most famous folk dance of Spain originating from the hilly northern part of Aragon and is performed with soft shoes, castanets or handkerchiefs with the marked high kicks and jumps. Farruca Flamenco symbolises the expressions and the various stages of slow and brisk movements of the matador in a bull-fight.

Then there was the Rumba, the popular street dance, the Paso Doble, the most common ball room dance and obviously the Capricio Espanyol, the classical Spanish dance. A romantica titled `The Three Cornered Hat' was also performed by the trio.

When you come to the desserts, dont miss the `Bizcocho Borracho' (la mancha cake soaked in wine). The cheese, the ham and some of the varieties of fish have been imported from Spain. The dinner is served with red wine.

So feel the pulse of Spain on the dance floor and have a Spanish Affair, lunch at Cappuccino and dinner at The Residency, Hotel ITC Park Sheraton. Till July 29.

By Saptarshi Bhattacharya

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Section  : Entertainment