Apart from carols, midnight mass and bright illumination on the hip and happening Park Street and old-world Bow Barracks, Kolkatans are in for a culinary treat this week and the next with new bistros, confectioners and restaurants serving up delicacies.
For the gastronomic adventurist, there is Sacher Torte-(a special type of dense chocolate cake layered with apricot), Orange Cointrau Pastry (a rich chocolate chiffon sponge), Almond Barquelte (a French confectionery made of almonds) and Paris Brest (a French desert made of choux pastry and hazelnut) owner of a new bakery Srayasi Banerjee told PTI.
"Our aim is to produce and provide flavours and colours of the West, distinct rich taste and a unique "Bake and take" experience," she said.
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Another national confectioner chain from Chennai has introduced plum cake panettone, Italian bread raisin, German Stollen and Australian Mincepie besides churning out Santa face, and Christmas Tree shaped cakes and Pastries with fresh cream in its outlets in upscale areas like Bhowanipore.
Shaikh Tanvir Ul Malik, executive chef of The French Loaf said, "Christmas-New year celebrations mean a lot to an average Bengali, but he is very discerning about certain items. Therefore we have not tinkered with the average Plum cake, mild plum pudding, but infused the original Italian and German flavors."
Joining the race, Serafina, the authentic North Italian restaurant, offers Ravioli Di Zucca Con Nocciole Tostate, Mare Cibo Piccante Rissito, and Baked Soaked Fruit Cheese Cake for the experimenting clientele.
"Our rich Christmas, New Year spread would be on the platter till the first week of January," a Serafina spokesman said.
Vaibhav Kaushik, culinary head (north and east India) Chili's, said "We have set up a new outlet at a swanky new mall on bypass on the eve of Christmas and our favourite Fresh-max meals include fajitas, tacos and enchiladas this festive season."
"We have worked on new dishes to cater to the taste bud of the Kolkatan who has embraced indigenous as well as global dishes," Kaushik said.
The Shiraz Golden Restaurant has rolled out The Royal
Mughlai Breakfast serving Zabaan, Kalla, Maghaz and Paya.
Ishtiaque Ahmed, Partner, Shiraz Restaurants Pvt Ltd. said that the breakfast menu includes Gosht Dal, Gosht Stew, Gosht Special Stew, Gosht Keema, Gosht Liver, Gosht Paya, Gosht Kalla, Patal Gosht, Mutton Zaban, Maghaz and many more.
In luxury hotels, the festivities are aimed at upper-bracket of consumers.
At Cafe Swiss of Swissotel Kolkata, there is an elaborate spread of Honey-glazed Ham, the typical Turkey roast, lemon chicken with pistachio and apricot filling, parmesan crusted zucchini besides the traditional classic Christmas pudding and orange honey parfait, a hotel spokesperson said.
At The Taj Gateway, Plum Pudding, Yule Log, Apple Strudel with mulled wine, Eggnog, jostle for space with turkey, ham, beef and lamb.
In upmarket Park Street area Flurry's, rolled out Diet Fruit Cake, Almond Ice Cake, Dundee Cake among others.
Vikas Kumar, executive chef, Flurry's, said, "The diet fruit cake with zero cholesterol is the most popular choice among youngsters this year.
