Green Spin

Hometels Googly food festival packs in a welcome surprise.

At a time when the game of cricket is the ruling flavour of the month,its not surprising to hear of a food festival called Googly. But given the fact that Navratras arent around the corner and its not a time when communities follow abstinence,this Googly festival on at Hotel Hometel,throws a surprise with an all-vegetarian treat. While a quick read of the menu doesnt seem to suggest anything unusual,the real googly lies in the deceptively named dishes that are actually made from all-vegetarian ingredients. The idea was to introduce die-hard non-vegetarians to vegetarian fare,with no compromise on taste or flavour. Most of the dishes are soya-based and are healthier too, pointed out the hotels general manager Sabyasachi Chatterjee.

On offer is a multi-cuisine buffet (lunch and dinner) that packs in a wide selection along with a live counter dishing out Continental snacks like fajita fillet in hot garlic sauce,tandoori nuggets with garlic mayonnaise,vegetarian hot dog,which is an ideal spread,if you are dining out with kids.

We headed straight for the main course that packed in,apart from a choice of soups,plentiful of salads and a two-cuisine main course. The seekh kebab masala was delectable and like its meaty original,the mock version of it was full on flavour and chewiness. However,what truly bowled us over was the vegetarian prawn malai curry. Given how difficult it can be to replicate the original curry without the prawns,this one came very close. The prawns were made from soya-granules apart from essential other ingredients and shaped like prawns to keep up with the fishy-feel. Paired with the flavoured rice,it made for an appetising meal. One can also try the shammi kebab biryani or the tandoori ham with rosemary potatoes. But if you are in the mood for Oriental cuisine,we would recommend the chilli pepper ham in black pepper sauce. We just hope the non-vegetarian names dont put off the green brigade. Some thought seems to have gone into the line-up of desserts as well and the lauki halwa made from bottlegourd,also a staple in Himachali fare,scored a six on our palate.

The food festival is on till May 15.
Meal for two: Rs 800 (excluding taxes). Location: Plot No 147-148,Industrial Area,Phase 1,Chandigarh Contact: 0172-4299999

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Green Spin

Hometels Googly food festival packs in a welcome surprise.

Hometels Googly food festival packs in a welcome surprise.