Lebanese Delights

Now,Shawarma is to food what Rakhi Sawant is to human kind. You either love it,or hate it. While the Tagore-swearing Bengali might be unnerved at the sight of the chef shaving off meat from what can be best described as a column of grilled goodness,meat-aholics are mostly seduced by the sight. The Middle Eastern Food Festival on at the Hyatt Regency is probably the answer for the dichotomy that runs through Kolkata’s eating habits. From traditional and unfamiliar Arabic fare like grilled goat cheese (the famous Lebanese Hallomi Mashwi) and Feter Moutafa to specialties like Shoukaf and Samar Hara,the festival has cooked up quite a middle eastern storm.

The food festival is a collaboration between Hyatt Regency and Emirates,the Dubai based international airlines. The airlines had also launched its “Journey through India” campaign earlier this year which tried to focus on the regional cuisines of India for its in-flight services. So,its patrons got to feast on Bhetki Kalia,Chicken Piccata with a choice of Indian breads and papads on its Kolkata-Dubai flight. Smoked salmon and potato salads are also on offer. Chef Hamdan,a specialty chef from Grand Hyatt Dubai has been flown in to supervise the festival.

Also commenting on the partnership,Mr. Sven Hoffmeyer,General Manager,Hyatt Regency Kolkata,said “After our pleasant experience last year,we are in for the second consecutive year with Chef Hamadan from Grand Hyatt Dubai for the Middle Eastern Food Festival. Waterside Café will be featuring dishes from the Middle Eastern region of distinctive characteristics.”