Family Matters

“New Year’s Eve is that time of the year when friends and families come together to have a good time. Loved ones embrace the new beginnings as they usher in the New Year. So the celebrations and revelry is all about togetherness,closeness and spending quality time with near and dear ones,” says Rakshit Talwar,director of Sales,Courtyard by Marriott Pune Hinjewadi. This hotel will have a candle-lit set-up. “A delicious food spread,music to enliven the senses and candle-lit dinners are perfect for a cherished,quiet beginning,” he adds. The dinners at MoMo Café and Alfresco at the hotel will include live counters and the festivity will spill over to the next day with a Sunday brunch and a special play area for kids.

There are people who want to actually “chat” with family and close friends rather than shout over thumping music,believes Shilpa Gokhale,director,Sales,Vivanta By Taj Blue Diamond. The hotel catered to this segment of people last year and will take it a step further this year as well. “Last year,jazz and blues artist firoz Mistry performed live at our oriental restaurant and people loved it and the setting. We expect our regulars to make the most of the special dinners planned,” she says. Mistry will belt out soft music at the coffee shop Latitude,while musician Mac will take over the Whispering Bamboo. Mystic Masala will have a live ghazal performance for those interested in a soulful beginning to the next year. “We also have a party at our club Polaris but that’s for the younger crowd,” Gokhale adds.

The New Year’s Eve audience has changed and people are now looking for intimate,romantic evenings on December 31. Given today’s busy lives,this day is meant to be a special one with family. The second floor of the Westin,which houses its restaurants,will give this section of people what they’re looking for. At Prego,there will be tables for families and couples while a live band will croon old and new hits. The sit-down dinners will extend to the pool-side as well as to the other restaurants,Seasonal Tastes and Kangan. “Young professionals,between 25 and 35 years,seem to prefer quiet dinners with friends. It’s all about catching up on good times,” says Devesh Rawat,director,F&B.

Even Courtyard by Marriott Pune City Centre is keeping the affair simple yet elegant. With a pink-purple theme,ice bars and 12 live counters,the focus is on a delightful gastronomical experience. Le Meridien’s roof-top restaurant Chingari will have a small floor by the pool and decorated tables. Belly dancers will provide some entertainment. A ballroom party with a Bollywood dance troupe and live bands at the Italian restaurant Favola also add to the options. Sanjay Singh,F&B manager of the hotel opines,”Families want to come in with kids and enjoy the evening. The night goes beyond just pumping music and endless dancing.”