Meal ticket

Setting records
The alumni of the Maharashtra State Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology (MSIHMCT) have attempted to create the world’s tallest Croquembouche,a dessert in the shape of a pyramid,by making it to a height of a minimum 15 feet height and five feet width. About 23 top renowned executive chefs have been working on the Croquembouche for the last couple of days. Some of the chefs involved in this record-setting venture are executive chefs Vijay Deokar,Nilesh Limaye,Prashant Admane,Pritam Borawake and Prasad Chirnumula. V V R Murthy,a Limca Book of Records official was present on the occasion to measure the croquembouche. Sanee Awsarmmel,chairman of the alumni association of MSIHMCT said,“This is the first time in the history of India that such a record has been attempted in the honour of a retiring professor. Students have decided to dedicate this record as one of Pusegaonkar Sir’s farewell gifts and we are really honoured to be part of this carnival.” The Croquembouche is made of sugar which is cooked till crack stage and a tower of profiteroles (Chouxpasrty puffs filled with vanilla or another flavoured cream) is then coated with a thin crust of crispy caramel. The glue which holds the puffs together in the stunning pyramid shape is melted toffee or chocolate Ganache. The delicious pyramid usually rests on a base made of edible Nougatine. Once the Croquembouche is ready,it will be displayed to the public,after which it will be distributed amongst children of the Ramvadi Slum.

Looking east
The Taj Blue Diamond is playing host to the unique tastes of Bengal with a Bengali food festival from March 6 to 15. Renowned Chef Bhattacharya has been roped in from the Taj Bengal to make the experience as authentic as possible. Regardless of the fact that Bengali cuisine quintessentially begins with fish,this gastronomical journey will have a variety of items on the buffet. Known for its unique cuisine,Bengali food is spicy yet simple. Lending authenticity to the cuisine,Chef Bhattachraya will bring to the palate Chingri Macher Malai Curry (Prawn cooked in coconut milk,green chilli and Indian spices served with steamed rice),Kosha Mangso (Baby lamb cooked and finished with in-house spices),Sorsa Ilish (Ilish fish in mustard and chilli-flavoured gravy),Shuckto (Mixed veg and bitter gourd cooked in mild spices with Rahdooni) and Aloo posto (Potato cooked with poppy seed,green chilli and turmeric). The food festival will be on at the Coffee Shop from 7 pm-11.30 pm.

Fine dining,in the hills
If driving down for a quiet meal on the outskirts of town is your idea of a perfect short trip,then the Fortune Select Dasve at Lavasa can be a good choice. The recently-opened four stal hotel is part of ITC’s Hotels Division and located in the heart of Dasve’s rolling green hillside. With an all-day dining restaurant,which guarantees delicious culinary treats 24X7 and a specialty restaurant for a truly unique dining experience,there’s also a kids’ play area and a pool bar here to soak in and dine away in the midst of the rolling hills.

Music and cuisine
Stone Water Grill along with Tiger Beer brings to Pune leisurely Sunday evenings spent with friends amidst the spectacular view of the setting sun on the banks of the river. Here’s a chance to soak in the myriad hues of the sunset,in the best way possible,wrapped in the tranquility of the ever transforming sky accompanied by mystical sounds and luscious greenery. The charm of Tiger Sunday Sunsets at Stone Water Grill lies in its aura,which is all about the simple pleasures of life: the river,twilight and snacky cuisine inspired by dusk. This Sunday,catch renowned percussionist Jonqui live in action,doing his thing as he churns out mind-numbing sounds and jams with our in-house spin doctor from Smoke House Grill,DJ Cheenu.