Grin and beer it

The Oktoberfest, originally a 16-day German festival is held in late September and early October in Munich with over 6 million people attending. Beer plays the main role, with 30 per cent of the year8217;s production of beer by Munich breweries, being consumed in just two weeks of the Oktoberfest! Dating back 200 years, the first 8216;Oktoberfest8217; commemorated a Royal wedding. In 1819, the town fathers of Munich decided to celebrate it every year thus giving birth to a tradition that delights beer lovers all over the world, as various cities host their own event.

Malaka Spice at Koregaon Park, Lane 6, has been hosting their version of it for the last four years. This year the festival spans from October 7 to 30, from 12 pm to 5 pm, with unlimited Carlsberg beer and a set menu of South East Asian cuisine. All for Rs 450 per head!

For those who do not believe in chugging beer, the one reason to be there is the sumptuous menu. Chef Cheeru offers a mouth-watering spread of dishes from Thailand, Philippines, Burma, Indonesia, and Korea. These exotic dishes are authentic in taste, the dominant flavours being coconut milk, lemon grass and Galangal or Thai ginger.

Attracting a loyal multi cultural crowd every year, the festival has become almost a tradition of sorts in Pune. 8220;I always make it a point to attend one day of the fest, although I wish it would stop getting more expensive every year!8221; says Melissa Fernandes. Amitabh Sharan, student, on the other hand says, 8221; For me the fest is a time to relax and bond with old friends! We sit and catch up for the whole five hours!8221;

Women can indulge in the Beer Goddess Contest, and vie to see who consumes the most number of pints in one day of the festival! All in all, a fun event to be part of. So round up your gang and kick off your day with an O8217;zapft is! It8217;s tapped as they say in Germany, or just plain Cheers!