What a Night it was!
At the risk of sounding like we are patting ourselves on the back, we’ve got to report that Bangalore’s first ever Gourmet Stroll was a smashing success. Every element – from great settings, to the wine selection, the chef’s specials and scintillating company – came together to make a perfect evening for the city’s adventurous gourmets.
Our idea was to create an exciting, new food experience. We drew inspiration from the gourmet safaris of other culinary capitals, but given Bangalore’s maddening traffic, settled to amble through different dining venues, rather than drive around.
On a typical Bangalore evening, breezy and cool, we gathered for welcome drinks at Liquid, the fabulous al fresco lounge at Ista. The Jacob’s Creek sparkling was popped and drunk happily. We nibbled on mushroom-stuffed dolmas, tomato and bocconcini skewers and offerings from a cheese platter. It was then off to Pink Poppadom, the modern Indian restaurant at Ista. Our starter course was a beautiful rare-seared ahi tuna on avocado raita. Superlative! was the verdict all round. Alongside, we drank the fruity Jacob’s Creek Rose.
And then, gently, we strolled across to Graze at Vivanta by Taj. The table settings were fetching and who can resist the bread basket at this fine showcase for European setting! We drank the Jacob’s Creek Reserve Shiraz and dined on spring chicken in a subtle wine sauce. The vegetarians in the group tucked into creamy mushroom risotto.
Dessert – an exquisitely crafted chocolate platter— awaited at Le Jardin at the Oberoi next door. While we waited for the whole group to gather, there was sparkling conversation – about food and restaurants, naturally, some harmless bashing of the most annoying TV cooks, the pleasures of dark chocolate, about the business of pairing food and wine and more. Not for nothing are these serious and passionate foodies. And everyone said what a wonderful thing it was to meet so many interesting people over fine food and wine.
As the mellow evening drew to a close, the Gourmet Strollers said they were already looking forward to the next edition. Know what, we can hardly wait either!
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