Bring in 2013 in style

The night of December 31st is all about the good things in life….bringing in the New Year with parties, pomp and show. 

This New Year’s Eve, we at The Westin Mumbai Garden City will spoil you for choice with the array of parties across the hotel. So why party hop anywhere else? Just bounce around here to celebrate the most dazzling night of the year with grandeur and passion.

For the peace loving folks, Kangan plays host to ‘Daawat-e-Jannat’ with a 5 course set gourmet menu by Master Chef Ajay Chopra, accompanied by the lilting soulful strains of Ghazals and songs by Sarel Roshan, prepare yourself for a glimpse of Heaven.

If music and wine is your scene then move over to Prego, the Italian fine dine restaurant that will be hosting ‘Fiesta La Viva’ with a selection of 5 of their most popular and finest Italian fare, with a selection of special wines and pulsating music by DJ Rally.

As you bid adieu to 2012, get a taste of our exclusive world buffet at Seasonal Tastes where you’ll find delicious gourmet cuisines from every part of the world and to go with the occasion, you have a choice between a wide array of red and white wines.

For all you party animals with fire in your belly and a tingle up your spine, we at The Westin Mumbai present ‘Hot Freeze’ at the Ballroom.  A volcanic dance floor and an Ice bar, the best of Yin and Yang. With DJ Gary ramping it up, along with fiery belly dancers from the Mediterranean and pyro flyers coming all the way from Croatia you get to choose if it’s going to be a hot or a chilled out new year.

All of this starting at 9pm sharp, enjoy the worldly celebrations all under one roof.

After all the partying and making merry, we at The Westin Mumbai Garden City complete the entire circle with a special brunch - A New Year, A New You at Seasonal Tastes starting at 12:30 pm for you and your family on the 1st January 2013. What better way to start the New Year than a brunch with your loved ones? Celebrate with us at The Westin Mumbai Garden City and make this New Year about the right mix.

Santa has arrived at The Westin Mumbai Garden City

It’s time to put up the holly; bring out the Christmas decorations and get set to celebrate the festive season with family and friends! Christmas is here; let the celebrations begin and what better way to spend some time with your loved ones than over a deliciously mouthwatering meal! The Westin Mumbai Garden City brings you a series of festivities to help you make your celebrations more special!

Across the three restaurants - Prego, Seasonal Tastes and Kangan, we at The Westin Mumbai have scheduled an elaborate array of lunch and dinner buffets which have been planned with the idea of recreating a beautiful traditional Christmas feast.

Events that have been planned are:

Santa Comes Ringing this 24th of December, 2012, from 7 pm to 12 am.  An elaborate dinner buffet, available at all 3 restaurants, with Prego offering a special 4 course Italian meal, Seasonal Tastes showcasing world cuisines with roasts and Kangan, celebrating Christmas the Indian way, with Sandalwood chicken breast, hummus and delicious aloo katils.

Santa Serenades You on 25th December, 2012, from 12 pm- 4pm. Christmas lunch at Seasonal Tastes and Prego. Exquisite cuisines designed and created to meet your festive spirits. With turkey galore, minced pies, egg nogs and an endless list of the best wines!

And no, it doesn’t end here. Santa never sends his loved ones back without souvenirs. We at The Westin Mumbai have created special hampers to take home memories of a Christmas Day well spent!

Be a part of this extravagant celebration only with us.

A gem stone of our Westin family

We The Westin Mumbai Garden City are proud to share that our Materials Manager Mr. Joseph Pereira has received the award of Purchase Manager of the Year from Hotelier India.


Joseph Pereira, Materials Manager



Joseph is a part of the pre-opening team and joined The Westin Mumbai Garden City as Food and Beverage Controller on 10th February 2009. Due to his dedication and commitment, he was promoted to Materials Manager in April 2012. The new position granted Joseph the additional responsibility of overlooking the food and beverages controls department. To enable smooth operations, Joseph ensures that each purchase request is executed at priority without any delays and at the best price. Due to Joseph’s proactive attitude and tracking at regular intervals, he was able to intervene and prevent repeat order’s being processed.

Joseph has ensured that each team member is trained and cross-trained within the department after 6-8 months to ensure that there is knowledge enhancement and a back up is created for each process. There is also a well defined growth plan that is discussed and laid down for each associate within his team that is in line with Starwood programs. There has been zero attrition in his department since the last two years, which once again highlights Joseph’s multi-faceted leadership skills and the ability to obtain loyalty from his team.

A true asset within the team and we are proud to have such gem stones amongst us.


Hotelier India Winners and the Starwood team with
Area General Manager - Mr. Anuraag Bhatnagar and Materials Manager - Mr. Joseph Pereira



Ho! Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa checks in at The Westin Mumbai Garden City

The most awaited Christmas buffet brunch ‘Santa Checks – In’ was loved by every kid and parent. The Westin Mumbai Garden City was looking very beautiful and festive with the beautiful Christmas decorations.  

 

Little Nightingales singing christmas carols



The kids did not want their Christmas party to end as they were busy playing with Santa Claus and Flubber the clown. The moonwalker was never left empty, with so many excited children jumping and playing in it. The kids had balloons made for them in fancy shapes and got cute tattoos painted. The children had a huge range of games to choose from and the kids were never left bored. The live Christmas band had tough competition from the little nightingales. They sang  many melodious Christmas carols and all the favorite children’s songs.



The delicious burger and hot dog counter



The parents were not left out from all the fun filled activities. They played, danced and sang with their little tots. They were extremely happy to see their children playing and eating merrily. They had a huge variety of food to choose from. The extensive menu included a sumptuous array of delicacies for every palate. The yummy food laid included mice pies, broccoli and cheddar quiche, waffles, pancakes with crispy bacon, maple syrup, barbequed burgers with French fries, hot dogs, nachos and chips, panettone with crème vanilla, grilled chicken sausages with cheesy potato mash, marshmallows with dipping fondue and an unending list of        irresistible desserts.

Our selection of delicious desserts

The parents playing fun filled activities with their children

 

The Kids couldn’t decide which ice cream and candies they wanted as there was a huge live counter to choose from. With all the exciting food, the beverages weren’t left far behind. An exquisite line up of beverages including Indian red and white wine and sparkling wine for the elders to thicky thick shakes, soda lemonade and assorted soft beverages and fruit juices for the kids.

When it was time to leave the party at 4 pm, the kids weren’t ready to leave but The Westin Mumbai Garden City promised the kids that next year Christmas will also be as fun filled and full of surprises.

 

Bring Awadhi cuisine to your home

Let us journey back in time of the historic region of Awadh, a region known for outstanding architecture, soulful and delicious food. Awadhi cuisine originates from the city of Lucknow.  At The Westin Mumbai Garden City, rediscover the royal flavors and culinary heritage of Awadhi food. In keeping with ideas deep rooted, age old culture, Kangan offers delectable and aromatic platters to entice and encourage family dining in true Nawabi style. Why not try these sumptuous recipes recommended by our very own Ajay Chaudhary – Chef de Cuisine, Kangan in your own home.

KHOYA KHUBANI KI SEEKH

 Ingredients

 Paneer                                           30grams
 Khoya                                           100grams

 Apricot - chop                               20grams
 Ginger - chop                                 15grams
 Potato - boiled                               50grams
 Green chili - chop                           10grams
 Cardamom Powder                         5grams
 Mace Powder                                 5grams

 Jeera Powder                                  15grams

 Garam Masala Powder                    10 grams

 Salt to taste 

 Ghee                                                10grams

 Rosted chana dal - Powder              20grams

 Kewra water 3 drops  

 Coriander and lemon for garnish  

   

   

Method of preparation

• Grate paneer, khoya and potato mix together with all the above ingredients except coriander leaves and lemon

• Make a smooth mixture by rubbing it gently.

• Cook in a charcoal tandoor at moderate heat to get little golden color.

• Serve with chutney.

GALOUTI KEBAB

Ingredients

Lamb baby leg                                500grams

Ginger garlic paste                            50grams

Raw papaya paste                            50grams

Red chilli powder                             10grams

Brown onion paste                           50grams

Desi ghee                                        200ml

Cashew nuts paste                            50grams

Saffron                                              2grams

Black cardamom powder                 10grams

Rose petal powder                           10grams

Mace powder                                    5grams

Green cardamom powder                 10grams

Roasted chana flour                          50grams

Sweet attar                                           3m

Salt                                                   15grams

Method of preparation

1. Take lamb (5 times) from mincer, make sure meat is very smooth.

2. Add raw papaya paste, salt, red chilli powder, ginger garlic paste and keep it aside for 30 minutes.

3. Then add remaining powdered masala and cashew nuts, brown onion paste along with saffron and desi ghee.

4. Take a deep pan and place the mixture make a well and keep live coal in a bowl and put desi ghee and cover quickly and keep it aside for 30mintues tecnique called ‘dhungar’.

5. Add attar to the paste and again keep it aside for 10mins.

6. Divide the mixture into equal portions. Apply melted ghee on the palm and flatten the mince balls into round patties.

7. Heat ghee on tawa and shallow fry round patties over low heat until both sides are evenly brown.

Alternatively, why not experience this live at our Phir Pehle Aap food festival at Kangan until 22 December 2012?

Santa Checks In

Christmas time is finally here and Christmas comes with special treats. It’s a season of happiness, togetherness and delicious meals. The Westin Mumbai Garden City is hosting a Christmas themed buffet brunch ‘Santa Checks in’ with a fabulous traditional menu with special munchies for kids. Decorations will adorn the hotel and the aromatic scent of mulled wine will permeate through the lobby creating a festive and warm atmosphere.  A live band will be performing from 12:30 – 3:30 pm filling the Ballroom with melodious Christmas tunes.

Children are going to love to see each other, spend the afternoon playing games, sharing their new gifts and toys that Santa clause will carry for each of them. A Christmas buffet brunch designed especially for children will be spread out. Children between the ages of 3-12 years can pour in for the special treats for free.

For the kids we have planned something special with thicky-thick shakes - very vanilla, mouth watering wild berries, yummy crunchy chocolate and choco-chip shake, Soda Lemonade and assorted soft beverages and fruit juices. There is a also a delicious menu for the little champs like chicken nuggets with sun-dried tomato mayonnaise, grilled chicken sausages with cheesy potato mash, barbequed chicken burgers with french fries and marshmallows with dipping fondue. As a unique feature to the entire celebration, we are also delighted to present a live ice-cream bar and candy from around the world.

So don’t be naughty and don’t be late as Santa is checking into The Westin Mumbai Garden City this Saturday.

 

Bringing in the festive cheer

As we step closer to the festive season, we at The Westin Mumbai Garden City welcome this joyous time with a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. There are many age old traditions associated with the festive season and we took the opportunity to celebrate with our close colleagues and long stay guests.

Beautifully decorated Christmas tree at Haven

The Haven was filled with delectable hand crafted Christmas chocolates, the lobby filled with the melodious sound of the Cabriano band, the place a buzz with people in festive spirit and last but not the least a beautifully decorated Christmas tree.

Attractive Santa Chocolates

Santa greeting guests

Melodious Cabriano Band

  

Christmas is no Christmas without Santa! Santa and his angels came ringing in merriment to bring festive cheer to the evening. Santa will surely make another appearance at The Westin Mumbai Garden City very soon….watch this space.

Mr.Anuraag Bhatnagar greeting Santa

Chocolate Truly Loves You

With the holiday season just around the corner, one is bound to party and celebrate! And the coming of Christmas just makes it more special. We all love treats and what better than a chocolate treat, and one, that is not for your palate but for your body.

Keeping aligned with the chocolate theme, we unveil a completely chocolicious spa therapy ‘Dark or White’ at Heavenly Spa. Not known to many, dark chocolate has caffeine which has antioxidants that helps to neutralize free radicals and prevent signs of aging. Caffeine also helps to increase blood circulation. White chocolate scrub is free from caffeine, making it an excellent choice for people who avoid intake of caffeine. White chocolate contains vitamins B1, B2 and E which nourishes and hydrates your skin.

Some of the key benefits of chocolate in skin treatments include:

• Nourishes and softens dry skin
• Acts as a deep moisturizer
• Antioxidants may help reduce free radical damage
• Can smooth out wrinkles
• Makes skin appear more supple and smooth
• Can calm and heal irritated skin
• Promotes healthy detoxification of skin cells
• Can promote the skin cell renewal process
• Rejuvenates the skin from inside out
• Can increase circulation to the skin when combined with caffeine

The theme around which this experience revolves is synchronizing the best of massage strokes from around the world and making it a complete head-to-toe experience. The guests can choose between dark or white chocolate scrub, which exfoliates and hydrates skin. This is followed by harmony body massages after which their body and mind will experience complete contentment, balance and harmony.

This experience is bound to take you into the fantasy world of sinful chocolate indulgence...

Jashn-E-Awadh

Awadhi Cuisine originates from the city of Lucknow which is the capital of the state of Uttar Pradesh, the cooking patterns of the city are similar to those of Central Asia, the Middle East, and Northern India too. The cuisine consists of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Awadh has been predominately influenced by Mughal cooking techniques and the cuisine of Lucknow bears similarities to those of Kashmir, Punjab and Hyderabad; the city is famous for its Nawabi foods.

Awadh gave birth to the dum style of cooking or the art of cooking over a slow fire, which has become synonymous with Lucknow today. Their spread would consist of elaborate dishes like kebabs, biryani, kaliya, roomali rotis and warqi parathas. The richness of Awadhi cuisine lies not only in the variety of cuisine but also in the ingredients used like mutton, paneer and rich spices including cardamom and saffron.

Let us journey back in time to the historic region of Awadh, a region known for astounding architecture, soulful and delicious food. Allow us to transport you to savour authentic flavours of the glorious city, showcasing the region’s most authentic, unique dishes from melt in your mouth kebabs to delicious lucknow ki khaas degh-e-Biryani. Beverages we offer to accompany this gastronomic include Aam Ka Panna and Shikanji.

Savour the authentic delicacies from the land of Awadh as The Westin Mumbai Garden City, rediscover the royal flavours and culinary heritage of Awadhi food. Kangan brings to you from the land of Nizams authentic Mughlai preparations of Nawabi kebabs, curries and biryanis.

Experience our Phir Pehle Aap Food Festival at Kangan from 30th November – 22nd December 2012. Relish the chef crafted set dinner menu or choose from a luscious a la carte menu. Phir Pehle Aap promises to authentically recreate the cuisine’s true flavours using beautiful blends of spices and slow fire cooking.
Come enjoy your dinner Nawabi style with live soulful music and delectable Awadhi food.

Yummylicious – Chocolicious!

Our Chocolicious promotion launched with a bang. With the rising popularity of the festival, what started off with 260kgs of chocolate has now reached 500kgs of chocolate, this 14 day long indulgence is creating a rave in Mumbai city. The characters are made with couveture and molding chocolate. The beautiful and innovative designs are hand crafted by Chef Shubham Paliwal and the Pastry team.

Key features:
• 48 varieties of pralines
• Organic chocolates
• Chocolate with no added sugar
• Flavored chocolate
• Liquor chocolates
• Artisan Origin chocolates
• Chocolate cakes
• Chocolate macaroons
• Different varieties of chocolate pastries
• Chocolate pops
• Chocolate cup cakes
• Chocolate hampers (Anything and everything in the hamper is chocolate)
• Chocolate Creatures for sale

Fancy Chocolates? Here is where all your choco dreams come true. In forms, figures, flavors and assortments. Animals, cartoons, artisan craft with a range of liquor chocolates… freshly baked choco cakes, pastries, drinks and shakes.

It’s our chocolate world...Take a Plunge!

 Tom & Jerry - SOLD                 The Jimmy                      The Ice Fleo - SOLD                   The Squirrelo             

                              The Elephanto - SOLD           The Tinker Bell                                   The Eve

Venga Weekends by The Westin Pune Koregaon Park

What are you plans this weekend? Why not take a weekend away in Pune?

Spend any 2 days between Friday to Sunday at The Westin Pune Koregaon Park and treat your family to The wholesome Westin experience. Allow the team to pamper you with their lavish buffet meals, indulge yourself with a relaxing treatment at the Heavenly Spa.

Create your exquisite moment under the skies at the alfresco dining of Mix@36 or walk in as our guests to Pune’s most fashionable nightlife destination KueBAR.

See your kids smile as they enjoy the kids activities lined up for them including story-telling, movies, art n crafts and lots more. 

All this and more at a specially designed rate of INR 16,999.

So go ahead and make this weekend an experience to cherish for a lifetime.

More Details
·         All Inclusive Rate: INR 16,999
·         Validity: Friday – Sunday
·         Valid for two adults and 2 children age up to 6 yrs for two nights.
·         Min Length of Stay: 2 nights
·         All applicable taxes.
·         Entry for a couple to KUE Bar.
·         2 complimentary cocktails per package at Mix@36. Coupons will be provided at the time of check in.
·         2 Breakfasts per couple, 2 Dinner per couple and Sunday brunch for a couple in Seasonal Taste. Complimentary for 2 kids up to the age of 6 years.
·         Discounts upto 30% at all dining venues of the Hotel
·         Extra Bed at no cost- subject to availability.
·         Discounts upto 30% discount on select Spa treatments.
·         Complimentary access to the kids activity zone, swimming pool, squash courts and Westin Workout.
·         Complimentary Yoga Classes over weekends – prior listing requested.
·         Late checkout till 4pm

Giving Thanks

Traditionally, Thanksgiving was a time when the Pilgrims came to America and celebrated by having a feast with Native Americans in the area that helped them get food from the first harvest. In today’s day and age Thanksgiving has transformed into a time to get together with family or friends. A popular food savoured during this time is Turkey.

It is a festival celebrated primarily in the United States and Canada. Prayers of thanks and special thanksgiving ceremonies are common amongst all religions after harvests.

We at The Westin Mumbai Garden City bring this age old tradition to you in true spirit. There are many ways to count your blessings. But none better than a golden hued turkey, garnished with berries, potatoes and greens…crisp on the outside, succulent within. A 4 course set menu at Prego and a royal buffet spread at Seasonal Tastes awaits you. Both options as divine!

Come join us for this joyous occasion of Thanksgiving.

The Ultimate Sin

A gift for the gods. A symbol of wealth and luxury. Bonbons, Hot fudge, Candy bars, for thousands of years, humans have been fascinated with the delicious phenomenon that we call ‘chocolate’.

We at The Westin Mumbai Garden City bring to you the ultimate chocolate jungle with ‘Chocolicious’. Plunge into a sweet experience, engage all your senses and set off to a chocolate treat you’ve never thought of before.

Chef Shubham Paliwal, Pastry Chef has endeavored to push the creative boundaries and showcase all that can be done with chocolates and is ready to unveil the most delicious, mouth-watering chocolate fantasies in the form of chocolate art!

Some of the signature dishes to look out for are, Strawberry and balsamic truffle, Goat cheese, Cognac and ginger truffles, all made of sinfully delicious dark chocolate. If eating chocolate is not enough, then drink some too from an array of beverages including Marshmallow and almond hot chocolate, Hazelnut mousse on the rocks, Bitter hot chocolate with caramel crunch.

Devour in the ultimate sin with ‘Chocolicious’ at Prego.

“Life is like a box of chocolates … you never know what you’re gonna get.” – Forrest Gump.

Lending a helping hand

Task Force Experience at The Westin Chennai Velachery by Vikram Gakkan

The moment I landed at the sunny yet warm and welcoming city of Chennai, I knew in my heart that I would love this place! A huge part of my wonderful experience comes from my stint at the Westin Chennai Velachery. After being a part of the preopening teams of the Westin Mumbai and Pune, I was so looking forward to being in Chennai and being a part of their team, to contribute whatever I know and have learned, to the brand that I feel so passionate about. They have a fantastic team and their enthusiasm, eagerness to learn and positivity were absolutely admirable.

Helping Chef Pravin Bagali in making Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Culinary and Stewarding, training the Culinary and F&B teams on the Starwood Hygiene Manual and Superfoods, introducing Starwood Systems to the stewarding team… all this made me nostalgic reflecting back to the preopening days of Westin Mumbai.

It was a complete high to execute 5 theme lunches with the culinary team including Asian, Chettinad, Punjabi, Mediterranean and Mumbai Street Food in kitchens which are still in the process of being set-up. The challenge of cooking in these kitchens for the first time and the satisfaction of successfully executing the lunches was absolutely exhilarating to say the least! Meeting Ms Ruth Elwin again after such a long time was an absolute pleasure and the icing on the cake was the cricket match on my last day with the team…a complete unwind for the body and soul!

All in all, a very talented team led by an inspirational General Manager, Mr.Shrikant Waghakar, I Ieft Westin Chennai Velachery with some beautiful memories; the gift of friendship with wonderful chefs and equally kind hearted people, Chef Pravin and Chef Priya and the love of the entire team!

Complete credit to my mentor Chef Ajay Chopra for giving me this enriching opportunity. I lived Westin in every breath-the personal touch of the entire team who welcomed me with open hearts, the instinctive trainings, brainstorming sessions, idea sharing, dinners, bonding over movies, all helped me renew my spirit!

Wishing The Westin Chennai Velachery all the very best for their opening.

Illuminate at our Sparklicious Brunch

The most significant date in the Hindu Calendar is Diwali or Deepavali, popularly known as the festival of lights. Diwali is celebrated in families by performing traditional activities together and the season proves to be the most important festival of the year. The festivities include the lighting of lamps signifying the triumph of good over evil, firecrackers are burst to drive the evil spirits away, new clothes are purchased to bring in the new season and sweets are shared amongst friends and family members.

The festival of light radiates positivity and signifies the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. Although the interpretations of Diwali vary across the diverse multi-cultural country of India, the essence of the festival remains the same.

This Diwali an elaborate array of delicacies await to tantalize your taste buds and tickle your senses. Keeping in mind the festive season our creative chefs have put together a beautifully traditional Diwali menu which is completely vegetarian. Delicious coastal curries to assorted vegetarian kebab rolls, lip-smacking ghevar and gujiya with rich creamy rabari will soothe your soul and elevate your mind. Also available on the spread are a wide range of wines, classic cocktails and icy coolers to refresh and rejuvenate you. Those who love their meat do not lose heart; non vegetarian delicacies will be available on request.

Colourful rangolis, traditional arti-tikas and sparkly diyas will surround you and truly take you on a festive journey. What’s more there are even attractive surprises in store for the little ones.

Let this Diwali be emblematic of the illumination of that spark in you!

Bring out the glow in you this Diwali

Diwali is the festival of lights, the most significant spiritual meaning is the awareness of inner light and to attract divine frequencies flowing in the atmosphere. We at The Westin Mumbai Garden City have created a rejuvenating massage for this festive season. Antarjyoti Abhyangam is a harmonious rhythmic four hand massage which balances your dosha, followed by an ayurvedic body scrub which enlightens you and absorbs divine energies. You experience inner peace, clarity of mind, lightness and divine state of relaxation. Four hand synchronized massage strokes are aimed at relaxing each and every part of your body.

The benefits of this massage include reducing stubborn fat deposits, eliminating toxins and eliminating stress by acting upon the lymphatic system and implementing proper drainage. Antarjyoti Abhyangam helps to purify the blood, tissues of toxins, maintain strength and balance. The massage consists of a 75 minutes Abhyangam massage, followed by a 15 minute Snana Scrub.

Antarjyoti Abhyangam is ritual practiced science that awaits you in the oasis of calm amid the bustling city offered during this festive season.  Come experience true wellness this Diwali at our Heavenly Spa.

Thrills at Halloween

By tradition, the origin of Halloween marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, the time for stock taking and preparing for the cold winter ahead, cattle were brought back from the summer pastures, livestock were slaughtered, bonfires were lit and there were rituals involving souls of the dead and other beings such as fairies coming into the world.

In modern days, costumes are worn as a means of disguising oneself from these harmful spirits and fairies. Making jack-o'-lanterns is another way to represent the spirits and fairies as well as to protect one's home from them. Halloween activities include trick-or-treating, attending costume parties, carving pumpkins into jack-o’-lanterns, lighting bonfires, playing pranks, reciting scary stories and watching horror films.

Come join the spirit of Halloween with us as we line up a fun filled special Halloween Sunday Brunch for you with Pumpkin Cheese Cake, Graveyard Cup Cakes and Cheese Ball Goblins. A few tricks to make you smile and tons of treats to make your Sunday thundering.

The Westin Mumbai Welcomes…

Anuraag Bhatnagar

Area General Manager For Westin Hotels Mumbai & Pune

Mr. Anuraag Bhatnagar joins The Westin Mumbai Garden City as General Manager and Area General Manager for Westin Hotels, Mumbai and Pune. His new responsibility includes the operation of The Westin Mumbai in addition to overseeing The Westin Pune.  Mr. Bhatnagar has over 20 years of experience in the hotel industry and is with Starwood for the last 12 years. Prior to joining Starwood, he was with The Oberoi Hotel. He has been the General Manager for Le Meridien Jaipur, Le Royal Meridien Pune and The Westin Pune. In his last assignment as General Manager of The Westin Pune, he has been awarded General Manager of the Year for Luxury Hotels by Hotelier India in 2011. Under his supervision, The Westin Pune has been awarded Hotel of The Year, Asia Pacific for 2011.

Priyanka Jena

Manager Marketing & Communication

Priyanka Jena joined The Westin Mumbai Garden City as Manager Marketing & Communication. She completed her Masters in Luxury Brand Management from Istituto Marangoni, London and Bachelors in Mass Media from Bhavans College, Mumbai. Priyanka has over 5 years of experience in Marketing and Public Relations. Her last assignment was as Corporate Communication Manager, Scomi Group. Her previous appointments include Public Relation Manager at Lowe Lintas and Brand Communications Specialist at GAS Jeans.

Secret behind delicious pizza

We all love pizza’s whether it is thin crust or thick crust. Pizza is a dish where we can experiment various types of combination. Our Executive Sous Chef Rahul Dhavale gave a sneak peek into making delicious pizza. Try this at home and let us know your views.

How to knead the dough

Ingredients: (for 20 pizzas)

Refined Flour             18oo gm

Olive oil                      250 ml

Sugar                          5 gm

Dry Yeast                    10 gm

Salt                              30 gm

Water                          900 ml

Method of preparation:

1. In a small bowl take some water and dissolve the dry yeast and sugar together and keep it aside till froth is formed on the surface.
2. Now take refined flour in a mixing bowl, add salt and olive oil to it along with the yeast mixture.
3. Slowly add water and start kneading the dough either in a dough kneader or if it’s a small batch you can knead using your palm of hand.
4. If using a dough kneader keep on slow speed initially and gradually increase the speed so that all the ingredients are mixed thoroughly to form dough.
5. Dough is ready when it no longer sticks to the mixing bowl.
6. Keep the dough for resting for 30 minutes before use.

How to make the sauce

Ingredients:  (for 1 liter)

Fresh Tomatoes         2kg

Chopped garlic           100 gm

Chopped onion           80 gm

Chopped leeks            80 gm

Chopped celery          80 gm

Fresh basil                 30 gm

Fresh Oregano           30 gm

Olive oil                     100 ml

Salt                           10 gm

Crushed peppers       10 gm

Method of preparation:

1. Take a pan and heat olive oil over a medium heat.
2. Now sauté garlic, onion, leeks and celery.
3. Cut the tomatoes into quarters and add to the pan.
4. Allow the tomatoes to cook and stir it frequently to avoid it sticking at the bottom.
5. Season the tomato sauce as per your taste and let it cook till all the water evaporates.
6. Add sugar to cut the acidity in the sauce.
7. Cook the sauce till it becomes thick.
8. Add basil and oregano and blend to form a smooth paste.

Toppings for Pizza:

Vegetarian:

Onion, sliced olives, sliced bell peppers, Mushrooms, baby corn, broccoli

Non vegetarian:

Chicken cubes, prawns, pepperoni, salami, sausages, ham

Tip for Pizza toppings:

It is always advisable to cut the toppings in small size and cook the toppings before putting it over a pizza. This will avoid the pizza getting moist due to water content in the toppings.

How to make a pizza if you do not have an oven at home

If you don’t have an oven at home use a flat non stick pan instead. 

First half cook the pizza base on both the sides.

Then apply the sauce, cheese and the desired toppings on top of the pizza.

Place the pizza on non stick pan and cover it with a lid.

Keep it on medium heat and let the pizza cook slowly.

Remove it once the cheese melts. Cut it and enjoy.

How to make a pizza if you do not have an oven at home

If you don’t have an oven at home use a flat non stick pan instead. 

• First half cook the pizza base on both the sides.
• Then apply the sauce, cheese and the desired toppings on top of the pizza.
• Place the pizza on non stick pan and cover it with a lid.
• Keep it on medium heat and let the pizza cook slowly.
• Remove it once the cheese melts. Cut it and enjoy.

A few tips for making pizzas at home

To make pizza at home you can either use a microwave oven or you can even cook it on a flat non stick pan.

Keep it simple and do not over load the pizza with lot of toppings as it will make pizza soggy and you won’t enjoy all the flavors.

PIZZA RECIPES

Pizza Margherita

Ingredients: (for 1 pizza)

Pizza dough                            100 gm

Pizza sauce                            80 ml

Shredded mozzarella cheese    80 gm

Fresh basil leaves                  2 leaves

Method of preparation:

1. Prepare the pizza dough as per the recipe mentioned above.
2. Take around 100 gm of dough and roll it on a working table using a rolling pin.
3. In the mean while Pre- heat the oven to 300 deg Celsius.
4. Dust the pizza base well at the bottom so that it doesn’t get stick on the table.
5. Using a ladle pour the pizza sauce on the base evenly leaving an inch from all the side.
6. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese on the sauce and place it gently in the pizza oven.
7. While it gets cooked turn it around so that the pizza is cooked evenly from all sides.
8. Let it cook for 4-5 minutes or till the cheese starts to melt.
9. Remove from the oven and put fresh basil over the pizza.
10. Cut it into 8 pieces and serve hot.

Tips:

If you don’t have a pizza oven you can cook it in a domestic gas oven using a baking tray.

Pizza Primavera

Ingredients: (for 1 pizza)

Pizza dough                            100 gm

Pizza sauce                            80 ml

Shredded mozzarella cheese    80 gm

Sliced onions                          30 gm

Sliced bell peppers                 30 gm

Sliced mushrooms                  30 gm

Black olives                           30 gm

Method of preparation:

1. Prepare the pizza dough as per the recipe mentioned above.
2. Take around 100 gm of dough and roll it on a working table using a rolling pin.
3. In the mean while Pre- heat the oven to 300 deg Celsius.
4. Dust the pizza base well at the bottom so that it doesn’t get stick on the table.
5. Using a ladle pour the pizza sauce on the base evenly leaving an inch from all the side.
6. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese on the sauce similar to Pizza Margherita
7. Now sprinkle sliced onion, bell peppers, sliced olives and mushrooms on top of the pizza and place it gently in the pizza oven.
8. While it gets cooked turn it around so that the pizza is cooked evenly from all sides.
9. Let it cook for 4-5 minutes or till the cheese starts to melt.
10. Remove from the oven.
11. Cut it into 8 pieces and serve hot.

Pizza Diavola

Ingredients: (for 1 pizza)

Pizza dough                            100 gm

Pizza sauce                             80 ml

Shredded mozzarella cheese    80 gm

Sliced Pepperoni                    80 gm

Sliced red bell peppers          30 gm

Red chili flakes                      10 gm

Method of preparation:

1. Prepare the pizza dough as per the recipe mentioned above.
2. Take around 100 gm of dough and roll it on a working table using a rolling pin.
3. In the mean while Pre-heat the oven to 300 deg Celsius.
4. Dust the pizza base well at the bottom so that it doesn’t get stick on the table.
5. Using a ladle pour the pizza sauce on the base evenly leaving an inch from all the side.
6. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese on the sauce similar to Pizza Margherita
7. Arrange the sliced pepperoni all over the pizza along with sliced red bell peppers and place it gently in the pizza oven.
8. While it gets cooked turn it around so that the pizza is cooked evenly from all sides.
9. Let it cook for 4-5 minutes or till the cheese starts to melt.
10. Remove from the oven and sprinkle chili flakes on the pizza.
11. Cut it into 8 pieces and serve hot.