A perfect gift awaits for your Mom this Mothers Day at The Westin Mumbai Garden City!

Let’s celebrate the ‘unrivaled love’- this ‘Mother’s Day’ as you make an attempt to give your mum a little compared to an ocean of time and love she has given to you! She deserves your gratitude any day of the year but she should be given an extra-special thank-you and this coming Sunday 10th May at The Westin Mumbai Garden City it’s at perfect time for an uplifting mother and kid’s day out!

Rejoice the greatness of our mother’s incomparable love by making her day extremely special. This Mother’s Day express your love by treating her to a delicious and fun filled brunch. She makes mouth watering meals for you every day, now take this opportunity to slip into her shoes and cook up a fabulous meal with our expert Chefs. Seize the time as you capture your beautiful moments together for eternity on our ‘Wall of Fame’ and surprise her with cute souvenirs.

Savour the scrumptious International cuisines while you get amazed by the breath taking views from Level 18. All our dear Moms enjoy a 50% discount for the Mothers Day Brunch which is crafted with love at Seasonal Tastes.



Celebrate her with an exceptional brunch that is designed just for her! Make your Mom's Day extra special by enjoying a delightful Mother’s Day Brunch with her loved ones at The Westin Mumbai Garden City.

Share some laughs and love this Mother's Day at The Westin Mumbai Garden City

A smile on her face is the greatest motivation. Her hand on your shoulder is the big support. Her hug is treasured moment. Her kiss is a lovely feeling. Even a reprimand from her is not taken to heart. Mother is a package of happiness, joy, affection, tolerance, and endless love! And Mother’s Day is the day when you can make up a bit for all that she has done!

Mother's Day is a celebration honoring mothers and motherhood, maternal bonds and the influence of mothers in society. It’s a day when you can make an attempt to give your mum a little compared to an ocean of time and love she has given to you! She deserves your gratitude any day of the year but she should be given an extra-special thank-you and now is this right time and we have the right place and the right event for this occasion, this coming Sunday it’s time for mother and child day out!

She made special and delicious meals for you, now take this opportunity to treat her thank her with Brunch this Mother’s Day. Come join us on Sunday 12th May 2013 at Seasonal Tastes and spend quality time over a leisurely and lavish brunch with your mum.

This Mother’s Day give your mum a little something to show that you are thinking about her and treat her to a special themed scrumptious brunch! Make Mother’s Day more special and fun filled… a brunch and time well spent with the wonderful and loving soul - your mother!

Tickle your appetite at Taste of Mumbai with Prego!

The internationally acclaimed series of food and drink festivals, Taste Festivals, comes to India with the launch of Taste of Mumbai. The city-based food and drink festival promises to be an eclectic selection of food, drinks and restaurants to delight food lovers at Marine Drive from 22nd to 24th March 2013.

Taste of Mumbai will not only present world famous Chefs and top restaurants but also have innovative and interactive cooking and eating sessions. The festival will feature some of the renowned international culinary experts such as Alain Fabrègues, famous for producing the finest of French Cuisine with a strong Australian influence; Margot Janse, incredibly talented Executive Chef from South Africa; Ian Kittichai, culinary specialist who has some of the most recognizable international hotels, restaurants and food companies, Jehangir Mehta, Vivek Singh and many acclaimed Indian Chefs such as Ritu Dalmia, Vicky Ratnani, our very own Executive Chef, Ajay Chopra amongst many others.

Taste Festival is a high-quality food and drink consumer event where the host city's most prestigious restaurants and celebrated chefs serve sample-sized signature dishes to visitors in an outdoor city centre venue. There will be 12 top Indian and International restaurants including exciting live demos by world-class International and Indian chefs. Over 50 food and drink producers of gourmet food products, fine wines, beer and lifestyle products. All arranged in this big food fest!

The festival will have an exclusive American Express VIP Lounge to let people take a break from tasting and shopping to relax in a private lounge with a complimentary dram of Glenfiddich over a discussion with top chefs. Other features include the Taste Theatre where culinary greats take to the stage and share their secrets, show off their skills and polish yours with a plethora of pan rattling demonstrations.

                                                                

Arola from JW Marriott, Caperberry from Bangalore, China House from Grand Hyatt, Ellipsis, Fire from The Park Hotel in Delhi, Impresario Handmade Restaurants, Kofuku, Koh from InterContinental, Olive Bar and Kitchen and Prego, The Westin are the restaurants participating in the festival. The two international 'guest' restaurants are Cinnamon Kitchen, London and Graffiti, New York.

                                         

Presenting a lineup of some of the most acclaimed and most exciting restaurants in India, one of which is Prego at The Westin Mumbai Garden City. At Prego we shall be serving our signature dishes in tasting size servings so you can sample them and relish the dishes accordingly. The artistic flavors of Italy come to life inside this culinary art house. Guests can enjoy a lively show kitchen while feasting on fresh pastas, homemade bread and delicious hand-tossed pizzas.  Lamb shank with Saffron Risotto, Spaghetti aglio olio with Prawns or Clams, Calamari Fritti are the various delicacies that will be prepared by Executive Chef Ajay Chopra. For dessert you can treat yourself with our Prego speciality; the Classic Tiramisu - a popular dessert layered with sweet cream and topped off with cocoa powder.

The festival will have two sessions every day, a day session (12pm-4pm) and an evening session (6pm-10pm). So get set to experience lip smacking cuisines and a foodie haven all under one roof, its time for The Taste of Mumbai food Festival!

Premium Wines, Live Music and Flavours of Italy - Only at Prego Al-Fresco!

The artistic flavors of Italy come to life inside this culinary art house. Prego Al-Fresco is our outdoor dining area which provides a relaxing setting for a perfect meal experience. Share a bottle of premium wine for a magical journey to the hues, aromas and flavors of Italy. Whether it’s a quick meeting over a pizza or a romantic encounter over cheesy, saucy pasta, Prego fits all occasions.

When the sun is shining and you want nothing more than a refreshing drink on a warm day, this is the place for you. After all the basic ingredients are simple – sun, thirst-quenching drinks and a dash of atmosphere. It’s the perfect outdoor bar to match your mood.

Creative cocktails and comfort food until late at night help our favorite outdoor bar edge out the competition. In addition, you can enjoy our live band, the Angels from 'Sapphire Moon' who performs every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Rock, retro, blues, they have an inexhaustible repertoire that has made them popular across the globe. Add to this our signature cuisine, premium wines and what you have is a truly celestial evening. Their music is divine, pulsating, as exciting and happening.

Music is the strongest form of magic. The Angels from 'Sapphire Moon' will charm you with their melodies coupled with their elegance and grace which will make you savour one more glass of wine and soak in the serene atmosphere. Come and enjoy the symphony of music at Prego Al-Fresco with 'Sapphire Moon'. Its Angel’s live!

From Howrah to Amritsar, The Westin Mumbai Garden City brings you Grand Trunk Road!

Paturee

This March, Kangan takes you on a journey through the cities of India, all the way from the swarming lanes of Dhaka to the arid lands of Kabul. Discover the desi foodie in you by gorging on delicious ancient Indian cuisine. Savour some of the most heavenly and flavorsome dishes from major cities like Kanpur, Delhi and Benaras.

The Grand Trunk Road has been a path to knowledge, realms and trade since the 3rd century BC. Broadening all the way from Chittagong in Bangladesh till Kabul in Afghanistan, it passes through seven Indian states. Join us as we recreate the most important culinary milestones that flourished with the voyage of time.

Kosha mangsho

The menu comprises of best of the best from Kangan - specialties including Frontier Peshawari Murgh, Chappli kebab, Lawrence road de Tawey ke tikkey and in vegetarian delicacies Kandahar se seekh kebab, Palak anjeer ki tikki and much more. The mains include mouth watering dishes like Murgi gota moshla, Kosha Mangsho Rogani Macchi, Nadr yakhani and Panipat ke achari Gobhi aur shalgham.

It’s a journey in culinary history, a route that till date remains the lifeline of India. Traversing through seven states, amalgamating flavors and aromas that have evolved over centuries. We welcome you to come aboard on this momentous journey along with celebrity Chef Ajay Chopra and experience the history of an ancient route on your plate.

Relive the nostalgia and get engrossed in each and every bite you have, only at Kangan, The Westin Mumbai Garden City from 7 pm onwards, 8th March to 24th March 2013. 

Chef’s Table at The Westin Mumbai Garden City

A chef's table is the most recognized table in a restaurant reserved usually for VIPs and special guests. Patrons are served a themed tasting menu prepared and served by the head chef himself.

Foodies now have a chance to experience the same through the Chef’s Table Week being organized by the team behind Citibank Restaurant Week. We will be showcasing our very own Chef Ajay Chopra’s Tasting Menus at Kangan.

The focus here is to experience tasting menus and interact with the MasterChef himself whilst savouring his signature dishes and enjoying a culinary experience hand crafted especially for them.

Our patrons will have the luxury of not having to worry about what to order as each and every dietary preference will be taken into account by our chef and his team.

The six course Chef’s tasting menu is priced at INR 2500 ++. Reservations can be made exclusively through www.chefstableweek.com and will go live a week prior to the event, currently scheduled for March 4-10, 2013.   

So what are you waiting for? Go ahead, make your reservations and come experience a magical and enthralling gastronomical journey specially made for you by MasterChef Ajay Chopra!

The one stop shop for dining - Zomato Restaurant Guide 2013

 

The Zomato Restaurant Summit 2013, a highly awaited event which was not only the launch of the official food guide but also included discussions on many interesting topics concerning restaurateurs and foodies alike took place on Friday 8th February 2013.

There are already many city guides available in the market but Zomato does it differently. Instead of listing the entire directory, it uses ‘Occasion Based’ listings which immediately draw attention. So if you are planning to go out for a Romantic Dinner, Dining with kids, Girl's night out, Beer in a bar, the Zomato guide is the place to search the best of restaurants in its category.



Rocky, Mayur and Ajay Chopra - Excecutive Chef - The Westin Mumbai Garden City

The launch party was held at The Westin Mumbai Garden City and was preceded with a daylong restaurant summit attended by leading restaurateurs, bloggers, food critics and chefs. The prominent guests who attended the meet were Rocky and Mayur (Highway on my plate fame). The book features Seasonal Tastes with our Bubbalicious Brunch under the Sunday brunch category.

Making your dining choice much easier and giving you the right place, the right time and just the right venue, the Zomato food guide is an encyclopedia to the best of best foods.



Tales from the Mediterranean!

Indulge in lip-smacking cuisines from the Mediterranean only at Seasonal Tastes with Greek, Turkish and Lebanese treats. This culinary journey starts off on 1^st February 2013 and will be on till 13^th February.

Placed between Africa, Asia and Europe, this region has been blessed with nature’s endless golden beaches, lush vegetation and fantastically flavorsome food. Through this food festival, Seasonal Tastes will bring to you a wide spread of scrumptious mezzes, grills, casseroles and other choicest preparations, specially prepared by our chefs.

The cuisine will revolve around organic produce. Olive oil – one of the most beneficial foods will be used predominantly as a cooking medium. Fresh vegetables, nuts, legumes, pulses and seafood would be in plenty. Cheese and yogurt will occupy a special place. Use of fresh and perfumed herbs will add essence to the most interesting cuisine in the world. Savor the unique buffet designed by our chefs with signature appetizers like Imam Byaldi, Spanakopitas, main courses like Samak Hara and Fulmedamas with Doner Kebabs to delight your taste buds. 

The Westin Mumbai Garden City is ready to give you a slice of the good life with health and great taste paired together.

Our culinary champions kick start year four with FOUR medals

Our culinary champions participated in the Great Indian Culinary Challenge (GICC) last week. GICC is the industry's professional food preparation competition, providing a platform where culinary professionals across India can display their individual and collective skills, learn, share experiences, partner and network. 

Over 25 hotels from across the country participated in the challenge including the talented culinary team from The Westin Mumbai Garden City. This event took place from 10 – 12 January 2013, The Westin Mumbai Garden City culinary stars were a part of this auspicious event and made us proud by winning 4 awards:

Category: Plated Main Course Indian
Name: Ajay Chaudhary
Award: Gold Medal

Category: Plated Appetizers
Name: Sameer Karkare
Award: Silver Medal 

Category: Plated Appetizers
Name: Sagar Satghare
Award: Bronze Medal

Category: Plated Desserts
Name: Amit Suri
Award: Bronze Medal

Our culinary super stars have made us proud and we look forward for having more finger licking new delicacies from them in the year ahead.

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.

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.

 

A glimpse of Food and Entertainment Summit 2012

Retailers Association of India organised a Food and Entertainment Summit 2012 on 22^nd - 23^rd August at Hyatt Regency, Mumbai.

Food and Entertainment Summit 2012 focused on aspects of the retail and food industry. This summit helped in gathering minds together to understand and improve this fast growing industry.

The key objective of this summit was to create a platform and discuss the growing importance of the synergy between Food and Entertainment when it comes to consumer’s propensity to spend within the retail industry. It included a session on important aspects around collaboration and innovation strategies between Food Retailers and FMCG companies, Packaging Companies, Service Providers, Food Service Retailers, multi-outlet Restaurant Chains, the importance of real estate in developing entertainment and food zones.

The retail industry is growing and more people are now stepping out of their homes to spend quality time with their family and friends. A mall not only contains entertainment and services but plays a large part in contributing to the food and beverage industry. An entire floor is dedicated to various options of food. This shows the expanding knowledge of food and preferences of the audience.

Chef Ajay Chopra, Executive Chef, The Westin Mumbai Garden City honored the event with an interactive live cooking session named “Enhance your Tastebuds: Experience Live Kitchen by Celebrity Chefs”. The summit aired on various TV channels like CNBC TV18, CNBC Awaaz and Food Food. Our Chef Ajay Chopra prepared a delicious dish named Teriyaki glazed asparagus with sesame mushrooms and poached egg spiced with Togarashi. He also shared his experience of the food industry and how it has matured over a period of time. 

Please Click here for more pictures of Food and Entertainment Summit 2012.

Enjoy Veggi Delights of the Shravan Season

Monsoon apart from rains also invites the month of Shravan according to the Hindu calendar. Shravan month has been derived from Hindu mythology. Shravan was son to poor and blind parents. He spent his entire life in sincere service, duty and devotion to his parents. This month is very auspicious for praying to Lord Shiva. Devotes worship Lord Shiva by fasting and prayers. People who are true believers sacrifice their urge to have non-vegetarian food by turning into vegetarians during the month of Shravan.

We at The Westin Mumbai Garden City recognize the importance of Shravan and modified our menu to tantalize the taste buds with delicious vegetarian food. Our Executive Chef, Ajay Chopra has shared his recipe of Shravan dishes keeping in mind the fasting season. Make fasting more appealing with the recipes below and share your views with us.  

SHAKARKANDI CHAAT

Ingredients

500gm shakarkandi-boiled, peeled, cubed

15gm chaat masala

10gm chilli powder

15gm cumin seeds-roasted and powdered
15gm rock salt
lemon juice-to taste
2 green chillies finely chopped
Coriander leaves chopped to garnish

Method of preparation

1. Mix all the ingredients together, adjusting spices according to taste and serve.

DAHI PUDHINA ALOO

Ingredients

180gm aloo (potatoes) boiled and peeled
15gm ginger-finely sliced
 5gm asafetida
15gm cumin seeds
10gm garam masala
20gm coriander powder
15gm salt
15gm chilli powder
15gm turmeric powder
100gm yogurt (curd)
3-4 green chillies
30gm clarified butter
30gm coriander leaves chopped

 Method of preparation

1. Peel potatoes and cut into cubes and blanched.
2. Heat the ghee, add cumin and asafetida. When the cumin splutters, add ginger and sauté till slightly fried.
3. Lower the flame add yogurt at a time, stirring vigorously until all of it is well blended.
4. Add garam masala, coriander, salt, and turmeric and chilli powder. Stir a few times until well mixed, add potatoes and green chillies and cook it for 10mins.
5. Add about 2 cups water, bring the mixture to a boil, and then simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes.
6. Serve aloo dahi wale hot, garnished with coriander leaves.

SABUDANA KHEER

Ingredients

100gm Sago granules
 200ml Milk
10gm Cardamom Powder
50gm Sugar

100gm Water

Saffron for garnish

Pistachio for garnish (chopped)

Method of preparation 

1. Wash the sago granules and drain.
2. Leave aside for 10 minutes.
3. Loosen the sago grains when moisture is absorbed.
4. Heat water and add sago granules.
5. Bring to a boil. Stir constantly.
6. Slow down the flame and simmer for 5 minutes.
7. Pour milk and bring the mixture to a boil.
8. Cook for about five minutes.
9. Add sugar and cardamom.
10. Keep stirring occasionally.
11. Cook till sago becomes soft but not mushy.
12. Garnish with saffron and pistachio.

KADDU KI SUBZI

Ingredients

250gm Pumpkin (cut into 1" cubes)

3 whole Dry Red Chilies

10gm Fenugreek Seeds

10gm Cumin Seeds

10gm Turmeric Powder

10gm Red Chili Powder

15gm Raw Mango Powder

15gm Sugar

50ml Cooking Oil

Salt to taste (saendha Namak)

Method of preparation 

1. Heat the oil in a flat pan. Add cumin and fenugreek seeds and fry until spluttering stops
2. Add dry red chilies and saute for half a minute.
3. Add the powdered spices and cook for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the pumpkin cubes, sugar and season with salt.
5. Cook until pumpkin turns soft. Sprinkle a little water only if required.
6. Serve hot with aloo pulao.

ALOO PULAO

Ingredients

100gm Samwat Rice (also known as Parsai ke chawal)

30gm Ghee

10gm Cumin Seeds

2 Cloves

2 green Cardamoms

1 large Potato (diced in small pieces)

15gm Rock Salt (saendha Namak)

100ml Water

Method of Preparation

1. Heat ghee in a pan
2. Add cumin seeds, cloves and cardamom to the oil.
3. When they give off fragrance, add potato and rice
4. Stir-fry to a light brown color
5. Add rock salt ,and water
6. Cover the pan and let it simmer on low flame for about 15 minutes.
7. Garnish with green coriander

ALOO RAITA

Ingredients

3 no Potatoes (boiled & chopped)

100gm Curd

15gm Cumin Seeds (roasted and powdered)

10gm tsp Red Chili

Rock Salt, to taste

Method of Preparation

1. Beat the curd till it turns smooth 
2. Add chopped potatoes and mix it well 
3. Add roasted cumin powder and chilli powder to potatoes.
4. Add it to potato curd mixture 
5. Sprinkle rock salt to taste
6. Keep it in refrigerator and serve along with the meal

DAL STUFFED POORI

Ingredients

120gm Wheat flour

50gm Moong Dal

1/2 tsp Cumin Seeds

2 Cardamoms

2 Cloves

5gm piece Cinnamon

100ml water

Oil to fry

Salt to taste

Method of Preparation

1. Rub 15 ml  oil into the wheat flour
2. Add 15gm salt to the wheat flour
3. Make soft dough using small amounts of water
4. Set aside the dough for 25 minutes, covered with a wet cloth
5. Soak Moong Dal  for at least one hour and grind to make a paste
6. Grind together red cumin seeds, cardamom, cloves and cinnamon and keep aside.
7. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a fry pan
8. Add the Dal paste and the mixed masala, stirring constantly till the Dal is fried and the water is absorbed leaving it dry
9. Knead and divide the dough into 10 small balls
10. Make a cup with each ball and fill with the prepared Dal mixture
11. Seal by extending the dough over the filling
12. Flatten and roll it as a roti.
13. Deep fry in hot oil till golden brown
14. Drain and serve hot

SAABU DAANA TIKKI

Ingredients

100gm Sabudana (sago)

25gm Peanuts (roasted & crushed coarsely)

1 Potato (boiled, peeled & mashed)

5no Green Chilies (crushed)

Salt to taste (saendha Namak)

Oil to deep fry

Method of preparation

1. Wash sago thoroughly and drain excess water. Soak it for 2 hours.
2. Add all ingredients to it except oil. Mix well into a paste.
3. Keep the oil in a deep frying pan to heat. Moist hands and make small flat.
4. Slide the rounds in the heated oil on medium flame.
5. Fry till they are crisp and light brown in color. Serve hot