Experience the joy of Chai in the monsoons at Seasonal Tastes!

India is a large country with regions each having carved out a unique cultural identity and that is very apparent in how they prepare, serve and enjoy Chai. From being used simply as a medicine in the 18th and early 19th centuries, tea has today become an integral part of life in India. The season of rains is the perfect and best time to enjoy your tea. Nothing else but a nice cup of tea helps to uplift your mood.

At Westin Mumbai Garden City with our special High on Chai menu we urge you to enjoy your tea-time in an elevated manner. On the picturesque Seasonal taste on the 18th floor, the greenery and the highway view is the perfect canvas for your tea session. Team Westin will showcase the true essence of High Tea in Indian style executed with complete finesse.

The special high tea menu has a modern Indian twist with savoury selection which includes the authentic Mumbai sandwich, mixed pakodas to rawa fried fish fingers; Chicken Tikka and Mushroom Melt, keema samosa’s and many more mouthwatering dishes. All this accompanied by choices of fine teas like Chai adraki, Chai masala, Chai elaichi, Chai Irani and more. Delight yourselves to these refreshing teas at The Westin Mumbai Garden City.

Let us make your monsoon chai a cherished drink everyday between 3 pm to 6 pm from 15th July at Seasonal Tastes.

Natural Bliss!

September announces the end of the monsoon and as the city is preparing for a new season, our body and mind also needs renewal. A balanced soul is a happy soul, complete revitalization is the key. Bliss through natural therapies combined with modern ways to give our guest a wholesome wellness package. We at Heavenly Spa by Westin provide an enriching experience that rejuvenates your senses.

With rain comes a dull skin and dehydration. Our therapies are designed to help you get rid of dead skin and make you look gorgeous. Pamper yourself at Heavenly Spa, book any of our massage treatments and get an organic body scrub free. Organic scrubs help remove all dead skin in a very natural form. It provides complete body nourishment. Come and indulge in bliss!

Heavenly Spa

September Surprise

10^th – 30^th September 2012

9 am to 9 pm 

Monsoon Masti with Chef Shubham

One on one  with our very own Pastry Chef Shubham Paliwal on Monsoon Masti. 

Important cooking tips especially for this monsoon season

Monsoon with its arrival brings a refreshing feel and rejuvenating essence to life. Foodie lovers will like to cook fresh and hot soups during these rainy days. However we also need to take precaution while cooking to avoid any accidents.

• Wear appropriate footwear with solid support and slip resistant soles.
• Don’t be in a hurry, short steps, footwear with solid support and slip resistant soles will prevent slipping on wet floors.
• Avoid working on wet floors.
• Be very careful of contaminated water.
• Check raw vegetables carefully for worms, it is very common during the rain.

What are some special Monsoon desserts recommended by you?

Relish, simple yet delicious Chocolate Lava cake combined with hot coffee, a perfect dessert to enjoy during the monsoon season.

An innovative dessert recipe

Chocolate Lava Cake (2 portions)

Ingredients:

Butter - 75gm

Dark chocolate - 75gm

Eggs - 1 nos

Castor sugar - 22gm

Flour - 22gm

Method:

1. Melt 75gm butter and pour it over 75gm dark chocolate to make a smooth paste. 
2. Add 1 egg into the paste and whisk well. Later add 22gm castor sugar, 22gm flour and mix it well. 
3. Grease the mould with butter and dust coco powder into it. 
4. Pour the mixture of cake in the mould and bake it at 200^o C for approximately 10-12 minutes.

Secret behind a delicious dessert

Desserts have been deliciously adopted around the world by many chefs. The recipes of exquisite desserts exude uniqueness by incorporating elements to add different flavors.  For example, Chocolate Lava Cake can be made tempting by adding melting chocolate inside the soft delicious cake alternatively, savor the cake with mascarpone ice cream. 

Picture Perfect Monsoon!

With Monsoon comes the air of freedom, thunder of change, cloud of new beginnings and raindrops of happiness. As we drench ourselves in nature’s manifestation and realize the symphony of god’s creation, a feeling of tranquillity and bliss erupts. Sitting near the window, watching the city soak in the rain as the aroma of food entices the taste buds to fulfil your heart’s desire and make a dream come true.

Special moments and beautiful memories are created when you spend time together with your loved ones, when the weather demands you to take time off from your hectic lives or taking a break over a cup of hot tea. We at The Westin Mumbai Garden City wish to capture such moments at our special Monsoon theme brunch. We encouraged our guests to share their poetic side with us through ‘one liners’ about monsoon and food on our Facebook page. We were amazed to see the response, the world is god’s creativity and every human being is part and heart of that creativity. Imagination is the key and our contest was an avenue to showcase originality. Some of the wonderful one liners to reach the depths of your thoughts.

Chintan Vasani Have found my key to happiness. Pure Nirvana !

Suman Lakkimsetty Privileged to enjoy grandeur of nature along with widespread delicious food at Seasonal tastes...

Meena Chhichhia Burgers and fries,

They are the one that stifles my hunger cries...Smoothies and milkshake,

They all go great with a nice chocolate & rain...Ice cream and whip cream,

Why couldn’t I get you out of my dream?

Shyla Bhadwal The single line which will come to mind in such a situation is may this go on and on and on ....... and never end....ultimate heavenly bliss

With thick strokes of ink the sky fills with rain.

I pretend to run for cover but secretly praying for more rain.

Over the echo of the water drops, I hear a voice saying my name.

The sky is a bowl of dark water, rinsing my face.

I am a dark bowl, waiting to be filled.

If I open my mouth now, I could drown in the rain.

I hurry home as though someone is there waiting for me.

The night collapses into your skin. I am the rain.

Chintan Shah As the heaven cleanses the earth and the soul immerses itself in this sacred purification, my heart dances to the tune of delectable cuisines and my mind experiences a complete rejuvenation - A prefect recipe from God's kitchen.

The winner Ms Meena Chhichhia received a couple’s voucher to relish our Monsoon Brunch. Capture the moment this season, sync with your friends and family at Monsoon Brunch on 22^nd July 2012 at Seasonal Tastes from 12:30 pm to 4 pm. Do not forget to bring your umbrella as you will get soaked with monsoon delights.

Monsoon Special – Corn with a twist

Monsoon is a time when corn is at its best! Whether it is corn on the cob or corn chat, the joy of a juicy hot corn is enjoyed most during the rains. Corn is delicious in taste and it is also rich in carbohydrates. Cooked sweet corn has significant antioxidant properties, which reduce the chances of heart disease and cancer. Folic acid and vitamin B12 present in corn help to prevent anaemia caused by the lack of these vitamins. Also, fiber content of corn helps to reduce blood sugar levels in diabetics.  We at The Westin Mumbai Garden City have given traditional corn a twist with a touch of western cuisine to create an innovative dish for you to try at home. Our Chef De Cuisine, Amit Suri shares delectable new age corn recipes.

Fresh Corn and Avocado Salad

Ingredients:

6 corns

2 cups halved cherry tomatoes

1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion

1 large avocado, cut into 1/2 inch cubes

1/3 cup chopped fresh basil leaves

2 tablespoons Champagne vinegar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Method of preparation:

1. In a large pot of boiling water, cook corn until warmed through for 3 to 5 minutes. Rinse with cold water until cool.
2. Meanwhile, combine tomatoes, onion, avocado, and basil in a large bowl. In a small bowl, combine remaining ingredients to make the vinaigrette, whisking until blended.
3. Cut corn kernels off cobs and add to salad, then pour in vinaigrette and toss gently to combine.

Double - Baked Prawn Souffle with Corn

Ingredients:

Butter – soft for greasing

100g butter

100g flour

300ml warm milk

200g prawn meat – chopped

200g pureed sweetcorn

4 egg yolks

Salt and pepper

2 lemons zest and juice

5 egg whites

Breadcrumbs

1 grilled or tempura prawn per person for garnish (optional)

Method of preparation:

1. Butter 8 ramekins. Freeze and repeat 2 to 3 times.
2. Over low heat melt the butter in a saucepan and add the prawn meat. Slowly add flour to form a roux.
3. Warm the milk and add to roux to make thick sauce (Bechamel).
4. When cooked through, move to a round-bottomed bowl and add the egg yolks one-at-a-time. Check the seasoning and add zest and a little juice until you are happy with the sharpness of the lemon. Add salt to taste.
5. Whisk egg whites to soft peaks and fold into prawn mixture and pureed sweetcorn.
6. Before you put the mixture into the ramekins, coat with bread crumbs to ensure even rising.
7. When ramekins are full make sure that you tap the ramekin on a counter to get rid of any air bubbles.
8. Cook for 5min at 180ºC until risen – 12-15min.

Leek Roulade with Ricotta Corn Filling

Ingredients:

30g butter

1 medium leek, sliced

1 clove garlic, crushed

60g butter, extra

1/3 cup white plain flour

1 cup milk

4 eggs, separated

2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

For Ricotta Corn Filling

100g ricotta cheese

260g corn kernels, drained

1/3 cup chopped fresh chives

Method of preparation:

1. For Ricotta Corn Filling, beat cheese in small bowl with electric mixer until smooth, stir in corn and chives.
2. Grease 25cm x 30cm Swiss roll pan, line base with paper, grease paper.  Melt butter in medium saucepan, add leek and garlic, stir over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until leek is soft.
3. Melt extra butter in medium saucepan, stir in flour, stir over medium heat for 1 minute. Remove from heat, gradually stir in milk, stir over high heat until mixture boils and thickens. Stir in egg yolks and leek mixture, transfer mixture to large bowl.
4. Beat egg whites in medium bowl with electric mixer until soft peaks form, fold lightly into leek mixture.  Spread mixture into prepared pan.  Bake in hot oven about 12 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.  Sprinkle clean tea-towel evenly with parmesan cheese. Turn roulade onto tea-towel, carefully remove lining paper and spread roulade evenly with filling.  Holding tea-towel with both hands, gently lift and roll roulade from a wide side. Serve warm.

Time for a rainy getaway!

An ideal time for a getaway is none other than Monsoon season, where the streets are filled with happiness, where the ground smells like freedom, where rain drops gives you the feeling of being alive, where the climate boosts your spirit. A getaway from your mundane life, a getaway from office exertion, a getaway to refresh your mind and body, a getaway to energize yourself, a getaway to The Westin Mumbai will promise you just that.

As the monsoon weaves its magic into the city with cool showers and calming breezes, what better way to enjoy the rainy season than to curl up into our Heavenly Bed evoking a feeling of tranquility and well-being, nourishing your soul within a bustling city like Mumbai. 

Your welcome starts at the airport with our complimentary pick up in a luxury car. Check in to one of our spacious rooms, enjoy magnificent views of the rain and get a breathtaking view of the city.

Enjoy lavish buffet breakfast at Seasonal Tastes. The Westin Mumbai Garden City team will arrange airport transfers and high speed internet is at your fingertips. Rejuvenate your mind and body with our Heavenly Spa and enjoy 25% discount on any spa treatment. What can be a better way to enjoy your monsoon getaway with a minimum of 2 nights stay with The Westin Mumbai and you will leave feeling better than you did when you first arrived.

Come and recharge yourself with Westin Aspire!

Rhythmic Strokes in the Resonance of Rain

Our favorite season of the year has arrived. It is the season of making paper boats, it is season of colorful umbrellas, it is the season of unstoppable rains; it is king of all seasons, Monsoon! In India, monsoon is one of the much awaited seasons, as farmers and farms are blessed with rain to bring prosperity and a new beginning, rain is the start of a journey; it is an answer to the thirst of the agricultural industry. The distribution of rain across India is varied. Over a period of time, due to global warming there has been a major change in the trend of rain.

We all love to go out during the rain and just stand there, drenched yet immersed in the moment. However after such a wonderful moment the effects begin to reflect through dull skin, frizzy hair and an exhausted body. During the rain our body temperature drops and it is at such times, we should opt for warm therapies.

Our Heavenly Spa by Westin has created a warm oil based therapy especially for this monsoon season. Spa therapy and Ayurveda Bliss, two exclusive treatments designed keeping in mind the season’s requirement will leave you feeling enliven and energized. The therapy includes massages using almond or herbal oil and warm wraps will give you a soothing feeling.  These unique treatments will furnish a nurturing and healing touch that will stay with you even if the rains don't. Experience the warmth of monsoon with Heavenly Spa and wash away the strains of summer. Come, make a fresh start!

Be prepared for monsoon season with the tips shared by our Heavenly Spa team:

• Take special care of yourself. Stay away from bacterial and fungal infection.
• Hair gets moist and damp during monsoon.  Wash and condition it properly. Avoid using leave-in conditioner, use serum as an alternative.
• Wash your hands and legs with anti bacterial soap once you enter your home.
• Apply a gel based moisturizer before you go to bed.
• Keep your hair dry if needed use a hair dryer.
• Many people face the problem of dandruff, if needed use a dandruff shampoo.
• Opt for a warm spa therapy as the body gets cold in the monsoon season.

Heavenly Spa, Level 4,

8 am to 9 pm, 21 June – 25 August 2012

Spa therapy at Rs. 4494/- and Ayurveda Bliss at Rs. 5618/-