(In view of the recent events in Kerala it seems a little weird to be posting about this. I extend my apologies and have no intention of appearing insensitive to the calamity at hand. Let’s all do our parts and extend a helping hand to the people in need at this hour. There are many ways in which one can reach out and help. While we keep the people in our prayers and hope things start to get better soon. The road to recovery is a long one but if we all pitch in we can make a difference whatever it may be.)

 

JW_Marriott_Kolkata_Monsoon_Chai_Evenings

Monsoon Chai Evenings Veg Platter

 

Hey everyone! The monsoon has always been one of my favorite seasons…though its beauty is best enjoyed in the comforts of one’s home 😀 Not so fun nor pretty if you have to venture out and face its not so nice side. But nothing beats being cloistered at home, all warm and cozy, nestled with  a good book as the rain pitter-patters out the window. With a plate of hot munchies and a cup of tea by my side I’m all set to get lost into the world of imagination via my book. Ah what bliss! While my childhood was all about dancing in the rain and playing with paper boats as I grow older I make do with the comfort of food and a good book. What is your favorite routine for the season? I bet most would say that nothing beats a warm cup of tea…well JW Marriott Kolkata has a special treat in store for everyone as they are running the “Monsoon Chai Evenings” food festival. The festival is on from the 24th of July to the 24th of August. I got a chance to attend the festival…let’s see what it has in store shall we…

 

JW_Marriott_Kolkata_Monsoon_Chai_Evenings

 

JW_Marriott_Kolkata_Monsoon_Chai_Evenings

 

JW_Marriott_Kolkata_Monsoon_Chai_Evenings

 

You can pick from a couple of different types of tea, adrak, tulsi, elaichi, kesar and other herbal infusions, either with or without milk given the type. I picked the saffron tea which comes with milk. They serve a couple of flavored rusks along with the tea. There is a vegetarian and non-veg platter available with assorted snacks and a dessert all for just Rs. 555/- plus taxes. A platter consists of snacks like Duet Corn Cake (Newborn & Corn Niblets coated with Thin Lentil Flour), Inspired Onion Frittata (Native Spice Infused Fried Potato & Onion Tian), Monsoon Nachos Muddle Up (Cheddar Baked Nachos with Pico-de-Gallo & Refried Beans), Fry-up Paneer Steak (Vermicelli crusted Home cured cottage cheese Rissole with Green Salsa) and fried dal pakora nibbles. Well the nibbles were my favorite – crispy and spicy – the perfect companion to my sweet tea. The onion frittata and nachos are also highly recommended. They even have included a dessert which was Imarti. Like I said there was a perfect balance of sweet and salty available for people like me who keep switching been the two 😀 There was quite a bit of food in the platter and I found myself hard pressed to be able to finish it. 

 

JW_Marriott_Kolkata_Monsoon_Chai_Evenings

 

JW_Marriott_Kolkata_Monsoon_Chai_Evenings

 

So if you like the picture I painted in the first paragraph but are too lazy to make yourself the munchies what better way to enjoy the same experience than heading on down to JW Marriott Kolkata and indulging in the Monsoon Chai Evenings. Plus watching the rain beat down on the gorgeous glass facade of their lounge is an experience in itself. All I needed was a good book and some soulful music to experience true zen. So what is your favorite activity during the monsoon season? What is your soul food for it? Hope to hear from you guys…see ya soon! 

 
Shikha Agarwal
 

PS – The author was invited by the PR of the restaurant to sample the menu. Views expressed are genuine and the author’s own