Connect with us

Food

Fest Of Flavour at Hotel Crowne Plaza

Published

on

FWD Life Fest of flavour (7)

With a spread that strings together dishes from around the world, Hotel Crowne Plaza is ready for the holiday season with a delectable Christmas menu

Words by Fathima Abdul Khader    Photographs from Midhun Vijayan

While the weather outside is far from frightful and enjoying a delightful fire inside is another rarity in our coastal state, we can always partake in the other best thing about the festive season, a delicious Christmas spread. All set with a Christmas menu that strings together the old and the new holiday table staples from around the world, Hotel Crowne Plaza is ready to have people singing “It’s the most wonderful time of the year”. In the warmly lit, wood paneled restaurant Inside Hotel Crowne Plaza, we were treated with one delectable dish after the other; nothing like being treated to such a spread to put one in the holiday mood.

FWD Life Fest of flavour (8)

Hues of the Holiday

The menu started with a rather bold choice of Beetroot Salmon Gravlax, a dish so pink, one would be a bit taken aback, but offers an explosion of flavor to the senses. Chef Kalesh KS, the Executive Sous Chef at Hotel Crowne Plaza told us the tale of how a salmon fillet is repeatedly coated in a mixture of beetroot, salt, sugar, and dill for this dish to become what it is. Served with cream cheese, dill and fresh greens, the salmon makes for a perfect appetizer for the Christmas feast to follow.

new-image-fwd-life-fest-of-flavour333

FWD Life Fest of flavour (1)“Colors of Christmas”, the phrase will bring to mind a combination of red, green and gold and the next dish to be served could boast of donning all them. Beef wellington, a juicy beef fillet covered in puff pastry and brushed with egg yolk and baked to crisp golden perfection was served with the works- ripe red tomatoes and lush green asparagus, along with carrots and golden potatoes. The rustic dish reminds one of the warmth of the home and the best of the holidays.

Nestled on a grey slate and accompanied by assorted vegetables and garlic and a pepper sauce, the turkey was a succulent sight to behold. Truly the star of the show, the indispensable holiday main course was stuffed with root vegetables and was roasted till the skin was crackling a golden hue. A hand at carving the turkey had the knife cutting through the meat as if it were butter and revealed a combination of dark and light meat that left this writer reeling.

Decadent Desserts

The resident pastry chef at Crowne Plaza, Chef Shinto George brought traditional dishes from around the world on to the dessert table with his choice of stollen bread and mince pie this year around. A holiday bread with a lot of secrets to its name, Stollen, pronounced schto-len is of German origin and dates back to the 1400s. Pieces of candied fruit and fruit zests embedded in the dough and a core of delicate marzipan is revealed when you slice the powder sugar coated surface. Whether it is served as a holiday breakfast or as an alternative side to a cheese plate, Stollen bread is a treat in itself.

FWD Life Fest of flavour image new

No matter where you are, mince pies are indispensable for the festive season. When you take that first bite into the pie, you are greeted with a buttery pastry crust that will crumble in your mouth, with a slight hint of sweetness. Soft plump raisins, candied peel and maybe a cranberry or two are all smothered in a sticky, sweet, festive spice mix that brings everything home. A mince pie is basically what Christmas is all about –a lot of varying components coming together to give a unique outcome; reminiscent of a family coming together around the Christmas dinner table.

Advertisement
Comments

Food

Benefits of Including Crab in your Diet

Published

on

Crab has all the attraction of seafood without the fishy flavor that some people want to avoid. It is delightfully salty with a delicate mineral sweetness. Crabs were reportedly among the foods that coastal societies eaten a hundred years ago. On the menus of the greatest restaurants today, it stands out as the highlight dish. Crab is famous for its distinctive, exquisite flavor as well as for the health benefits it provides.

Omega-3 fatty acids and protein are abundant in crabs. The Food Experts advise two servings of fish and seafood every week, which is not difficult. 

 Good Protein Source

Crab is a low-fat, nutritious protein source that boosts metabolism and gives you energy. In reality, crab has less saturated fat and about the same amount of protein per 100 grams as other meats. 

Strengthens Heart Health

Consuming a lot of crab meat can actually benefit your cardiovascular system. The Omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and protein found in crab are all beneficial sources of lowering cholesterol. Having lower cholesterol lowers your chances of heart attacks and strokes. 

Increases Brain Activity

Crabs are healthy for you since they are a high source of selenium, vitamin B2, copper, and other vital vitamins and minerals. Together with omega-3 fatty acids, these nutrients support healthy brain ageing and reduce the risk of dementia. They aid in defending against oxidative stress, inflammation, and other elements that may have an impact on the growth and health of the brain. 

Strengthens bones

You may already be aware of the significance of calcium for bone health. However, did you realize that phosphorus plays an equal role? Due to its high phosphorus content, crab flesh can aid in the development of strong, healthy teeth and bones. 

Contains selenium

Compared to other meats, crab offers a substantially higher supply of selenium. As an antioxidant, this necessary mineral not only assists in preventing cell damage from free radicals but also strengthens your immune system. Selenium aids in the regulation of your metabolism and is essential for healthy thyroid function. 

An aphrodisiac

The aphrodisiac property of crab meat promotes libido and sexual energy. They have high quantities of zinc and substances that increase estrogen and testosterone levels, enhancing sexual desire.

Makes the blood flow faster

Copper is yet another significant mineral present in crab meat. One significant advantage of copper is that it facilitates the body’s absorption of iron, which enhances the creation of red blood cells. After injuries and illnesses, proper circulation aids in the healing process. 

Consuming excessive amounts of crab can have certain unfavorable impacts, just like with most other foods. If you eat too much of some of the nutrients in crab, such copper and zinc, you could get sick. Crab, however, is a fairly nutritious item to eat in moderation unless you have a seafood allergy, and adverse effects are uncommon. Before consuming any seafood, always make sure you don’t have any allergies.

Continue Reading

Food

The Taste Of Malayali Kitchen In Sweden

Published

on

A Kochi-based malayali is creating a sensation by preparing Kerala Cuisine in the foreign swedish kitchen. Devi Nair, who has been settled in Sweden with her husband for almost 10 years, wanted her daughter to experience the delicacies of the Malyaali culture along with her International palette. The sense of homesickness and nostalgia has a part to play in this venture as well. In recent years, as the pandemic hit she chose to share her cooking extravaganzas on Instagram which led her to become more known to the public. Her recipes featured celebratory treats like the Bengali confection Rosbora, local parotta, and non-vegetarian Kerala foods that are popular on social media because they’re simple to make yet delicious to eat and look at. Devi whips up a storm of authentic Kerala delicacies during Malayali festivals. Tender, plump unniyappam, spongy kozhukkatta, rice dumplings, Vishu ada, and Vishu katta are just a few of the items on her Vishu menu this year. She prepared undaputtu with spicy prawn filling, kilikkoodu with meat and egg white, and ammini kozhukatta, a spicy rice dumpling, for Eid. It is also heard that she is planning to launch her own bakery in Sweden as well. 

Words By : Goutham Satheesh

Continue Reading

Food

Some Flavourful Delights to Savour this Festive Season

Published

on

Vishu and Easter festivities are around the corner. Along with dressing up and gathering around for some fun family time, you would definitely want to indulge in these simple but festive special treats.

Lilly’s Pattisserie

What if we told you could have Payasam cakes? Yes. You heard that right. The Lilly’s Patisserie, Thrissur is offering Payasam cakes on it its Vishu Special menu as a distinct highlight. Try out their Palada and Pazham Pradhaman cakes which are available in two sizes.They have also got you covered for Easter with a range of Hot Cross Buns from traditional to chocolate and candy berry flavours. You can also spice up your Easter treats with their artisanally crafted Easter Eggs.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Lillys (@lillysdelicacies)

Pandhal Cake Shop

The Pandhal Cake Shop, Kochi is shelling out some amazing Easter Egg Surprises this Holy Season. Their marzipan-based eggs come in varied sizes and colours vibrant enough to cheer the grimmest of the lot. Also, check out their Easter Egg Baskets that are sure to surprise you!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Pandhal Cake Shop (@pandhalcakeshop)

Lebanese Grill

No Easter is complete without some spicy meat-based main course to savour. This Kottayam-based Arabian restaurant is all about gifting your loved ones with some flavourful rice for the festive season. This Easter they are introducing the Mutton Cask Biriyani. The cask comes along with pappad, pickle and raita. These are only available on a pre-order basis. So, what are you waiting for? Hurry up and order now.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Lebanese Grills (@lebanesegrills)

Words By: Mariam Thankam Mohan

Continue Reading

Facebook

Trending