Date:09/02/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/02/09/stories/2007020921350200.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

How about some flambéed jalebis?

Staff Reporter

Fusion dishes will be on offer at the international food fiesta

WHAT'S COOKING? Self-confessed foodie Mohanlal at his restaurant, Harbour Market, which will participate in the food fiesta, in Bangalore on Thursday. — Photo: Sampath Kumar G.P.

Bangalore: If you are going to hold an international food festival, you can as well marry the East with the West, or have North pitted against South. So you come up with fusion concoctions such as rasagulla chaat, flambéed jalebi and idli-samosa sandwich? All these signature dishes and more will be on offer at the Coca Cola International Food Fiesta 2007 to be held in the city from February 23 to 25.

As part of the fiesta, packaged food and branded food will be displayed, cookery competitions held and various restaurants and hotels will sell their fare across the counter in the food court area.

Malayalam actor Mohanlal, who owns Harbour Market, was present at the press meet for the fiesta organised at the specialty restaurant here on Thursday.

`Eating an art'

The cheerfully chubby actor said: "Eating is an art. These days people are always in a rush. They have forgotten to savour and enjoy food."

He said it was sheer luck that Harbour Market was asked to be part of the bash.

"We have got this unique opportunity to showcase our products. We want to promote the concept of quality of food by participating in the event."

Harbour Market was set up in Bangalore after research showed that the city did not have a proper seafood restaurant.

Emphasis on quality

"At Harbour Market, we lay a lot of emphasis on quality and that's the secret of our success," he said.

Later, when this reporter buttonholed him, Mr. Mohanlal confessed to being passionate about food.

"I made it a habit to note down interesting recipes and distributing them to my friends."

Selvaraju, executive chef, Taj Group of Hotels, who is also participating in the fiesta, said that fusion dishes would be on offer at the food festival.

"Even Europeans are infusing Indian flavours in their cuisine these days. Fusion is the buzz word these days," he said.