The national Capital, for the first time, is set to witness the biggest international food festival this year. ‘Palate’, as the festival is named, will have five-star hotels and celebrity chefs offering authentic cuisines from across the globe at affordable rates to city dwellers. The exclusive gastronomic fanfare is scheduled for November and will be organised at Nehru Park by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC).
According to the civic agency, the festival is being planned to promote the historic lutyens zone. The gala feast to be held from November 25 to 30, promises to be one of its kind with even embassies setting up stalls presenting dishes and beverages representing their country. “Each area of Palate Delhi will be themed. It will re-create a total immersive experience and will include a perfect ambience with soothing music and lighting. People would have to shell out any where between Rs100 to Rs700 only for the global tasting trail,” said OP Mishra, Director (Project), NDMC. A minimum of 60 to 100 stalls are expected to be up for the six day event. Besides, there will also be live orchestra at the event.
leaving no means to grab eyeballs, the agency has so far roped in hotels like Oberoi, JW Marriott, Radisson and leela for the festival. “Not just hotels, we will also have celebrity chefs. So far, chef Marut Sikka has been finalised. In alcoholic beverages, only premium wines shall be served. Even upcoming chefs will be given space to present their cuisines,” said an official. Giving a personal touch to the event, individuals or groups can even book ahead for a personal cuisine meal with the celebrity chefs. Till now, the French, Spanish and Australian embassies have shown their interest for the event, he added. Among other hotels in the pipeline are Hyatt, Taj, Imperial and ITC.
The first two days of the festival will showcase India’s finest chefs, produce, growers, entertainers and musicians. This will be followed by food events like competitions, food demonstrations, talks and sampling. “There will be a separate ‘cheese alley’ as well. People will not only be able to sample and buy from the country’s top artisan producers, but they will also get to see the widest range of cheese imports. There will be a separate desserts, chocolate and ice cream corner as well,” said an official.