By IANS,
Chandigarh : Chandigarh is getting a taste of something other than butter chicken, and simply loving it. Italian, Mexican, Lebanese, Chinese and Continental cuisines are on offer at the International food festival here.
The multi-cuisine food festival which started on World Tourism Day, Sep 27 at the Rustles hall of Hotel Mountview is on till 11 p.m. Saturday.
“This is our attempt to bring in the cultures of various countries under one roof. To give it a unique look we have erected national flags of various countries on the roof of the Rustles hall,” R.P. Singla, general manager of hotel Mountview told IANS.
“In this festival, we have introduced Lebanese food for the first time in this city. Most of the foodstuff available in this festival is generally not found in other hotels and restaurants in the city,” added Singla.
Mountview is a five star hotel and is being run by Chandigarh Industrial and Tourism Corporation (CITCO).
“The visitors to this festival can enjoy all the 50 items on our menu at a fixed price of Rs.399,” Singla said.
Lebanese chicken and a mexican dish, polo loco along with continental food are proving to be the most popular at the festival.
To greet international tourists, a special live band has been arranged in the hall. The members of the band sing songs in English and French and play instrumental music to entertain the guests.
“I like this festival very much, this is the biggest treat for us in this green city. The best part is that there are so many things to taste and it all seems very economical. I have visited all the countries of Europe but still there are 3-4 dishes in this festival that I did not get in their parent country,” said Michael Rhodes who has come from South Africa on a business trip to Chandigarh.
Maria Rhodes, wife of Michael said: “Apart from the food, it is the ambience of this place and the music that I like the most.”
It isn’t however only the foreign tourists who are enjoying the festival. Even local residents are exploring the different cuisines on offer.
“I have been staying here for the last 40 years and I can easily claim that such occasions are very rare when we have so many delicacies available at such throw away prices. The dishes available here are usually not offered in other restaurants in the city,” said Sanjeev Sharma, a businessman based in Chandigarh.
“Best part of this festival is that it is being held on the weekend. I have come here with my whole family and even invited my friends living in neighbouring towns to dine here again in the evening,” stated Sharma.