FUSION CONFUSION!!!

Ever wondered what it would feel like to dig into a Bolognaise Biryani?? Gone are the days where eating out meant going to the local restaurant and ordering the stereotyped Butter chicken. Though one may love that as much as the next person but it is sometimes just too heavy. They are now bold enough to try out the various gastronomical inventions done by our budding chefs. Fusion food is a genre that has now seeped into the Indian taste buds. Fusion food mainly implies the mélange of ingredients from different cuisines to form a unique exotic dish. You name it and its on your plate. Right from starters to dessert Indian food now spells “continental” in a modern yet contemporary way.

Fusion has also reached street food in India. The humble Masala Dosa filled with potato has now been replaced by anything from Manchurian to mushrooms. Why even noodles have found their way into this Indian Pancake. Another very popular ‘fusion chaat’ is Chinese bhel. Even fast food chains like pizza outlets have not failed to indianise their dishes. The favourite chicken tikka is one of the most favoured topping and paneer being the option for vegetarians. These toppings alongside jalapenos and olives certainly provide a fresh perspective to the very traditional dishes.

When it come to desserts we no longer reach out for a piece of gateaux or Gajar Halwa, but a crème brulee topped with rabdi is more than welcome. Chefs across various restaurants in most of the fine dining restaurants have come up with some very interesting fusion deserts that are a treat to a person with sweet tooth. Dishes such as Gulab Jamun Cheesecake or a Rasmalai pastry are a good break from the redundant options that most run of the mill restaurants have to offer.

One can say that Fusion food is certainly the marriage of the traditional with modern & classical with contemporary and here to stay and grow. As Heraclitus rightly said “Change is the only constant”. So next time you feel like ordering the same old greasy curry think you may want to try something different.

Preetha Iyer

MBA 1^st year, SIMC

 11 East Street Cafe

A name synonymous with great ambience, style, class and good food A red double Decker bus, with a vintage telephone booth awaits at the entrance as you walk in with a fountain in the centre and international retail look alike on your right, it’s a walk in street full London ishtyle. As the name suggests it is situated at East Street, camp. It is the only place which offers “Happy hours” every day with a ‘buy1 get 1 free’- from 4pm-7pm. Each day of the week here is a different celebration from drinks at Rs.69/- flat on a night to Sunday’s lavish brunches at a price of Rs.599/- unlimited food of your choice! For ladies there is a ladies night every Tuesday, margarita and martini night and also grill night on the cards. Go on a special date or for a family gathering, this place will not let you down, here are Top 10- Not to miss things at 11 east street café:

• Loosing my religion: a dessert so sinful, you will lose your religion and fall for it instantly.
• 11’s live confectionery: Order a cake and see the chef make it in 15mts right before your eyes.
• Breads like never before: oatmeal, tomato, olive, paprika are just to name a few.
• Achohol based food-only place in the city: Bacardi chicken, Lamb with Rum &Tequila based fish.
• Shamiana: if you think you’re missing the Indian feel, head to the shamiana seating for group gatherings.
• Chicago Iced tea: Beer+whiskey+tequila+icedtea!!!
• Food remixed: Chilly chicken biryani, Paneer bhel, pasta chaat, unusually awesome preparations of the chef! Must try.
• The Original Bloody Mary!
• 11 countries sizzlers- any type of sizzler you name it they have it!
• Ask for their outdoor catering options.!

Phew…So much awesomeness at one place be there to believe it, final tip: Dress up, Load up (your wallet), leave all the tension and live up the place.