LLM writer Kamalika Mukherjee checks out the treats on offer at The Market, an innovative multi cuisine restaurant in the city of Pune.
The Westin in Koregaon Park, Pune is truly a sight to behold as it juts out like a cruise liner, and I take my first step into this property I’ve wanted to visit for so long. As the car rolls into the entrance, the breezy weather soon hits me and I am greeted by marketing manager, Anahita Nair who leads me down a flight of steps into the restaurant that opens into a stunning ‘Instaworthy’ space that is far from just a diner.
The green thumb is quite prevalent, seating comfortable and the polished marble finish and warm lights makes me gleam in pleasure. A ginormous spread awaits as I scurry off to take my pick and soon stack my plate with an array of items that range from Indian to Asian and everything in between.
A one-of-its kind concept, The Market offers an extravagant spread of multi cuisines, inspired globally but raised local. Although it is a buffet, one can order a-la carte. Curated by chefs using the freshest ingredients that are served at live counter, the diner has an elite design with six different zones (read: cuisines) catering to different live counters.
Begin at The Juicery that offers fresh pressed juices, fresh cut fruit breakfast bowls and a variety of crafted cocktails and beverages. The Farm to Table section has a cold kitchen with delectable salads, irresistible cold cuts, cheeses and antipasti.
For pescetarians, The Fisherman’s Table is a great pick that houses smoked salmon and bagel counter for breakfast and then depending on the season it converts to a chirashi, poké or ceviche bar for lunch and dinner. An incredible selection of steamed lobster, crabs, crayfish and shrimp, oysters and caviar are also at your disposal.
The Open kitchen however offers traditional hot meals and exotic continental dishes. Located at the centre of the Market, it offers wood-fire oven pizza with Lavash Flat Bread, hand rolled pizza and millet flour pizza for health conscious folks. Do not shy away from gorging on a spread of garlic encrusted roast rack of lamb to a fig and goat cheese pizza with arugula if you will.
As I tuck into my plate of scrumptious deliciousness, Anahita chimes in: “This has a farm to table approach and The Westin being a wellness brand, we heartily believe in sustainability.”
I remember picking a few items from the Locavore counter that houses authentic Asian cuisine that uses consciously-sourced ingredients and regional produce. You can also try dishes like red and green Thai curries with freshly sourced Tofu and healthy meat along with innovative combinations such as Sukkhi Salli Boti, Tuna Bhel, Makhmali Seekh and more.
I however, ordered a lamb shank that came out in a massive portion on a bed of mash potatoes and fell prey to Instagram in no minute. The fall of the bone lamb was quite impressive and I also discovered their range of in-house gin cocktails that can be made to order with the meals.
Mixologist, Hitesh soon brought out a fancy glass of gin called Eration that piqued my interest as I sipped on every 5 minutes. While I was reaching a point of food coma, Anahita brought out two plates stacked with desserts of all sorts for me to try.
I chided myself at the guilty pleasure but gave in after a while. All of that was brought out from The Bakers Corner, an activated station where chefs create signature in house breads, pastries and delicious confectionery and desserts like sticky date pudding, Japanese cheese cake and more delectable sweet goodness.
You can also order gourmet coffee if you want to cut the sugar out. After a solid 2 hour food gorge, I finally exit the property happy and sated. Am I coming back though? Sooner that you’d think.
Factbox
Address: 36/3-B, Mundhwa Rd, Koregaon Park Annexe, Ghorpadi, Pune, Maharashtra 411001, India
Phone: +91 20 6721 0000
Website: marriott.co.uk
