Good food, good wine and a soothing environment – just what the doctor prescribed after a hectic day after work. And add names like ITC Grand Central and Jacob’s Creek to the mix, you know the evening is going to be spectacular. So it was and how!
ITC Grand Central and Jacob’s Creek joined hands to host ‘The longest reserve table’, an event of its kind in the city that offered sit-down fine dining menu paired with the finest wines from the brand for over 100 gourmands. While this may sound like an ordinary task, from my industry experience I can tell you it’s nothing short of a feat with mad-house co-ordination at the backend.
The Setting:The terrace garden at ITC amidst the high rise buildings on an exceptionally hot solar eclipse night was the only dampener. One look at the candle-lit seating tables spread across the lawn to sit 100 people was nothing short of majestic. From the flower arrangements to multiple wine glasses it set the mood right for feast of taste-buds that was lined up ahead.
The Food & Wine (Courtesy ITC Grand Central & Jacob’s Creek)The choice and pairing of the food and wines this evening was about breaking boundaries. So if you’re a traditionalist of sorts, you should stop reading now. The general rule of red wine with red meats etc was forgone and some bold pairing emerged. Mr Kartik Mohindra, Business Head – International Brands at Pernod Ricard India said, “Jacob’s Creek Reserve Table offers consumers a unique dining experience, showcasing our premium range of Jacob’s Creek Reserve wines and their versatility with various cuisines.” And it delivered.Starting with the Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir Brut that had citrus fruit flavours enhanced with creamy nutty yeast characters providing both richness and structure. The wine finished soft, crisp and clean. It was paired with hors d’oeuvres ranging from cheese to salmon.Starters – Classic Shiraz Cabernet paired with kebabs like Silbatte ke Khasta kebab, Tali Subz machli and Doodhiya kebabMain Course – ITC’s legendary nihari and gosht biryani made their presence felt and the flavor I have known for years clouded everything else. It was delicious and melt-in-your-mouth. This was paired with Adelaide Hills Chardonnay & Barossa Shiraz. Dessert – Sparkling Rose paired with baked rasgulla completed the evening on a high note.It was a culinary experience so rare and lasting, diners were left in its awe. The entire evening was strung together with female violinist band that was cherry on the top.
What did not work – Our critique mind is always at play and the expectations from two power-brands conjoined are always high. Despite all massive arrangements and the finess of wines, the red wines were served at Indian Room Temperature that could easily have been 35 degree. Shiraz cabernet was served in a burgundy glass making the air interfere with taste. But that’s just minor details.Overall – I would give this event a solid 4 on 5. What is worth mentioning is that all these wines are for less than 13 USD available at stockist near you. So go grab your bottle now!!
