I am at Galaxy Hotel, to try out the exciting Christmas offerings that the Hotel is unravelling to its patrons, at its various food outlets. I am looking forward to digging into some plum pudding, and other goodies that bring in the Yuletide spirit – like their confectionary plus Irish coffee package (Rs. 699).
I settle into a comfortable seat at Beanstalk, the Hotel’s lobby level Café, as the sweet treats start to roll in. On offer are five Christmas desserts, and some pastries of the day. First to come is the mince pie, a small British fruit-based sweet pie – with ingredients traceable to the 13th century, when home-bound European crusaders brought with them Middle Eastern recipes containing fruits and spices. The pie is delectable, with its moist texture and intense taste. The next offering is the curiously christened 'stolen cake', a fruit cake containing dried fruit, and sprinkled with sugar powder.
The plum cake that follows has always defined Christmas for me. I am quite surprised to know, from Executive Chef Rahul Rana, that the traditional plum cake has no plums – instead it has raisins soaked in brandy, along with spices like cinnamon, cardamom and cloves. The highlight of the afternoon is the plum pudding, traditionally served as part of the Christmas dinner. Here it is topped with a warm calvados brandy based sauce, which adds to the dish’s tender texture and robust taste.
It is now time to try the pastries of the day. The tiramisu is rather good. As Pradipta Biswas, General Manager of Galaxy Hotel, proudly says, this is one of the best available in Delhi/NCR. The strawberry bonifie is truly addictive. It has a heavenly combination of fresh strawberries and cream, with banana and caramel – so how can it not taste good? The fig and honey pastry is a refreshing combination, delivering an exciting taste.
The Irish coffee served is a classic rich cocktail of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and stirred sugar, topped with Bailey’s Irish cream.
An alternative food feast is the unlimited soup and dim sum package (veg Rs. 799, non-veg Rs. 999), being offered at all of Galaxy Hotel’s restaurants – between 3 pm and 7 pm.
On offer are 16 varieties of dim sums – including paneer and mushroom, chicken long bun (with liquid soup inside), minced lamb and peas. On the 24th of December the Howzzat Pub will launch its Christmas Brew (pitcher for Rs. 900).
So enjoy the sweet, the savoury, and the spirits – and make this a merry Christmas!
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