Fish—the lesser cousin of meat in the non-vegetarian world–if cooked and served well can be a delight. The ITC Royal Gardenia endeavours to achieve this. And does so exceedingly well.
Every Wednesday, ITC Royal Gardenia offers a scrumptious spread of sea food. The spread is based on a theme. The day I visit, the theme is crustaceans. The chef tells me that the theme is decided well in advance so that the food is up to the mark.
The Cubbon Pavilion reminds one of the Bangalore of yore with huge black-and-white photographs of the beautiful Cubbon Park covering its walls. The ambience is a neat mix of formal and casual. The soft sound of chicken and fish being grilled and a swirl of aromas fill the Cubbon Pavilion.
The buffet — a lavish spread — winds its way along huge tables, dressed in flowing white cloth. It's difficult to choose from the array of dishes displayed.
Vegetarians and non-fish lovers will not be disappointed. An eclectic assortment of both Indian and south-east Asian vegetarian dishes are available.
I seat myself in a comfortable corner. I've heard that the taste of sea food is enhanced by wine. So, I try the Casalapostelle from Chile. It smells and tastes divine.
I am ready for my meal. I make my way to the Steaming Station where huge cauldrons stand majestically, bearing khow suey, the Burmese soup-based dish made of coconut milk. I fill my soup bowl to the brim with it. I add a pinch of all the garnishing served in tiny dishes: chilly flakes, finely chopped and fried onion slices, fried garlic and a slight squeeze of a lemon. Savourex, I say. I then move to the antipasti. I think Japan and China at once. There's tuna, salmon, mussels, etc. I opt for the spicy Tuna roll; white wine poached mussels with mango and cilantro salsa and cream cheese; smoked salmon and crab meat saltimbocco with beetroot dust and blanched octopus and squid with wasabi mayonnaise. Their taste is as exotic as their names.
Fish and chicken freshly cooked, fried or grilled are available at the Action Station. I sample the pink perch and love it.
The Appam Station is next in line. The vegetarian and spicy Kerala curries are a must try. Maharashtra, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Goa are among India's well-known sea-food destinations. I was amazed at the diverse preparations. Prawn thecha is a Maharashtrian-style slow cooked coriander marinated prawns. Meena pollichathu is a Kerala delicacy while peethala iguru is Andhra-style spicy tossed mud crab.
The stir fried soft shell crab in all their golden loveliness beckons. It's delicious beyond compare. For dessert you can sample ice creams, mousse and fruit salads. They are enough to satisfy your sweet tooth.
The sea food buffet is served every Wednesday at the Cubbon Pavilion, ITC Royal Gardenia, Number 1, Residency Road. Call: 22119898.
