After a hectic week at work even workaholics look forward to the weekend to unwind and relax. It is a time for family and friends, to watch a movie, pursue a hobby, play a sport, or simply laze around. Once done with reading the newspapers over a cup of coffee, the hunger pangs strike and you realise that it’s way past the regular breakfast time but too early for lunch. Five star hotels and restaurants in the city have realised the need to cater to the hungry customer looking for a leisurely meal with family and friends and introduced the concept of Sunday Brunch in the city.
It is no longer only about the food on buffet; hotels are wooing guests by letting them have access to various other facilities in the hotel. Guests can have a leisurely dip in the pool and sunbathe while enjoying a refreshing drink and some appetizers. Children enjoy their day out too as they swim, eat, play games and enjoy the open space.
The hotels located on the beach have an added advantage as a cool refreshing breeze blows all afternoon. The privacy of the pool also allows women to get into their swimwear and lounge by the pool.
Rajesh Chattarji, Food and Beverage manager of the Park Hotel, says that their Sunday brunch is very popular among young couples living on the suburbs of the city. Often, they come in groups to enjoy the peaceful, picturesque location in the company of friends. “We offer a package deal which comprises unlimited drinks, starters and a lavish buffet. Guests can enjoy themselves by the pool and even get pampered with a head massage at the hotel’s spa,” he adds. The deck chairs under the coconut trees are in great demand all day. The hotel also offers thin crust pizzas baked in a Pompeii Oven.
Jaidev Dutta of Novotel says the concept of a Sunday brunch has really caught on since it was introduced a few months back and guest need to make reservations ahead. Guests like to spend time having a leisurely lunch spread over a couple of hours. The infinity pool at the hotel is an added attraction as it offers a great view of the Bay of Bengal. Guests can splash around in the pool all day and swim across to the bar counter when they need a refill. The hotel tries to create a carnival like atmosphere in the restaurant to keep children engaged. There are face painters and other attractions to add to the fun. “The focus of our buffet on Sunday is the many live counters we offer. Whether it is Italian, Chinese or Indian cuisine you like— the food is prepared live to the specification of the guests. We even have a chocolate fountain which is a sheer indulgence,” says Jaidev. Novotel is planning to have a band that will perform live during the brunch. Brunch allows chefs to innovate and come up with interesting concepts, as it is such a huge spread. As the lunch time gets spread over a longer period of time guests are more willing to try out new flavours. Deepika Nookala, a Communications Consultant, says she enjoys brunch, as she is too lazy to wake up for breakfast on Sunday and is extremely hungry by noon. “I mostly like the idea of brunch as it has a lazy ring to it and one assumes it can go on over many hours and courses,” she adds.
Innovation
Indraveer Kumar Srivastava who works in London says brunch is popular among those who party late on Saturday nights. Sipping on a Bloody Mary or a glass of champagne before lunch is very popular among the happening crowd in London. “What I feel restaurants in India lack is innovation. It’s almost the same spread you find at every hotel. Having a sushi counter, introducing exotic sea food teppanyaki, or a wine and cheese tasting session introduces the customer to novel things he would not normally order from the a la carte menu,” he feels.
All in all, Sunday brunches have become a great new way to develop the palate and lifestyle of the people of Vizag by introducing them to a variety of cuisine while they relax or rejuvenate on a Sunday.
