It is the four letter word that is doing the rounds these evenings right in the heart of the city- for ‘food' dictates stalls, contests, plates and people at Suvai 2011 organised by the Tiruchi Travel Federation on the Vestry school grounds here.
Though the food carnival did not get a head start like its previous venture owing to festivals and rains, it is all abuzz this weekend. The USP of the festival is the sheer assortment designed to whet palates and make stomachs groan. Where else do you get to indulge in the choicest fare dished out by the city's leading hotels and restaurants without burning a hole in your pocket?
If you spot a few prominent names missing or the festival lacking in imagination compared to the previous edition, then blame it on the season. Restaurateurs are working double time to dish out a sumptuous fare despite the wedding season in full flow, point out organisers.
The hike in food prices has not left the menu rates untouched though the portions are bigger this time around. Stalls have also worked on ambience this year and most counters sport thematic décor.
Fare
Keen to shed its elite tag, SRM Hotel has reversed conceptions with a tea- kadai stall decked with newspapers and movie posters. Keeping with the theme are varieties of bajis and fried items. Hotel Sangam has decked up a spread right from God's own country with ‘vatayappam' and ‘meen varuthathu' making the list. Hotel Femina has recreated the Chinese experience with typical décor and costumes while Hotel Ramyas has gone the marine way, with sea food fried, barbecued and grilled.
There is no dearth of Chettinad food with Hotel Kannappa, Kongu Park and New Khurrinji restaurant, catering to traditional tastes with a similar theme as last year's. Not to be left behind, would-be chefs from the Jenneys Academy threw a Chinese spread with momos as the signature dish while the State Institute of Hotel Management and Catering technology reinvented the humble parota in interesting variations.
If you want to keep it light, there is the sandwich bar by the Breeze Residency with exciting vegetarian and non-vegetarian entries. And for the sweet–toothed are rolls and cakes by Bread Basket. For idlis and dosas, head to Shri Sangeetas and for smacking biryani variations, try Imbala and Dindigul Vel. Hot Chicken, FSM Grill Chick and Lazza ice creams add to the experience.
The cookery contest had women proving their prowess while eating contest had a restricted number of participants compete for the ‘Beema award'. While on the second day contestants tried to polish off a kilo of cake, the third day saw them gorging on idlis, sans any accompaniment. The winner downed 13 idlis in 10 minutes. Chef Dhamu held a cookery demonstration and adjudged the events.
Enthralling audiences with an art lost in time are the pavai koothu artistes staging mythological and contemporary themes.
The food festival concludes on September 4 between 5 and 11 p.m. Entry fee is Rs. 20 for adults and Rs. 10 for kids.
