Considering the year we have had, it is wise and suitable to keep the celebrations low-key. But with the holiday season in full swing, some things never change. So let’s find out how various cafes and restaurants are safely celebrating Christmas this year. By Team Viva
Carols, bells, lights, decorations, chilly winters and rum cake — the season of joy is here! People are set to welcome Christmas and New Year with open arms. Considering the year we have had, it is only wise and suitable for us to keep the celebrations low-key. But with the holiday season in full swing, some things never change. So let’s find out how various cafes and restaurants are safely celebrating Christmas this year.
KAMPAI
A special menu, a live saxophonist and food tapping music along with the festive decor will make it an unforgettable Christmas experience. They always believe that festivals should give one a lot of memories to cherish later. Hence, they have carefully crafted their menu and offerings keeping in mind the taste and preferences of the clients.
Avantika Sinha Bahl at Kampai says, “One has to move on and accept the new normal while taking all the necessary precautions. We are making sure that we and our team adhere to social distancing norms and follow hygiene protocols to stay safe. But we will also make sure to give you merrier times. People are gradually stepping out and all they need is the assurance of safety. With proper precautions in place, we are sure people will want to step out.”
The chefs have curated the menu where people can choose between the variety of soups, salads and dimsums. The appetizers available are — Tori no Kkarage, Yaki buta baraniku, Rock shrimp tempura and more. Sushi rolls like Aburi salmon roll, spicy tuna roll, Ebi tempura roll, crunchy vegetable roll are on the offer. The main course where the chef has some of his star dishes includes Tori no teriyaki, Yasai teppan, Teppanyaki fried rice, Yaki soba noodles, Lamb bulgogi and much more. To end the meal on a sweet note, the chef has made a special plum cake.
Right from Kampai Irish coffee, Myth of Monarch to The Auld alliance, there are some best concoctions to make your day. The exclusive Christmas packages are priced at Rs 2,999 and Rs 3,999 plus taxes.
MOLECULE
Christmas at Molecule will be a hearty affair. Manish Sharma, founder of Molecule, says, “Those festivals at Molecule are complete fun, food and frolic as we are always up for extravagant and magnificent affairs, and this year is no different. Starting with the performance of celebrity DJ ATIS on December 24, we are all prepped up. We have done successful bashes post-COVID lockdown already and we are lucky that we are getting love from our people, who are very well aware of our conscious efforts to fight the pandemic. We will continue to act safely and with this, we are sure people will step out of their homes.”
Molecule will be dressed up in the theme of Money Heist. One can expect servers dressed up as Dali with live bands, rooftop brunch, winter cocktails and more. The ambience will be decked up with fresh flower arrangements. Right from flea stalls, face paintings to DIY cocktail corners and edible flower ice cubes in your drinks — one can find the little things which will make you happier and merrier. Along with these elements, one can enjoy the specially curated chef delights such as sushi, dimsums, salads, air breads, pizzas, pastas and more. Not only this, melange of different artists at different time slots will be performing to make sure each music lover gets to hear their favorite. The packages start at Rs 1,800 plus taxes.
PLUM BY BENTCHAIR
Restauranteur Priyank Sukhija says that the merry spirit of the holiday season is all set to arrive at Plum By Bent Chair. Witness the charm of eccentricity and the quirk of colorful hues as you dwell in the season of festivity with Santa and Plum over Pan Asian delicacies. After all that you’ve been through this year, they specially crafted exotic cocktailia, inspired from the magic of Christmas, to turn your night #Plumazing. Priyank says, “Food and drinks are the most exciting part of the festival along with bright decorations and fares. Holiday meals have a special feel when paired with great drinks. Plum by Bent Chair is coming up with exciting handcrafted cocktails that one can sip on during the festival.” The packages start at Rs 2,000.
DIABLO
Make this Christmas all about magnificent vibes and stellar music as Diablo invites you for a groovy night with Danza in the city. What makes it even more special is that Techpanda X Kenzani will be showcasing their album on Christmas eve. While you sway, they make sure you feel welcomed with their modern Middle Eastern delicacies. The true flavour of Mediterranean cuisine paired with handcrafted artisanal cocktails adds to the overall experience and is a perfect way to make your Christmas merrier.
L’OPERA
Christmas and New Year are the most important celebrations of the year in France and many other European countries. Their day is specially dedicated to family, unity and friendship. It’s a time for solidarity and, of course, a time to savour succulent, festively baked and decorated desserts.
“I have many great memories of my childhood during Christmas,” remembers Laurent Samandari, co-founder and MD of L’Opéra. “I particularly remember how much I used to love the warm smell of baking of alpine nut cake. It used to be nice and comforting. I wish to offer the same feeling to L’Opera guests and patrons. We are bringing back its classic selection of products encompassing bûches (Yule log), chocolates, panettone, Christmas pudding, biscuits, plum cake, alpine nut cake, galette des rois as well as a signature toffee sauce to relish with the Christmas pudding. Bûche (Yule log) is a traditional dessert served during pre-Christmas dinners and luncheons in France and in other neighbouring countries. It is made of a delicate sponge cake to resemble a miniature actual Yule log. A bark-like texture is often produced by dragging a fork through the icing and powdered sugar sprinkled to resemble snow. Other cake decorations may include actual tree branches, fresh berries and mushrooms made of meringue or marzipan. They are offering it in four variants: The traditional coffee bûche, much-loved black forest, the indispensable passion fruit and chocolate and the youthful red velvet variant.
Their Christmas pudding and plum cake are among the most sought-after Christmas specialities, which are widely anticipated during the whole year. Christmas and New-Year celebrations are also an occasion for them to remember those in the society who are less fortunate. Says Kazem Samandari, Laurent’s father and executive chairman of the brand, “This year, we have decided to dedicate five per cent of the revenue generated from our hamper sales to Main Tendue, the charity which supports 10 Indian NGOs.”
CAFÉ DELHI HEIGHTS
Cafe Delhi Heights is celebrating the festival with the famous ‘Fondue menu’. Fondue is melted cheese served in a ceramic pot over a little stove with various breads or veggies to dip. While keeping the tradition alive, CDH has added an Indian twist in the menu. One can enjoy different varieties of it such as chocolate fondue, cheese fondue and spinach fondue, a north Indian winter delight.
FRICTION, THE DRINKERY
Tarun Hassija, owner of the cafe, shares, “Christmas is celebrated like any other big festival in India now. We are getting ready with the right decor including Christmas trees, starry decorations and accessories that fit and get along the merry making vibe. We are giving away amazing packages for people to celebrate the eve with us.”
They are set to celebrate the power of women with DJ Akanksha Popli and DJ Gouri. The menu has varied offerings where you can entice your taste buds with different varieties of salads and soups. Lets spread the festive joy with enjoying the live counters of pasta, pizza and roasted turkey. Cold cuts like pepperoni, salami and sliced grilled chicken are just too perfect to resist. So, if you are looking to enjoy Christmas in the perfect way, Friction, The Drinkery awaits you.
