Think the pairing of words, ‘liquid buffet’ and the first impression is that of a wide variety of juices and colourful mocktails. But the liquid buffet introduced by Lush Bar, Hotel Icon, on Wednesday, leans towards those with a penchant for alcoholic drinks. The buffet features alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, with mouth-watering starter combos.
As it was rightly said, ‘food is a fascinating journey of discovery and delight’. The same is being put into practice at this buffet by mixing and matching drinks with food to compliment them.
“The first ever liquid buffet at Lush would include some of the finest international beverages to give its guests a taste of premium brands at an affordable price,” said Dilsher Sukhija, owner, Hotel Icon, Sector 8C, Chandigarh. “The residents of tricity can come not only to taste the drinks but also to gain knowledge about them, the right way to consume them and what foods to pair them with,” he added.
For entertainment, bar tenders will also put various mixing techniques on display, along with fire shots, for those who are up to it. “With the rise in city’s drunk-driving cases, we have tied up with a radio taxi company. We’ll make sure our guests get back home safely,” said Sukhija.
Food pairings
Jura — Bruschetta with tomato and basil
The ingredients of the single malt are white oak, cinnamon, crushed pear and apple, silky almond, pinewood and lemon grass, which are aged for 10 years. Bruschetta, on the other hand, consists of roasted bread rubbed with garlic and topped with extra-virgin olive oil, salt and pepper. Variations include toppings of spicy red pepper, tomato, vegetables or cheese; the most popular recipe outside of Italy involves basil, fresh tomato, garlic and onion or mozzarella. Bruschetta is usually served as a snack to go well with the flavour of the single malt.
Food pairings
Jura — Bruschetta with tomato and basil
The ingredients of the single malt are white oak, cinnamon, crushed pear and apple, silky almond, pinewood and lemon grass, which are aged for 10 years. Bruschetta, on the other hand, consists of roasted bread rubbed with garlic and topped with extra-virgin olive oil, salt and pepper. Variations include toppings of spicy red pepper, tomato, vegetables or cheese; the most popular recipe outside of Italy involves basil, fresh tomato, garlic and onion or mozzarella. Bruschetta is usually served as a snack to go well with the flavour of the single malt.
Dalmore — Smoked salmon canapés
The single malt contains orange, chocolate and spices and has a smoky flavour as well as a lingering aftertaste, which compliments the smoked taste of the salmon Canapes, without neutralising the flavour of the drink.
Four Seasons Sauvignon Blanc — Roasted asparagus wrapped in smoked chicken ham
Made from French grapes grown on the slopes of Sahyadri Valley in Maharashtra, the wine consists of various aromas — these include gooseberries, herbs and green peppers. The taste is complimented by the roasted asparagus wrapped in smoked chicken ham, since the flavour of asparagus compliments the taste of the wine.
Buffet at a glance
Price: R999 (+tax)
Brands: Jura, Dalmore(single malts) Whyte & Mackay (imported scotch) Pinky (Swedish vodka)Non alcoholic beverages: Shirley Temple, Mojito, Watermelon Delight
Wines: Four Seasons Sauvignon Blanc (white wine), Blush (rose wine), Shiraz (red wine)
Starters: Smoked salmon canapés, roasted asparagus wrapped in chicken ham, bruschetta with tomato and basil, oriental stir-fried veggies.