The Food Huddle of Bengal is a movement for culinary professionals to focus on Knowledge, Innovation and Creativity to evolve and organize the food industry of Bengal. The Food Huddle aims to bring food enthusiasts, professionals, experts, and other culinary stakeholders together. Its current members from Kolkata’s top food outlets include 6 Ballygunge Place, Bohemian, Gabbar’s, Shisha, Balaram Mullick, Mrs Magpie, Hashtagwaale, Chowman etc.
The first activity undertaken by the Food Huddle is Meal-On, a unique buffet featuring offerings from some of the best restaurants from Kolkata where the restaurants showcase items not featured in their menu, making the experience special and exclusive for patrons. There have been three editions of Meal-On already. The Summer Meal On was held on 15th May 2016 at Shisha. It was showcased as “A Midsummer Lunch Buffet – by Ten Experts of Fine Cuisine “ and certainly lived up to its name with a staggering 45 item buffet which was absolutely mouthwateringly delicious and every foodies idea of paradise.
The “Opening Act “as the starters were called had fifteen different starters which were delicious and my favorites were Prawn on Toast (Chapter 2), Three Cheese Vol au Vents (Mrs.Magpie) , Mutton Bada Kebab (Hashtagwaale) and Crispy Honey Chicken (Chowman)
The “Main Plot “as the Mains were termed had an unbelievable variety of twenty-three vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes and I was spoilt for choice. It was one of those days when I wished I could carry around a spare stomach because the variety was so vast. Once again my top picks would be Bhekti Paturi Jugalbandhi & Mutton Dakbunglow (6 Ballygunge Place) , Pork Vindaloo (Chapter 2) , Long & Slow Braised Crab with Pickled Garlic (Bohemian) among others …. What was wonderful to me was the excellent quality of the food which was in no way compromised …. The fish, mutton, crab and pork were really good.
This orgy of eating ended with the “Climax ”as the desserts were termed the mini Lemon Meringue Tarts and Mango Creamcheese Cupcakes (Mrs.Magpie) were stunning and Langra Pie (Balaram Mullick) made sure I had a seriously happy ending.
I am already looking forward to the next edition of Meal On and would recommend any one who likes good food or calls themselves a “foodie” not to miss out on this yummy experience.