Keeping with the traditions, ITC Grand Central Hotel, a luxury brand collection hosted the customary Christmas cake mixing ceremony with much fanfare. The event was filled with conversations, cheer, laughter and a delicious buffet to enjoy.
During the ceremony, Bhagwan Balani, General Manager, Executive Chef Paul Noronha and other HOD’s, and associates led the team to mix an array of fruits (raisins, dried apricots, glazed red, orange peel, tutti-frutti, black currants, dates, figs and prunes), nuts (walnuts, cashew, almond flakes and pistachio) and spices (ground cardamom, cinnamon and cloves).
Anu Malik, Indian National Award and Filmfare Award winner, Bollywood’s leading music composer along with his family also joined the cake mixing ritual. Malik was stunned to see the enthusiasm of every participant who attended the event and was happily allowing guests to click selfies with him.
The ceremony was a grand feast for all those who attended, fabulous exclusive delicacies of Christmas specialities were displayed on a large set up of buffet counter. There were numerous wines, liquors, cocktail and mocktail were also served, which was enjoyed by all guests. The hotel staff and guests rolled up their sleeves and participated in a hearty mixing of dry fruits and nuts for plum cakes with spirits.
Music director Anu Malik with his family and GM Bhagwan Balani at cake mixing ceremony (Photo: Mewati Sitaram)
Besides, endless bottles of spirits and syrups like golden syrup or honey were poured into the mix and a number of gloved hands kneaded the concoction tirelessly to make the perfect Christmas cake. “While cheering up with Champagne, the more to mix, the merrier the feast!” Bhagwan Balani, GM said, adding, the mixing is a ritual start of the festive season.
Balani said, “Festivals break all boundaries and bring people together in celebration. The Christmas cake mixing dates back ages ago and in keeping with this tradition, we at Asia Hotel decided to host this customary party with hotel guests, leading journalists, special invitees and a few of our close friends”.
Balani adds, “We ITC Grand Central Hotel family strongly believe and are proud of our cultural diversity. We wish that this Christmas and coming year would be full of happiness for all our guests. We are very happy that so many hotel guests and invitees took part in this ritual”.
Paul Noronha, Executive Chef, ITC Grand Central expressed “Christmas is no fun without the traditional Christmas cake and making this cake is no quick and easy task. Preparations begin months in advance. During this ceremony, the chefs and all our executives participate in this ritual. We consider this a ritual to usher in the festive season, the good tidings, happiness and lots of Christmas cakes”.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
