A Charity Dinner like No Other at the Orient Express




Trust the Taj group of Hotels to pull out all stops for a charity meal where all proceeds go to the Tata Memorial Hospital, more specifically to the children fighting malignancy.

While their patrons across cities comprise of the most well heeled, they did not put any price to the memorable meal, instead encouraged all invitees to come together to celebrate the festival of giving and make a difference in whichever way to the lives of the young survivors. We were only to carry along our pan card and cheque book to validate the source of welfare. Quite rightfully.

It was the perfect Diwali Eve celebration with Chef Mathew Varghese from the Orient Express at the Taj Diplomatic Enclave and his team presenting the most outstanding menu designed for the guests. Starting with the mushroom cappuccino with truffle foam to the roast New Zealand lamb and the cheese soufflĂ©, it was divine in every way; be it texture, taste or presentation. The hotel sure played its part in being the perfect purveyors of change with the minutest attention to detail conspicuous, in the  “A La Heart” .




The sea bass preparation was the tastiest I have ever had, made with vermouth and veloute sauce, crusted from the base. The goat cheese ravioli with roasted pine nuts and reggiano foam, turned me into a ravioli lover overnight. Every bite of our individual main-course dish had us mesmerized, going to show how everything was made with the same love and expertise, not to forget exquisite ingredients.

Of course, we were not left thirsty with a sufficient supply of wines and bubbly flowing and glasses being refilled as conversation unfolded. They even had a Sauvignon Blanc and a Pinot Grigio made especially for the Taj Group, from estates in News Zealand and Italy respectively. We soon switched our sparkling wine for these select wines that we knew we won’t find on stepping out of the hotel. They were fruity yet not sweet with a luring bouquet.

This was one indulgence that did not leave any guilt pangs as apart from the spirit of the festivity, it was all for a cause. 


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