The Essence of The Northeast Makes its Way to Namma Ooru

~ An Innovative Exploratory Trail of The Mystical Naga Cuisine and Flavours~ 

Bengaluru, 4th March 2023: The Leela Bhartiya Bengaluru is home to The Lotus Oriental. The Lotus Oriental will be hosting Chef Alistair Lethorn, a celebrated Naga cuisine chef and expert. The Pop up is inspired by the Essence of the Northeast, also where it derives its name from. The specialty pop up is a first for both The Leela Bhartiya City and Chef Alistair who has partnered with the culinary team of The Lotus Oriental to ensure the Pop up is as authentic as possible. 

The pop-up comes in light of celebrating the rich heritage of the Naga cuisine and what it has to offer. The cuisine is a symphony of delicate flavors and precision which comes together seamlessly under Chef Alistair’s watch. The Essence of The Northeast promises to be one of the most innovative and uniquely authentic pop-ups in the city in recent times. Chef Alistair is known for his ingredients which are the highlight of the cuisine, he is renowned for working with the formidable king chili and combining the heat from the spices and chillies with the softness of the ginger flowers and wild herbs. Freshly sourced proteins and produce make the experience all the more worth it and definitely something to look forward to. 

Chef Alistair is a maestro in the kitchen and has worked relentlessly over the years to perfect his recipes and flavor combinations. The menu boasts of a variety of veg and non veg signature dishes. Relish in the deliciously spiced pickled buff in Naga Ginger or enjoy some Lamb in Axone, ginger and mustard greens. For the veggie lover there is a lovely selection of Stir fried veggies with Axone and charred tomatoes or the simple and effective Galho, the Naga Khichdi. End the meal on a sweet note with a simple yet delectable black rice pudding. 

To add to the fanfare, what makes the pop up even more exciting is their partnership with Suntory by Roku. Gin is known to accentuate and elevate Naga flavors and pairs beautifully with the cuisine and balances its smokiness with a tang. The custom curated cocktails go perfectly with the intricate flavors and smokiness of the beautifully and thoughtfully crafted menu. Boasting of refreshing Naga Highballs and Galho Sours, there is a  wide selection to choose from. 

Where: The Lotus Oriental, The Leela Bhartiya City

When: 4th & 5th March 2023 

Menu: Specially crafted Set Menu and Ala Carte Menu available 

Price: INR 2800 all inclusive 

Ticket Link: https://in.bookmyshow.com/activities/the-essence-of-northeast/ET00353233

About The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts:

Headquartered in Mumbai, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts is owned by a Brookfield Asset Management-sponsored private real estate fund and operates eleven award-winning properties in major cities and leisure destinations across India. These include the flagship hotel in the capital city of New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Udaipur, Jaipur, Gurugram, East Delhi, Goa, Mumbai and Gandhinagar.  The Leela celebrates each hotel through its unique location, art, culture and cuisine with thoughtful services, celebratory rituals, and immersive experiences. The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts was voted the World’s Best Hotel Brand two years in a row by Travel + Leisure, USA, World’s Best Awards Survey, 2020 and 2021.  The brand is well poised to embrace the next phase in its growth trajectory with upcoming projects which includes a business hotel in Hyderabad. An epitome of true Indian luxury hospitality, The Leela is committed to providing guests with unforgettable stays in settings that capture the essence of India. The brand has a marketing alliance with US-based Preferred Hotels & Resorts and is a member of the Global Hotel Alliance.

For more information, please visit our website www.theleela.com and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Chef Alistair Lethorn: 

Food is more than just what is plated, it is the journey that brings those ingredients together. And with Chef Alistair’s culinary masterpieces, every bite embodies generations of heralded recipes from the mystical culture of Nagaland.

While he nurtured his passion for culinary arts at the ripe age of 17, he worked in the IT industry for 10 years before turning it into a career. Since 2017, Chef Al has brought his craft to several kitchens at popular eateries like Soho House and Mag Street Kitchen in Mumbai, and Bomras and Hideaway in Goa.

His ‘Smoked Pork in Axone’ and ‘Pickled Buff’ are only some of the many signature dishes that people have come to love over the years. His distinct flavors are influenced and inspired by earthy ingredients, sprinkled with a love for wild herbs, and enhanced by years spent perfecting modern Naga cuisine. Through ‘Al’s Kitchen’ and his tours around the world, Chef Al adds nuance to comforting yet groundbreaking meals, taking every patron on a deletable and unforgettable journey.

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