Holiday Inn, Cochin
‘Masala’ & ‘Roma’ The New
Havens to Experience Culinary Bliss!!
By Lt Col (Retd) D Purushothaman Pillay
The Holiday Inn, Cochin under the able and astute
stewardship of the new GM Mr Raju Shreshta, has definitely scaled up its act, a
few notches, and has emerged, as one of the best run hotels in Kochi today.
Towards the end of the last year though, the services left a lot to be desired.
But then, thereafter on the many occasions since April this year, when we had both stayed
and dined, at this fabulously located and well-appointed hotel, the feeling
that pervaded the experience, was one of extreme satisfaction in stately comfort.
There is a palpable passion one senses, in the hospitality experienced from
this new enthusiastic team.
Thanks to the popular Priority Plus Club membership,
the two restaurants - the all day dining 'Masala' & the Italian speciality 'Roma', one 24 hour coffee shop 'Deli KC' and the elegant sports bar 'Stadia', have become bustling, favored hubs, for both the members, and the hotel patrons, to entertain guests. As also a venue to wind down, relax and get pampered, at the
end of a hard day. There is a discernible improvement in the selection of cuisine and efficiency of customer service, with the refreshing arrival of the new, experienced and energetic F&B Manager Bharathi Perumal. All the eateries, now wear a well-organized look about them.
The major architect of this positive turn around, we noticed in the quality of food, buffet selection and cuisine choice, is the man who dons the Dodin Bouffant here, the genial, perenially black jacketed, giant, Michael Saju, their multi-talented, Executive Sous-Chef. He is indeed an all-round ace, Rotisseur/Grillardin/Poissonnier & Patissier, all rolled into one. This was personally evidenced by a lucky few of us, for whom he had put together, a most delectable dinner, when we occasioned to wisely choose the warm and welcoming 'Masala' just the other night, for the celebration of a special birthday. The event was made overwhelmingly memorable, with the thoughtful selection and painstaking preparation, of a most exquisite choice of dishes, personally prepared by Michael.
The major architect of this positive turn around, we noticed in the quality of food, buffet selection and cuisine choice, is the man who dons the Dodin Bouffant here, the genial, perenially black jacketed, giant, Michael Saju, their multi-talented, Executive Sous-Chef. He is indeed an all-round ace, Rotisseur/Grillardin/Poissonnier & Patissier, all rolled into one. This was personally evidenced by a lucky few of us, for whom he had put together, a most delectable dinner, when we occasioned to wisely choose the warm and welcoming 'Masala' just the other night, for the celebration of a special birthday. The event was made overwhelmingly memorable, with the thoughtful selection and painstaking preparation, of a most exquisite choice of dishes, personally prepared by Michael.
I have to make a special mention, of a selection of a few standouts, from the four great courses;
he meticulously dished out that night. Starting with the hors d'oeuvres, in
which we were presented with some lusciously moist, "Jattuni Paneer
Tikka" or Olive Marinated Cottage Cheese. The interplay of the delicate flavors
of the olive paste and hung yoghurt tablets, well seasoned in a secret blend of
the Chef's special Indian spices, on a slice of scalded onion was absolutely
divine.
This was accompanied with an amazing entree -
"Thai Grilled Sea Bass", marinated overnight in a complex blend of
Thai red curry paste, sweet basil, lemon juice, cumin powder and coconut paste
marinade. Bathed in this sapid seasoning, the innate natural succulence of the
fish was infinitely enhanced.
What followed in the main course, to the accompaniment of some exclusive red wine, was one of the best
steaks. We literally drooled over the "Minute Steak with Lemon & Coconut Reduction" steeped
in a paste comprising of lemongrass, Kaffir lime leaves, galangal, coconut
paste, Thai red chili and green curry mix. That was one, low fat sour-cream
topped, paprika sprinkled, herb-garnished, hot slab of beef, which will never
be forgotten. The "Braised Lamb Shanks" which we all indulgently wolfed down, were out of this world, 'shake-off-the-bone' perfect, my mouth is watering, at the very memory of that first bite into that unbelievably succulent mutton. I really wished, that night, that I had a second stomach, to repeat this pleasurable gastronomic delight, one more time. It was one of those rare nights, you never want to end.
Finally, the swoon-worthy dessert ensemble, had an
unforgettable star attraction in a romantic, Rose Petal Ice Cream, one with
great color and fragrance, certainly an ice cream which smelt as good as it
tasted.
The Birthday cake for the pretty lady, escorted by a huge, cheering contingent of the waiting staff, followed by their spontaneous, full throated rendition of the 'Happy Birthday' tune at the end of the meal, was most special. I literally had tears running down my cheek, bearing witness to this most wonderful gesture. That night their exceptional legion of hospitality volunteers, walked right into our hearts. They created a special memory, that would remain a 'forever keepsake'.
The Birthday cake for the pretty lady, escorted by a huge, cheering contingent of the waiting staff, followed by their spontaneous, full throated rendition of the 'Happy Birthday' tune at the end of the meal, was most special. I literally had tears running down my cheek, bearing witness to this most wonderful gesture. That night their exceptional legion of hospitality volunteers, walked right into our hearts. They created a special memory, that would remain a 'forever keepsake'.
Holiday Inn, Cochin, ever since Michael Saju took
charge as the culinary helmsman, is a parade of piquant flavors, which satiates
the stomach, as much as it stirs up the soul. Together with him, the smart and handsome Restaurant Manager Vaibhav Shah, is omnipresent, and ever smiling while pandering to the whims of the diners. He is a reassuring presence @ Masala. I must tell you that, this magnanimous soul, goes out of his way to indulge his guests and ensure they go back happy and fully satisfied. The Rs 900 odd, for their elaborate buffet, is indeed an attractive steal, just not worth missing, for anyone who enjoys good food or has pretensions to being labeled a 'Kochi Foodie'. Go and
enjoy some of the best, most elaborate, creative and satisfying feasts in Kochi
at either the 'Masala' or 'Roma' restaurants, at Holiday Inn. I bet, you would be spoilt to a fault, and will keep returning for more!!!
Tele Numbers :-
Reception/Reservations- +91484-3319000/4199000
Fax - +91484-4199111
Fax - +91484-4199111
F & B Manager Mr Bharathi Perumal - +918129497435
Restaurant Manager Mr Vaibhav Shah -+918129497453
Sous-Chef Mr Michael Saju - +918129497451
Facebook Link :-
Website :-
Address :-
Holiday Inn, Cochin
33/1739 A Chakkaraparambu Junction,National Highway
Bypass,
Vennala, Cochin – 682028
Kerala, India
