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I made a return to the Hyatt this weekend. K and I had such a wonderful dinner the last time that we went, I knew I would jump at another opportunity to return there.
Well, the Hyatt, Four Seasons Wines, and Weber Grills provided one such opportunity on Saturday – a lovely invitation for a few bloggers to take part in a cook-out by the pool.
Wine was served to lighten up the atmosphere and to encourage everyone to mingle. I picked out a rich Cabernet Sauvignon and we settled in by the pool to get to know each other better.
Unlike last time, this wasn’t a sit-down meal. We actually got our hands dirty making the food, and trying out the Weber grills for ourselves.
This is what we were asked to make:
- Spinach and ricotta tortellini
- Grilled chicken
It was so much fun. The hotel staff handed out aprons and chef hats along with some brief instructions. We quickly divided ourselves into tables and got going.
It was a pretty competitive atmosphere with each table trying to get the best food (and best looking food) within the allotted time.
Here’s a shot of us in our aprons and chef hats. I have to say it got pretty hot with that hat and all that grilling.
Our food wasn’t the best looking. Some other bloggers managed to create some really good-looking plates, but the folks who came to sample our food said ours was perfectly done 🙂 .
I must say I was really kicked about getting to try the grills. This was my first grilling experience and I loved it. It was so easy and so much fun. I really love the outdoorsy and social atmosphere that comes with grilling. As soon as I came back, I did a little googling, and have now decided that a grill would be the perfect addition to our terrace garden.
I am particularly impressed by the compactness and simplicity of the One-touch grill.
After all that grilling and giggling, we settled in for a pasta lunch (not what we cooked) and some amazing dessert.
The pasta was pretty unique. The sauce was a saffron-based cream sauce and I loved the extra flavor that the saffron provided. I am definitely going to add a pinch of saffron to the next creamy pasta I make at home.
And what do I say about the desserts? The chocolate mousse was heaven. I lapped it up in seconds. The chocolate-dipped strawberry was also great. The other dessert was a mango cupcake which was a little dry and crumbly. It was tasty but since I am not fond of fruity desserts I gave it a pass.
All in all, it was a great day with some great conversations and great food.
I came away from this event feeling like I learnt a lot. I got the opportunity to speak to the CEO of Four Season Wines about pairing wine with food. I got to meet really talented bloggers – Nilu who has such an awesome style blog, Swati from Stylebees, and Shweta – a food blogger and entrepreneur who blogs here.
I came away feeling like such a blogging novice but at the same time inspired by all the blogenergy around me (yes, I just invented the word 🙂 ). I received tons of good advice and encouragement. One piece of advice really stood out. All the bloggers were exchanging business cards, and they were pretty shocked that I didn’t have anything. They were also pretty shocked that I was taking pictures with my dinky little point and shoot while everyone else had these professional level cameras.
Well, the camera might be too much of an investment, but I definitely made notes on designing my business card. I am not going to get caught napping at the next blogger event I attend!
All in all a great time, and huge thanks to the amazing staff at the Hyatt, Four Seasons Wines, and Weber Grills for hosting this event and all the fun times.
It was a truly amazing day!
About Four Seasons
Enjoying a glass of wine is like holding a story by the stem. Theme, character, composition – critical elements of a story, all find expression in India’s most awarded range of wines – Four Seasons. The award-winning range of wines have been crafted with the technical expertise of Bouvet-Ladubay, France and perfectly complement different styles of cuisines.
The varietal range available in three reds, three whites and a rose, has been styled to suit the diversity of the Indian palate. Hence, one will find the wines fairly fruit forward, with a good balance.
The premium range of Four Seasons Barrique Reserve Collection, available in two popular varietals – Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, are made in limited batches and undergo a nine-month maturation in new French oak barrels that lends these wines a subtle complexity, an enigmatic bouquet, a velvety texture and a lingering finish – truly living up to their reserve designation.
Enjoy the experience of unravelling, sip by exquisite sip, the heart, body and soul of this unique Indian wine story – Four Seasons.
About Weber
US based, Weber® is the world’s leading manufacturer of charcoal grills, gas grills and grilling accessories. Weber is about delicious barbecue food and fun, entertaining times with friends and family. Weber® organises interactive cookout sessions and grilling demos in India for anyone who would like to learn more about grilling. Weber® grill brand products are sold throughout India.
For information on Weber®, grilling tips and delicious Weber® recipes visit – Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/weberbbqindia / Website: www.weberindia.com / Customer Care toll free number 1800.102.3102.
About Hyatt Bangalore MG Road
Hyatt Bangalore MG Road is not only the first Hyatt hotel in Bangalore, it is also the only international hotel brand in the city’s Central Business District at this time. Ensconced in a green oasis in the heart of the city, it is an intimate and lush haven for the business traveller. Modern décor, award-winning restaurants, and enthusiastic service ensure a welcoming stay for our guests.
Find them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HyattBangaloreMGRoad
WOW!
Found ya!!! Such a lovely experience it was wasnt it? I’m so glad I got to meet you and the rest! Take care <3
Love Nilu Yuleena,
from
BIG hair LOUD mouth BLOG
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BLOGLOVIN
@NiluYuleena:disqus Ya, super great 🙂 See you around
What a fun experience. All the food looks delish! I had no idea bloggers all carry business cards these days. 🙂
@jama: I had no idea too. I was quite bemused by the very businesslike way cards were exchanged back and forth 🙂
That all looks like fun and what great food! I can tell you had a good time.
@tinaculbertson:disqus Oh, yes. It was a lot of fun. Thanks for visiting and commenting 🙂
What an amazing opportunity! And don’t be intimidated by the cameras. I’ve seen some really awesome shots taken with a phone camera.
@BethFishReads:disqus It was a great opportunity. I loved the experience of grilling, and also making the tortellini (which I haven’t tried before).
I know about the camera thing. A DSLR is expensive, and I am such an average and unenthusiastic photographer that it would be a total waste.