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Manpriya Singh

Fast foods — beer, burger, cola and Americanised pizza; while the world has been all-agog to celebrate the ‘poster food’ of America, we’re not very sure about the political sounding American Independence Day! Oops, a celebration of American Independence Day? “The timing of all the events happened to be such, but above anything we are celebrating American food, prepared in American style,” Pallav Singhal, director, food and beverage, JW Marriott, shares as to what went behind the endeavour.

“The United States Department of Agriculture had already been looking at promoting their produce, like Washington apples, pistachios and walnuts. We thought of treating our guests to a food festival by using most American ingredients.” He adds, “The holidays are yet not quite over for children who love American food.”

Mix & match

The 12-day extravaganza will include cuisine from South America as well. Shares Naveen Handa, the executive chef, “While lunch will have more of salads and sandwiches, burgers and hot dogs, the dinner will be a relatively more elaborate affair.” He adds, “The South American cuisine and the Mexican influence on American cuisine (think burritos, quesadillas and the like) will be part of the menu too.”

Included in the menu, apart from the ubiquitous hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches, will be BBQ, chicken wings, home fries, nachos, salsa and cheese fondue. While the lunch will cost Rs 949 plus taxes, the dinner will cost Rs 1,349 plus taxes! Lending the carnival feel to the festival will be additionally thrown props like servers adorned in cowboy attire.

Food first

While at most things American (culinary to be precise), thrown in is yet another poster brand of America - Harley Davidson. The food festival, flagged off by GM and Himalayan Hog Members, gives Tricity residents a chance to ride a Harley Davidson. The Selfie With Food contest, will let the winner ride on the bike and also dine at The Café@JW. Take a selfie (make it interesting, while at it) with your favourite American food and share it on Marriot’s Chandigarh Facebook page.

Meanwhile, it’s time to begin with Waldorf salad, the nachos; the American treats have just begun…

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(On till July 12 at JW Marriott, Chandigarh)