Chef’s Table: Farm to Fork Experience at Courtyard by Marriott Aravali Resort in Faridabad

NEW DELHI: Courtyard by Marriott, Aravali Resort, the exclusive getaway in serene surroundings of the lush Aravali-chain of mountains, recently hosted a weekend retreat for a select audience to offer an experience of Farm to Fork with Executive Chef Shibendu Ray Chaudhury.

The invitees were acquainted with the processes undertaken by the management and the Chef to grow fresh organic produce, harvest it from the Farm, and serve it straight on the table.

At a distance of about 40 km from New Delhi, the Courtyard by Marriott Aravali Resort is a 158 keys Delhi – NCR resort. Styled in a free-flowing shape and featuring beautifully landscaped gardens, it has a unique pool, breath-taking villas, a spa, a kids club, an activity center and plenty of green cover.

This weekend, the sparkling morning began with a trip to the village trail. The guests were taken to the large expanses of farmland commissioned by the resort where farmers are encouraged to follow sustainable practices to grow a fresh product that is pesticide-free. The proximity to the verdant farmlands reduces the travel time and preserves vital nutrients of the vegetables without them being lost in transit.

The group of invitees were delighted to touch and feel the growing vegetables in the farms and also had the pleasure of pulling out some root vegetables, having them washed and peeled and then chopped, sprinkled with fresh lemon juice, and served on a platter for tasting right away. The balmy, sunny weather, a cool breeze of an early spring afternoon, and the fragrance of fresh greens around made the afternoon a joyous occasion for the guests.

Post a sumptuous picnic from the hampers carried by the Chef the party moved back to the resort to prepare for the exclusive Chef’s Table dinner. In the gathering dusk the group of select guests gathered around an exquisitely laid out table, and were served a refreshing welcome drink Litchi Lemon Grass Belini. Thereafter the Chef addressed the invitees taking them through the culinary journey of the specially curated menu for the evening.

He elaborated upon the Farm to Fork journey of the vegetables and the final flourish used to serve an aromatic seven-course dinner. The splendid dinner began with Prarambh, inverted Golgappe, semolina crumble, sprouts and fresh tamarind sauce.

The following courses included flat leaf Kale Fritters with organic baby tomatoes, Himalayan Cheese Souffle with stone ground spices, Raab, a pearl millet broth infused with spices and Beetroot Dumplings with curry sauce to name a few. The dishes made from the freshly plucked and harvested produce from the farms were succulent and just melted in the mouth leaving an aftertaste, which only freshly harvested crops can produce.

Another highlight of the evening, the stylish and aromatic cocktail Garden Sonic G&T infused with fresh coriander and a celery stem used as a stirrer, rendered the drink luscious and simply magical.

During the course of the meticulously planned meal Chef Shibendu took the guests through a visual trajectory informing them about the vision behind the dishes, food at the hotel, and his vision for the forthcoming hydroponically grown produce which is the next step in this journey towards self-sufficiency being proposed by the hotel. These eco-friendly practices and the attention paid to ensuring delicious recipes made from organic local produce renders Courtyard by Marriott Resort as an exclusive place where the tranquility of lush surroundings is enhanced by the fragrant aromas of freshly harvested vegetables and a delectable cuisine. The resort also espouses the cause of sustainability.

Little more about Courtyard by Marriott Aravali Resort

This Faridabad resort has a grand lobby with exquisite interiors, wide open spaces, and plenty of natural light making this an ideal place to relax. Aravali Lawns are located adjacent to the Grand Sapphire ballroom, offering an integrated facility to our guests spread across 1000 square meters and serving as an ideal venue for fairytale weddings and memorable meetings.

Vital Stats :

Address: 96c6+H49, Gothda Mohbtabad, Faridabad, Haryana 121001

TOLL FREE: +91-129-350-0900

Instagram: Social Media Handles: @cymarriottaravali