As Raajkutir gears up to celebrate its first anniversary, the 19th-century rajbari-turned-boutique hotel has curated a spectacular series of festive-themed dinners and celebratory events. We dropped in on a special gourmet showcase featuring a teaser of all the experiences which the hotel has set up to ring in the Yuletide cheer and of course, the new year.
We could hear some merry carolling as we entered the commodious courtyard of Raajutir last Saturday evening. As we ventured towards the East India Room with a glass of mulled wine, we found an exceptionally stocked Christmas goodies counter where we spotted some pretty gingerbread houses, cookies, cupcakes and dry puddings. Foodies can stock up on these incredible holiday edibles from Raajkutir itself. We helped ourselves to some delicious mini mincemeat pies as we explored the winter barbecue set-up.
Raajkutir has acquired renown for bridging the gap between Bengal’s culinary heritage and modern tastes with notable additions to the menu, like Satyajit Ray’s favourite grilled Calcutta Beckty Meuniere and a fancy rendition of the beloved Dacre’s Lane Stew. For the holiday season, Raajkutir has organised a range of experiences targeting all demographics where you can let your hair down with your folks and sample the finest spreads in the city.
The winter barbecue dinner, for instance, will go on till February 1, and features a number of easy grilled options which you can pair with the choicest of beverages. We found a fantastic appetiser section featuring grilled chicken, jacket potatoes and other hassle-free hors d'oeuvres which make for party-friendly finger food and let you socialise without having to reach for a napkin. We helped ourselves to some noodles from the live counter and of course, some more mulled wine. But our recommendation would be the BBQ Pork which was as juicy as a skewered entree can get.
Raajkutir will also host a Masquerade Dinner on Christmas Eve, where you can finally go all out with your cocktail attire and dramatic masks as you gorge on the Yuletide menu; the dinner will feature unlimited pass around canapes and liquor, table-to-table music, bonfire, and even a personalised service design with an assigned butler.
On Christmas noon, you can head over to the East India Room for its Christmas Community Table for a family lunch where you will also find some unplugged live music. Stay away from the maddening frenzy on New Year’s Eve by going on a regal staycation at Raajkutir, where you can also indulge in a candle-lit dinner. If you want to ring in the new year with at the boutique property but are planning to sleep in, skip breakfast and head over to the New Year’s Bubbly Breakfast Brunch where you can indulge in some champagne with your brunch squad.