Art of Afternoon Tea - The Taj West End, Bangalore

The sun shines down on an expansive lawn, the heat hovers over the plush greens. The birds are still, somewhere a little fountain babbles, flowers are gasping and the world has stopped for tea.

Come and join the group of people who revel in this kind of climate! Come and have tea on the lawn. Come and celebrate the Englishness of high tea.

Tea is best taken at the al fresco, or at least within sight of a garden. The time-honoured tradition of high tea can be enjoyed at the Taj West End Bangalore. Always enhanced by attentive yet unobtrusive service, our high tea service offers our guests an opportunity to leisurely savour one of the most established of English rituals.

In addition to traditional English high tea service of finger sandwiches, light–as- air pastries and freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and homemade preserves, the menu features high tea with a twist, such as open sandwich of smoked salmon with crème fraiche, Balsamic glazed char grilled vegetable sandwich, chocolate silk cake and feta and spinach filled pastry to name a few

An amazing twist is the Indian High tea option where one can savour Kathi rolls, masala idlis, toasties or pakoras along with a variety of Indian Chai’s.
To complement this delicious spread, the wide-ranging tea selection runs from Darjeeling to Monking Jasmine, from Earl Grey to Egyptian Cammomile.
Whenever you are looking for an ideal venue for a world class high tea experience, you may always count on an elegant setting, gracious hospitality and a truly scrumptious choice at Mynt.

MENU

VEGETARIAN
Chocolate silk cake
Olive sun dried tomato arugula on toasted baguette
Balsamic glazed char grilled vegetable sandwich
Feta and spinach filled pastry
Red onions, corn and thyme on toasted brioche
Mushroom and sage crostini

NON-VEGETARIAN
Cream scones
Berry clafoutis
Grilled chicken panini
Smoked salmon on bagel with cream
cheese and capers
Smoked ham and rucola bruschetta

Indian High Tea.

VEGETARIAN
Shakkarpare
Aloo mutter samosa
Bombay aloo toastie
Paneer kathi roll
Gun powder idli
Mirchi bhajji
Murukku

NON-VEGETARIAN
Shakkarpare
Chicken kathi roll
Keema samosa
Bombay toastie
Gunpowder idli
Mirchi bhajji
Murukku

Chai /Coffee
Dakshin kapi
Cutting chai
Masala chai
Nimbu chai
Darjeeling Chai
Assam Chai
Coffee
Badam milk
Nariyal paani

Time: 1530 hours to 1800 hours
Rate- 750 inclusive of taxes
(On prior reservations)

An all-new Experience at Kefi, Taj Club House

Rediscover the magic of the Mediterranean

To the Greeks, the word 'kefi' implies the spirit of joy, passion, enthusiasm and high spirits. Kefi at Taj Club House reflects these very emotions with its romantic ambience and the authentic Mediterranean cuisine. With an all-new menu and service experience, Kefi reinvents itself as the perfect dining destination - be it for an authentic meal from the Mediterranean, or for an unparalleled experience.

The highlight of the new menu is the introduction of Parillas or Spanish grills like bistec de solomillo, rib eye and fillete mignon, served with patatas de panadera con setas. The line-up also comprises contemporary cold mezzes - from hummus Bieruti to wark enab or Spanish escalivada topped with confit garlic rosemary, peppers and grilled prawns. An array of oven fresh breads and wraps - Manakeesh - are served with toppings like jibneh bil ajin (a savory strudel stuffed with veggies) and Halloumi cheese baked to crisp. The Lebanese grills include char grilled mixed grill platter and seafood platter, spiced ground lamb with Mediterranean spices, samak meshwi, fish char grilled and sultan kebab.

For maincourse, indulge in Aushak (leek ravioli), makaronia ke spanaki (Greek pasta), traditional tagine (bean or chicken), Chuletillas with double lamb rack, samak bil rimmam (a roulade of salmon with pomegranate reduction) and the all-time favourite, Yakneh sultan Ibrahim with braised shallots.

Add a Spanish and Turkish Twist to your meal with Mozaik - a crusty chocolate dessert or the traditional crema catalan from Spain. Of course, no Mediterranean mean ends without Baklava made with a choice of your favourite filling - pista, almond or walnut.

Soak in Kefi's rustic beauty as you dine under the stars with lilting Mediterranean music, an exotic menu, flowers, candle lights... everything that makes for a private, unobtrusive, magical evening.

Yoga - Inner Peace

Taj Westend Offers all its guest short modules of complimentary Yoga sessions on every weekend. The sessions include simple yoga asanas, relaxing practices, meditation and breathing techniques. These yoga practises help to relax muscles, ease aches and pains and recharge the mind and body. In addition private yoga sessions can be customized in terms of duration, choice of asanas and the number of participants. Private yoga sessions for senior management or delegates can also be devised.

Reading Corner in the Taj West End

Experience the joy of book reading in one of the many tranquil corners of the beautiful landscaped gardens at Taj West End. Pick up a book of your choice from the collection available at the Business Centre library or get your favorite book to read while sipping a delightful afternoon English tea served by your very own private butler.

Vivanta by Taj Whitefield, Bangalore

Note: This dining option will take you through the delicate journey of the North West frontier cuisine and also consists of all the best dishes in the menu. It also spares you from the anxiety of ordering the meal for your friends, and helps enjoy a blissful evening with us at Terracotta .Enjoy the winter nights and twinkling stars with delicately flavoured street kebabs from Amritsar, Lucknow and Lahore grilled by our chefs right in front of you at our star lit al-fresco. There will be a collection of finest whiskeys to pair with the kebabs assisted by a very friendly sommelier, just to make it a perfect evening for the corporate honchos of Bangalore.

Priced at INR 2200 onwards

About The Taj West End

Penguin Books India and The Taj West End are proud to announce the launch of The magnificent new novel from the master storyteller

River of Smoke by Amitav Ghosh

The long-awaited second book in the spellbinding Ibis Trilogy
on 27th June 2011 at The Taj West End
Amitav Ghosh will read from River of Smoke

Three years after the internationally acclaimed beginning to his masterful epic, the Ibis Trilogy, with the Man Booker Prize - shortlisted Sea of Poppies, Amitav Ghosh returns with a spectacular novel depicting the further adventures of those aboard the Ibis. As the action moves to Canton in China in a fascinating build-up to the Opium Wars, the stories of known faces as well as a host of new characters are weaved together into what is one of the greatest works of historical fiction published in recent times.

In September 1838 a storm blows up on the Indian Ocean and the Ibis, a ship carrying a consignment of convicts and indentured labourers from Calcutta to Mauritius, is caught up in the whirlwind. When the seas settle, five men have disappeared-two lascars, two convicts and one of the passengers. Did the same storm upend the fortunes of those aboard the Anahita, an opium carrier heading towards Canton? And what fate befell those aboard the Redruth, a sturdy two-masted brig heading East out of Cornwall? Was it the storm that altered their course or were the destinies of these passengers at the mercy of even more powerful forces?

On the grand scale of an historical epic, River of Smoke follows its storm-tossed characters to the crowded harbours of China. There, despite efforts of the emperor to stop them, ships from Europe and India exchange their cargoes of opium for boxes of tea, silk, porcelain and silver. Among them are Bahram Modi, a wealthy Bombay merchant, his estranged half-Chinese son Ah Fatt, the orphaned amateur botanist Paulette and a motley collection of others in pursuit of romance, riches and a legendary rare flower. All struggle to cope with their losses-and, for some, unimaginable freedoms-in the alleys and crowded waterways of nineteenth-century Canton.

As transporting and mesmerizing as an opiate induced dream, River of Smoke, the second book in Amitav Ghosh's Ibis Trilogy, will be heralded as a masterpiece of twenty-first century literature.

The Bangalore launch of the book was hosted by the Taj West End. On the occasion General manager Sanjay Sood said, "Historically, Taj West End has been actively involved in promoting and hosting authors and their work. Amitav Ghosh is one of the most well known and well recognized fiction writer from India, who has a huge fan following nationally and internationally. We feel proud and delighted to have him launch is book in the Taj West End, and we aim to continue our support to art and literature wholeheartedly."

Published by Hamish Hamilton, an imprint of Penguin Books

About the author

Amitav Ghosh was born in Calcutta and grew up in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and India. He studied at the universities of Delhi and Oxford, and has taught at a number of institutions. River of Smoke is the second in the Ibis Trilogy, the first of which, the best-selling Sea of Poppies, was shortlisted for the Man Booker prize in 2008. Ghosh's other works include The Circle of Reason,which won the Prix Médicis Étranger Award,The Shadow Lines (Sahitya Akademi Award), In an Antique Land, The Calcutta Chromosome (Arthur C. Clarke Award), Dancing in Cambodia and Other Essays, Countdown, The Glass Palace (Grand Prize for Fiction at the Frankfurt International e-books Awards),The Imam and the Indian and The Hungry Tide (Best work in English Fiction, Hutch Crossword Book Award). In 2007 he was awarded the Grinzane Cavour Prize and in 2010 the Dan David Prize. Amitav Ghosh currently divides his time between Calcutta, Goa and Brooklyn.

About The Taj West End

The Taj West End is one of the finest hotels in Bangalore.The Taj West End has welcomed guests for over a century and is more a legend than a hotel. Built in 1887, as the city's first hotel The Taj West End is an experience of luxury in refined style and warm relaxed comfort. An understated elegance and gothic architecture that has been meticulously preserved,gives The Taj West End its unique character.The Taj West End , Bangalore has also been voted the number 1 business hotel in India and 2nd amongst the Top Overseas Business Hotels in the World by "Conde Nast Traveller UK- Readers' Awards 2010". The hotel topped on various parameters including service, value for money, comfort and luxury offered to the guests. The Taj West End scored an impressive 93.22 points out of 100.

They say there are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to afternoon tea, and rightly so. At the Atrium Lounge, we are pleased to present the Champagne Afternoon Tea Experience, a tribute to the quintessential mid meal indulgence fashioned by Anna Maria Russel, the Seventh Duchess of Bedford.

Bandra has always had an idyllic and romantic aura about it. Mumbai's endless clamor somehow stops at the boundaries of this eclectic suburb and the British and Portuguese colonialists seem to have left behind not just their legacy of churches but also siesta and laid-back afternoon teas. Nestled in quaint bungalows along the hushed by lanes of Bandra, you will still see the ladies of the house enjoying a tranquil midday and indulging in this time-honored tradition of afternoon tea.

At the Atrium Lounge, afternoon tea has acquired a sense of ceremony where a historical tradition meets contemporary sophistication. Our Chef's passionately craft only the most decadent confections and the most delicate savouries to serve up a spread of short eats that are accompanied by a cup of tea or a fine flute of bubbly.

The extensive buffet spread includes flaky warm savoury chicken mince turnovers, onion and corn pithivier, delicate smoked salmon finger sandwiches, english fruit cake and orange butter cake, seasonal fruit tartlets, potted ginger cream brulee, berry pannacotta shot and macadamia and chocolate cookies accompanied by homemade preserves. Our vast array of teas is quite noteworthy too, from the ubiquitous Masala Chai to a selection of exotic blends such as the Egyption Camomile, Hajua Silver Leaf Assam, Lapsong Suchong and Makaibari Golden Leaf. All this, in an ambience of understated elegance serenaded only by the sound of a soft piano.

Exquisite, indeed.

Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces has opened its new premium city hotel in the IT nerve centre of Bangalore on December 15, 2008. The hotel also bears a new name and identity: "Vivanta by Taj - Whitefield, Bangalore" and is slotted in the "upper upscale" segment. The stunningly designed hotel arrests attention, being located right at the entry-point of the ITPB (International Tech Park, Bangalore) at Whitefield in East Bangalore. With this, the Taj now operates five hotels in the city.

Guests will notice a new hospitality experience at Vivanta: touching all the senses. The customer's interaction with hotels was studied & a series of touch-points have been engineered: to energize as well as relax the guest. Starting with the limousine, which has touches like games, massage seat, direct connect phone to the hotel, a signature brand aroma in the lobby, the experiences continue all across. The mini-bar in the room stocks a range of health drinks and is called ‘Treat Yourself’. On offer in the rooms are yoga mats with instructions for simple ‘asnas’. In all of the F&B outlets too there will be such small surprises in store.

Vivanta by Taj - Whitefield, Bangalore is slated to be the ultimate urban escape & a perfect spot for work or play.

'ANISE', is a stylish, innovative, high energy 24 X 7 international all day dining hub at Taj Coromandel that emphasizes elegance, vibrance and epicurean passion by showcasing its World cuisine in addition to Oriental and North Western Frontier specialties.

Offering guests unmatched luxury in a semi-formal environment, this 100 seat restaurant displays the most expressive buffet in town and is perfect for light meal as well as relaxing full dining experience, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks during interim periods.

The highlight of dining at ANISE is the chef-driven interactive meal experience at the interactive food theatre with master chefs creating epicurean wonders and also helping customers understand the culinary creativity.

The restaurant boasts a new beverage menu that includes seasonal fresh fruit shakes, exotic fruit smoothies, single origin coffees, speciality coffees, selection of teas and naughty martinis.

This bright and cheerful restaurant, which overlooks the picturesque swimming pool, with its elegant wooden furniture and delicate upholstery gives a warm feeling of relaxed comfort. The interiors are designed by renowned architect and interior design firm, Chhada Siembieda and Associates Ltd., based out of Hong Kong.

The swanky international restaurant serving world cuisine will play specially selected music by in-house DJ Eddy ranging from Hip Hop, Blues, Soul, Retro, Rock and Pop. The collection of music, which changes by the season, sets the mood according to the meal period.

ANISE at Taj Coromandel promises to be an entertaining, vibrant and high energy culinary destination with true luxury in the inimitable Taj style.

Differentiation was getting dangerously low due to clutter within the luxury market, fierce competition from global brands, thin media budgets, and the ever-elusive luxury customer in search of new expereinces. The need of the hour was to elucidate the Taj experience in a fresh way.

In a world where "luxury" is becoming more generic, it was important to communicate the Taj portfolio and resultingexperiences - unique, authentic, rare, and tailored to each destination and each visitor; quirky, original and unpredictable, but always the ultimate in luxury - "no room for the ordinary".

The resulting campaign comprised eight advertisements on two distinct platforms: "Perspectives", capturing the precious individuality of the Taj in unusual compositions; and "Portraits", focusing on unique and successful individuals enjoying unexpected pursuits.

Within markets where the campaign was exposed, the Taj group showed impressive growth.

Taj Residency, Bangalore welcomes guests to an authentic Indian Luxury Spa experience with the newly launched JIVA Spa. Blending ancient Indian wisdom with contemporary therapies, JIVA Spa unveils the best in rejuvenation therapies ranging from aromatherapy massages, time-honoured Indian treatments, body scrubs and wraps, and signature treatments.

Located in the lower levels of the hotel, JIVA at Taj Residency offers personalized and customized Spa packages for the busy and stressed business traveler. Also available are special programmes for mid session breaks during meetings and conferences where a quick head massage, foot and back massage will help to relax the mind and body and ensure that one is completely recharged for the next session.

The Spa also offers a blend of experiences for both resident and non-resident guests. For guests short on time, there are compact yet effective rejuvenating spa and beauty treatments. Long staying resident guests can look forward to specially designed spa packages that also offer cuisine regime by the chef and nutritionist.

Special corporate team packages that are a combination of spa treatments and are spread between experiences at the pool, gym, spa and salon are also available at the Spa, and are perfect as an incentive to team members or to enhance team bonding. These experiences can also be customized as per company requirements.

The emphasis being holistic treatment of the mind and body, the whole ambience of JIVA Spa is tranquility enhanced by soothing music, gentle lighting and a well-planned décor. Everything works in harmony to provide guests a truly comforting experience that leaves them relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated.

'PREGO', the newly launched stylish and innovative Italian restaurant at Taj Coromandel provided wine enthusiasts a rare opportunity to appreciate the art of 'wine tasting' and the perfect way to match delectable Italian cuisine and wine with Gaia Gaja, a connoisseur of wines on Wednesday July 30^th, 2008. A unique menu was specially created and developed by Chef Nabhojit Ghosh and Chef Giovanna Marson for the wine appreciation session. At Prego, 'Wine sessions with international experts' are a regular feature and a favorite among the people of Chennai.

Taj Coromandel hosted a 'Lord Jeffery Archer conversation over cocktails evening' in association with Landmark. Lord Archer regaled the eclectic gathering with his experiences as an author. Taj Coromandel served the finest wines, cheese boards, cigars and single malts, and a special English menu for dinner.

Upper Deck, the elegant open-air restaurant, unveils a new menu with a multitude of epicurean treasures. Upper Deck introduces Chennai to some carefully selected highest pedigree Angus beef Tenderloin, along with other delicious fare such as tiger prawns, fresh seafood platter, harissa and pesto, Moroccan lamb chops and Algerian cilantro chicken. Vegetarian delicacies include the trio of crepes - saffron polenta, handmade trofie, trochetti or risottos and other appetizing fare. The unique selection of desserts encompasses Turkey originated baklava with honey, fruit mélange and the incredible dates sticky toffee pudding.

Taj Spa introduces short modules of Yoga practices for mid-session breaks during conferences and meetings. The sessions include simple yoga asanas, relaxing practices, meditation and breathing techniques. These yoga practises help to relax muscles, ease aches and pains and recharge the mind and body. The Yoga sessions can be customized in terms of duration, choice of asanas and the number of participants. Private yoga sessions for senior management or delegates can also be devised.

This experience is available at select Taj hotels, resorts and palaces: Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, Rambagh Palace, Jaipur, Taj Exotica, Fort Aguada Beach Resort, and Taj Holiday Village, Goa, Fisherman's Cove, Chennai, Taj Green Cove Resort, Kovalam, Taj Malabar, Cochin, Usha Kiran Palace, Gwalior and Taj Exotica, Bentota, Sri Lanka.

Experience an intimate Nature Walk at The Taj West End, a 20 acre luxury hotel, with invaluable heritage and luxury. The Walk conducted by the Naturalist Consultant Vijay Thiruvady takes one along a variety of heritage trees such as an ancient Peepal tree, a Cluster Fig tree, Sheesham, Gulmohur and Jamun trees, amidst tranquil water-bodies, fringed by tall palms and four grand 120-year-old Cycads. A century-old tamarind tree offers sprawling shade to diners on the patio near the swimming pool. The Nature Walk also takes guests through the two well preserved century old buildings within the premises. The walk ends in a relaxed setting to enjoy coffee, tea and freshly baked cookies.

This spacious restaurant offers a scintillating view of the beautifully lit Palace of the King of Mewar and the sparkling waters of Lake Pichola. While gazing at mesmerizing sunsets, one can soak in the serene ambience and unwind and indulge in the finer things of life.

Offering Asian fusion cuisine, this restaurant features exquisite delicacies which include seafood and meats such as soft-shelled crabs, Canadian wild salmon, Australian Lamb, Chilean Sea Bass, and Muscovy duck. Vegetarian specialties include a variety of fresh mushrooms, tofu, white asparagus, sugar snap peas and kalian. Even the cocktail menu is a journey here.

Taj Spa offers luxurious Indian and Bhutanese signature spa therapies and experiences, drawing on the rich and ancient wellness traditions of both countries. Within two months of opening, the Spa has been featured in the Conde Nast Traveler Hot List 2008. One of the spa's exotic signature treatments is:

MANDA SNÃNÃ: Intoxicating Bhutanese Bath Treatment: This is a truly luxurious treatment of deep exfoliation, a hot stone bath and a relaxing massage. The journey begins with an invigorating exfoliation with a scrub of poppy seeds and local therapeutic herbs. A traditional bath with hot stones then miraculously eases away all the stress. The minerals help to ease tired muscles, relieve stiffness, revitalize and re-hydrate the body. A soothing massage wraps up the regal experience leaving you radiant and in a sublime state.

Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces and CC Africa are all set to launch the next two lodges in October 2008.

Banjaar Tola will be situated on the banks of Banjaar River, directly overlooking the heart of Kanha National Park. Banjaar Tola will comprise three camps of 9 well appointed luxury suite tents with influences from the local Bastar and Dogra art. Kanha is one of the nine reserves selected by 'Project Tiger' in 1973 and is the project's success story.

Pashan Garh located in Panna National Park, is perched on top of a small hill, with magnificent views of the forest. This lodge will feature 12 stone cottages, inspired by the dry-packed stone houses of the Panna region. Panna is home to the majestic tiger and links the eastern and western population of wild animals through the Vindhya ranges.