|
Mumbai, December 3, 2009: The legendary Wasabi and the historical Harbour Bar at the
iconic The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai reopened their doors on Dec 3, 2009.
“Today, we have come one more step closer to fulfilling our promise of rebuilding the
Taj to its former glory. Taj has always reinvented itself since it was born decades
ago and this is what makes it the icon that it is. The opening of Wasabi and Harbour
Bar is an important milestone in the resurrection of The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower.
We are delighted to reopen its doors for guests, old and new.” said Mr. Karambir Kang,
General Manager, The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower.
Wasabi offers its guests an opportunity to discover the hidden secrets of the exquisite
and authentic Japanese culinary treasures. Guests will be happy to know that the
ever popular old menu has been retained completely – they can still order any of
their favourite dishes. However, Executive Chef Hemant Oberoi and his team have
incorporated 14 new dishes, including new kinds of sushi, salads, cold dishes and
even an authentic Japanese Curry.
Grand Executive Chef Hemant Oberoi, The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower says “My team and I
travelled in Japan, did extensive research and studied the evolution of the cuisine
in its homeland. What we have brought back with us, is truly the most authentic of
Japanese cuisine that would excite the international and Indian palate and keep our
guests coming back for more. The ingredients including Wasabi are specially flown down
from Japan every five days to ensure the dishes have their original fresh flavour”.
To complete the culinary experience, the restaurant has introduced 12 new varieties
of the famous Japanese rice wine – Sake and Japanese beers. Wasabi unveils a well
kept secret that Japanese cuisine goes down well with a smooth selection of whiskey
available at the restaurant! To add to the exclusivity of the experience, the crockery
used is Narumi and Renaut, and the cutlery from the house of Vilroy & Boch.
The splendour of Wasabi and the historical Harbour Bar has been created with a design
philosophy which is energetic and draws inspiration from cultural landscapes and forges
that with a unique contemporary style. This is echoed by using Indian culture and
craftsmanship as tools to re-imagine and re-create the restaurants for the 21st century.
Wasabi and Harbour Bar reflect an overall approach of the hospitality design where it
tells a story connecting the past to the present while inventing a new reality through
interesting and innovative environments. A sentiment that is significant for The Taj
Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai.
Wasabi is approached via a folding staircase from Harbour Bar which evokes a
red carpet entry and welcomes guests into the restaurant. As guests rise via
the stairs or a new glazed elevator, they will be transported into a ‘magic box’
of red lacquer that both concludes the staircase and frames the room. The host
stand is backed by an installation of drifting cherry blossoms and the restaurant
walls are crafted with traditional Japanese joinery. Placed like freestanding
furniture in the space, the sushi counter and teppanyaki kitchen serve as focal
points of activity. The key feature of Wasabi has been re-imagined as a bold,
sculptural round table that dominates the room and is complemented by an over-scale
custom hammered metal light fixture. Eight guests will be able to delight in an intimate
private experience of the Tatami Room.
It was in 1933 that Harbour Bar at The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai first opened
its doors to the discerning Mumbai gentlemen and has since played host to decades of
high-powered rendezvous’. Harbour Bar has the distinction of being Mumbai’s first
licensed bar, and today is a perfect amalgamation of old world charm and the
contemporary sophistication clearly reflected in its evolved décor and creatively
presented menu.
Rediscover the prohibition cocktails unique to Harbour Bar. The intoxicating list
includes From the Harbour ‘since 1933’, a classic recipe which is the perfect blend
of sweet and spicy. Let the bartender surprise you with ‘The Jamaican Cobbler’,
‘French 75’ or ‘The Hurricane’.
Introducing several single malts and the best of wines from around the world – the
Harbour Bar will be a connoisseur’s delight. A ‘Global Tapas’ has been introduced,
with influences of flavours from Jamaica South East Asia, the Middle East and even
some Cajun delicacies. 20 new items have been added to the menu which includes
uniquely presented items like Guacamole.
Golgappa with tamarind dressing; crab samosas,
Iberico ham with caramelised figs and many others.
The design and décor of Harbour Bar is heavily influenced by its rich history, with
echoes of its Art Deco legacy seen in the furniture and finishes. This historical
prestige will be seen reflected in the center bar, a solid carved piece of white marble.
The back bar is framed in cut glass and provides an inviting light, warmth and glow.
The discovery of two historic windows allow a raised seating area to connect directly
with the harbour, from the intimacy of a classic bar setting. Art continues to be a
distinctive feature, with oversized carved wood pieces at the entry that define the
room with their elegant appliqué details.
A team from the Rockwell Group Europe, led by Diego Gronda has been entrusted with the
design of this seminal project. The Rockwell Group, Europe is the Madrid-based
architecture and design firm that caters to clients in Europe, Africa and Asia.
Their unique approach to hospitality projects have been brought to life by Diego
Gronda, the Creative Director of Rockwell Group Europe. Whether it be the Alma de
Cuba in Philadelphia; Django, Café Gray Kitticha; and Nobu Fifty Seven in New York;
Olives and Zen in Tokyo – the overall approach of the hospitality design takes
creativity beyond aesthetics and functionality. It provides a complete experience
for the guest down to the last details.
With the reopening of both the restaurants and the bar, The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower
will once again offer its guests an array of dining and entertainment options.
The ten restaurants and bars will cater to the myriad tastes of its discerning guests.
About The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower
The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai is renowned the world over as one of the legendary
landmark hotels of the Orient. Overlooking the Gateway of India with a panoramic view of
the bay, the hotel is situated minutes away from the central business districts of the
city. For over a century it has set the benchmark for fine living in India with exquisite
refinement, inventiveness and warmth it’s a perfect blend of unrivalled legendary
richness and heritage coupled with state-of-the-art facilities.
|
