Ball Players

pub-owners in the city are now gearing up for the FIFA World Cup with promotional offers.

At Taj’s Cafe 17,the hotel’s coffee shop is set for some exciting times. “Our chefs are working hard to prepare dishes unique to each country,which is part of the World Cup,” smiles Sandeep Makroo of the restaurant. There will also be a huge screen to catch the action live,besides midnight snacks,biryani buffets,and incentives for every goal scored.

The FIFA celebrations at Hotel Western Court,the European style chain of boutique hotels in Chandigarh and Panchkula will screen matches through D2H technology. Besides many promotional offers on beer,United Breweries has a scratch card scheme,which will give the winning guest a chance to go to South Africa and enjoy a match live. He will also get to meet Dutch soccer legend Ruud Gullit.

As part of the promotion at Hotel Western Court,Zaira Diamond,a diamond brand in Sector 17,will give free coupons worth Rs 1,500 on a bill of Rs 1,500 spent at 7 West Restaurants at the hotel. “We have a brand-new food and beverage menu in place for the event. Try our Zakumi’s Paradise (named after the FIFA mascot) which has a pineapple base or the Kruger’s delight — fresh fruit chunks in mixed fruit juice with a hint of tobasco,” says Rajeev Kakkar,the Group General Manager. There are flaming cocktails like Kick Off (with a tequila base) or Knock Out (Bacardi/ gin/ vodka base) too and appetisers named after sporting terms,actions and heroes. Take your pick from C oach’s Nail-biting Craze (garlic and onion-based pistachio nuts,Beckham’s Penalty Stroke (herb grilled chicken),African’s Best (assorted non-veg platter) or Serengeti’s Look Out (assorted vegetable platter)

Meanwhile,Nik Baker’s outlets in Sectors 9 and 35 are bustling with activity. “We’ve been busy baking football-shaped cakes on popular demand,” says owner Nikhil Mittal. The cakes,which can be decorated with the FIFA logo,names of players,and other sundry innovations need a day’s notice for preparation. Prices start at Rs 1,100 for one kilo.

South African delicacies are also the order of the day starting tomorrow at Rock in Rio in Sector 43. “We have used the African chilli and created various dishes with it,including Peri Peri Doner Kebab,Peri Peri Chicken as well as soup,” says Atul Grover,owner,fussing around the LCD screens which will screen the matches.

Hotel Mountview too has a special line-up of beverages and snacks. “Our menu cards have been designed in the shape of footballs,and the dishes have been named after players and soccer terminology,” says Jagan Chaudhry,the F&B Manager.

Game for the temptations?