The Westin Pune Koregaon Park presents the future of Indian cuisine with the launch of AAFREEN - Inspired Indian
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~first-of-its-kind Indian comfort food restaurant~
~offering a culinary escapade, with hints of modernist techniques, from the Indian geography~
Pune, September 2022: Over the past decade or two the concept of dining out, globally, has seen an evolution; more-so in the past few years. While there are numerous restaurants serving Indian cuisine or an interpretation of it, there are a few truly representing the vastness of India’s culinary culture. With a focus on presenting Indian food in its unabashed form, The Westin Pune Koregaon Park presents the future of Indian dining with the launch of AAFREEN - Inspired Indian.
In the recent past, the palate of Indian diners has also evolved, allowing for further exploration of regional Indian food and infusing modern techniques to elevate the overall dining experience. Aafreen - Inspired Indian aims to offer a glimpse into the vastness of regional Indian cuisine, through small plates and comfort food concepts, created by a team of culinary experts led by Chef Vikram Khatri. Chef Khatri, with his team, spent over six months researching dishes from across India before getting to food trials. The handcrafted menu presents a mix of classic recipes with unique ingredient pairings, offering familiar tastes. The team has consciously endeavored to keep the focus of each creation on the four pillars that form the basis of the cuisine at Aafreen - Inspired Indian - flavor, aroma, texture and visual appeal. Aafreen - Inspired Indian, envisages to bring forth traditional Indian cuisine, sans theatrics, focusing on flavours representing the dining cultures of its varied regions.
Speaking about Aafreen, Chef Vikram Khatri, Culinary Director, The Westin Pune, shares, "The Cuisine at Aafreen brings alive the spirit of India through its Comfort Indian Food and Unique Combination of Pan Indian Flavors. The entire menu mix is a bouquet of ingredients emphasizing the freshness and a bold taste palate. Barring the Lamb Chops (Barrah), all other ingredients are locally sourced and are proudly indigenous to the Indian Sub-continent. The thought behind the menu mix is also to put together an array of small plates, with various offerings along with Timeless Classics and some comfort Dessert options."
Sudeep Sharma, General Manager, The Westin Pune, added, “Indian cuisine, in recent times, has captured the imagination of diners around the world. While the endeavor has been to make Indian food exciting, we felt that it was becoming more theatrical and falling short on the culinary strengths that our cuisine offers. With the belief that Indian food has much more to offer and realizing the gap, we felt it was time for us to introduce a concept like Aafreen to our discerning guests”
Designed by Rushabh Parekh and covering a dining area of 1900 square feet, accommodating 50 guests, the restaurant is designed to offer a truly luxurious dining experience. Aesthetics of the window paintings are inspired from The Mandu Palace in Madhya Pradesh to encapsulate the ambience of traditional Indian culture with a luxe and modern edge, added. Guests are greeted with customized lampshades, handpicked from the Sabyasachi collection along with Menu cover design. Savor delectable cuisine in an equally regal crockery designed by National award winning artist, Keshari Nandan.
The menu crafted allows discerning guests to discover a true modern expression of complexities presented by use of spices, aromas and flavours that Indian cuisine is globally admired for. The culinary innovations such as Paneer Tikka Carpaccio, Edamame & Sweet Potato Chaat, Achari Pork Ribs and Tandoori Kerala Prawns, among others, are prepared incorporating unique regional cooking techniques and practices prevalent across the Indian geography, seamlessly blending them with unconventional, contemporary, cutting-edge flair. In line with the brand’s philosophy of innovation, the Gin based signature cocktails incorporate use of Indian spices & herbs, which can be experienced through drinks such as the Turmeric Bug Spritz (fermented Gin), Clarified Fashioned (using clarified butter & jaggery) and Secret Touch (infused with spices like cumin & cardamom), among others.
Gourmet cuisine, world-class drinks coupled with finest hospitality in an intimate milieu, awaits you for an avant-garde dining experience at Aafreen - Inspired Indian.
With an average cost of two priced at Rs. 2500 (food only; excluding taxes, other charges & liquor), Aafreen - Inspired Indian is open on all days for Lunch (12:30pm until 3pm) and Dinner (7pm until 11:30pm). For further queries & reservations, the restaurant team can be reached on +91 70662 00300
About The Westin, Pune:
Situated amid celebrated attractions, The Westin Pune Koregaon Park is a luxurious haven of wellness and renewal. Experience effortless relaxation in tastefully designed hotel rooms and suites with signature comforts, sleek marble bathrooms and inspiring views. Thrill your senses at the on-site dining options, including a chic bar and nightclub. Enjoy a coveted location in Koregaon Park near Pune Airport, Magarpatta, Hadapsar and many industrial parks. Work well in 45,000 square feet of sophisticated, flexible hotel event space, enhanced by modern AV equipment, on-site event planning and custom catering services. Refresh in the sparkling waters of our outdoor pool, and exhilarate your body in our well-equipped fitness center with cardio equipment and free weights. After a full day of work, shopping or sightseeing, invigorate your mind and body with massage, beauty and wellness therapies at our Heavenly Spa by Westin™. Replenish your well-being at The Westin Pune Koregaon Park.
