Festival of ‘Aam’ in Outlet ‘Khas’ – Portico @ Sayaji, Pune

The summer season is all about relishing mangoes and while many of us purchase mangoes and endeavor to make the best out of them, it is perceptibly not probable to make every recipe at home. So the Good News is! Portico restaurant in Hotel Sayaji is organizing Mango Food Festival, and if you adore this fruit you cannot miss out on this celebration that commences on 12th of May and concludes on 28th of May.

Take pleasure in delectable and delicious Menu Items everyday between 7 PM till 11 PM and relish some specialties in which main item used is unripe and ripe juicy King of Fruits, MANGO. Well… Mango is not called the ‘King of Fruit’ for no reason. The extensive range of smell and taste associated with this summer fruit are undoubtedly unparalleled. Not only will the festival tender a host of fruit varieties for guests, it will also offer a host of mango-based delicacies specially prepared by the Team of Chefs to entice and excite the taste buds of mango lovers. Thanks to the Main Team that includes Mr. Ajay Kanojia (GM), newly appointed Executive Chef Yashwant Sopne, Mr. Pankaj Shinde (FBM) and the entire Marketing Team.

It is worth mentioning here that Mr. Kanojia is one inventive Professional who keeps on doing experiments related to cuisine and they all are a Big Success.

In this Festival, Buffet Spread is offered where you may find a variety of Mango Salad, slow-cooked Ambi Dal, Kache Aam ki Sabzi, Ambi Fish, Mango Chicken, along with usual Tandoori Items Veg and Non-veg Dishes, Biryani, Paneer Preparations, Pilaf and Nan etc.. While each and every item is absolute complete in itself, it is worth mentioning here that the collection of Homemade Pickles made by Chef Gyan Prakash is exceptional that may provide additional flavors to food you are eating. Some Indian families have family recipes for Pickles and Chutneys, passed down through generations. So, do not forget to taste at least half a spoon of each ‘Achaar’ kept in the Salad Section. Panipat in Haryana is certainly famous for its 'Pachranga' and so famous Portico can be with the Pickles made by Gyan ji. And, yes! Don’t forget the two hit Mango Sauces at the fest, tangy and spicy Mango Salsa and the Mango Chilly Dip.

You need to initiate your meal with freshly made tangy ‘Panna’ that finds mention in ancient Ayurveda literature as well as in the writings of Kālidāsa. And State of Maharashtra is famous for this refreshing mango drink. You are going to love it.

Do try three things if possible - Mango Frankie, Soft Poli with Amra-ras and specially made Mango Sandwich. Each of these dishes had such a yummy taste that right after eating them, you will crave more!

However, don't fill your stomach with the main course because once you look at the Amrakhand, Mango Ice Cream, Mango Kulfi, Mango Soufflé, Mango Smoothies, Mango Pastries, Mango Lassi, Mango Shake, Mango Custard, Mango Nut Puree, Mango Jalebi, Amba Barfi etc. you will want to dig in that as well!

Believe me you the entire meal claims to leave you wanting for more — from starters and drinks to the main course and desserts! Every dish on the menu is curated and put together with much thought and experiment. We diners are thankful to newly appointed Executive Chef Yaswant Sopne, Chef Gyan Prakash and the entire Kitchen Brigade.

I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to F&B Service Personnel for their prompt and positive expert service skills. Thanks to Pankaj Shinde (RM), his associates Sudhir and Sandeep. Also Dodon, Palash, Vivek, Pornima and Saurav.

Enjoy the lip smacking and popular delicacies made from fresh and juicy mangoes from 12th May – 28th May. With fantastic setup and captivating ambiance while Production Team will astound you with their unique creativity, Service Team will surprise you with their service skills. The Production Brigade has used the occasion to prepare several experimental dishes from the fruit that promises to make a visit to this festival highly memorable.

Get a chance to treat yourself with the variety of mangoes – Alphonso, Kesar, Lalbagh Dashehri, Langra, Pairi, Banganapalli, and Totapuri to name a few.

Do visit Portico. In case you live in Pune or if you are driving by, turn your mundane or planned journey into an immense Culinary Journey. Visit; fall in love with your favorite fruit all over again! Mangoes will make you forget anything but mangoes.

DWF (Don’t Waste Food)