SHILLONG:
The Courtyard by Marriott Shillong – a luxury hotel nestled in the city – hosted a delightful and festive cake mixing ceremony on November 5. The event, held in the hotel’s poolside, was a celebration of the upcoming holiday season, a time when families and friends come together to create cherished culinary traditions.
In the ceremony, participants, donned in aprons and gloves, gathered around a large mixing bowl, to mix a variety of ingredients.
Cake mixing is a celebrated culinary tradition that typically marks the beginning of the holiday season, either in October or early November. It’s customary to add an assortment of ingredients like raisins, candied peels, cherries, almonds, a variety of spices, and, of course, a generous pour of liquor, typically brandy or rum, which helps preserve the fruits and infuse the cake with a rich and complex flavour.
Once all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed and coated in the alcohol, the mixture is often left to soak for several weeks or even months, allowing the flavours to meld and intensify. As the festive season dawns, this meticulously prepared mixture becomes the heart and soul of a variety of luscious cakes, ushering in a season of joy and culinary delights.
Tushar Nagar, General Manager, Courtyard by Marriott Shillong, proudly shared, “We were delighted to host our first inaugural Cake Mixing Ceremony at Courtyard by Marriott Shillong. The festive spirit was in full swing as our hotel premises resonated with the joyous essence of this cherished ritual. It was heart-warming to see city enthusiasts, loyal patrons, in-house members, and associates come together to partake in this celebrated custom. It’s a testament to the strong sense of community and togetherness that defines Courtyard by Marriott Shillong, and we look forward to many more such joyous celebrations with our valued guests.”
Sabyasachi Chatterjee, the Director of Sales at Courtyard by Marriott, stepped into the role of the event manager for the day’s festivities, seamlessly going above and beyond to interact with every individual in attendance, ensuring that every guest felt personally attended to and cherished.
In his conversation with The Meghalayan, he expressed his immense joy in hosting such a memorable event, emphasising that it would now become an annual tradition. He eagerly anticipates the increased participation of people in the coming years – a testament to his commitment to making this occasion a highlight on the calendar.
Angat Grewal, the chef of the day, shared his insights on the bustling event, emphasising the heartwarming sight of people wholeheartedly relishing the vibrant atmosphere. He delved into the significance of the cake mixing occasion, taking a fascinating journey back in time to the 17th century.
Speaking to The Meghalayan, he painted a vivid picture of that era, filled with scenes of wine harvests, grape gatherers diligently tending to the vineyards, and enterprising wine merchants bustling about. Grewal eloquently narrated the historical roots of the cake mixing tradition, tracing its origins to a time when these vibrant wine harvest celebrations were at their peak. His narrative skillfully wove together the rich tapestry of history, tradition, and the shared joy of the present moment, creating a deeper appreciation for this cherished culinary tradition.
Arun Prasad, the skilled bartender, exuded a contagious positive attitude as he poured glasses of the finest wines available. He took pride in sharing that the event was offering a selection of exquisite wines, featuring gems like the Sangriya Red, as well as a delightful range of white wines.
And Alna, a dedicated staff member, wore a joyful expression as she remarked on the unexpectedly large turnout. She couldn’t help but express her happiness about the event’s success, especially since it was the first of its kind.
The event was a blend of tradition, togetherness, and the art of culinary creativity, ushering in the festive spirit of the holiday season.