Culinary Director, Chef Vikram Khatri prepares for the launch of his novel menu inspired by the Wood Fire Oven, bringing them to the kitchens of the Market restaurant, at the Westin, Pune. The Market – an innovative restaurant stays true to Westin’s Eat Well philosophy. Each live kitchen has a unique identity and dining zone within the outlet’s modern design, offering dishes made with self-grown herbs and microgreens.
To showcase his asian culinary skills, Chef Vikram Khatri has created a new limited edition Asian Grill menu prepared in the wood fire oven. The menu makes optimum use of the freshest and the best seasonal produce, to plate deliciously warm delicacies that aren’t fried, yet exude a fascinating woody aroma.With one’s nose on the dish, this menu is filled with nourishing and dynamic platters that everyone can gladly take part in by the alfresco area that provides a serene view of the river, especially during the chillness of cold winters. So, just like the Japanese say Itadakimasu!
The Wood Fire Oven used to prepare the menu is built as an enclosed fire clay oven with wood burning inside to radiate heat for cooking, creating an intriguing wood smoke aroma to each meal. The oven is quite similar to an Italian oven, with the exception that it is used to cook delicate ingredients such as fish, seafood, meats, and vegetables in a single cast iron plate. The platter is then topped with nappe, a rich sauce or glaze, and served sizzling hot. The oven’s principal advantage is that it cooks rapidly, locking in all the juices and nutrients, while also making use of very little to no oil as everything is wood grilled.