The Hindu Business Line : Vietnamese fare at Taj West End

OLD-TIMERS in Bangalore may miss the famed Paradise Island at The Taj West End. Standing in its place now is Blue Ginger, the country's first Vietnamese restaurant.

This is to cater to the international palate that the city is known for, according to Ms Pep Kumar, General Manger, The Taj West End.

Speaking at the launch of the restaurant, she said, "Bangalore is the international hub for India and keeping this in mind we have catered to the global traveller," adding that, world over, the Vietnamese fare is becoming increasingly popular.

The Taj West End, which is on a major renovation and expansion exercise, may begin its second phase of expansion in a couple of months. This includes construction of an additional 150 rooms on the 20-acre property at a cost of Rs 35 crore, Ms Kumar told Business Line. The first phase of renovation, costing Rs 16 crore, includes the launch of two new restaurants: Blue Ginger and Mynt. In addition to this, the lobby and 30 rooms of the 100-year-old hotel have been renovated. The refurbished rooms now boast of plasma screens, steam rooms, wooden flooring, verandahs and sit-out space in a courtyard concept. The lobby is understated and more contemporary, keeping in tune with the international image of the city, Ms Kumar said.

Two chefs from Vietnam, specially trained at the Institute of Hospitality and Tourism, Vietnam, have been brought by the hotel to serve the `cuisine of the future,' at Blue Ginger, according to her. `Mynt,' the all-day dining restaurant offers international cuisines such as Lebanese, Italian and the Mediterranean. For foreigners looking for local food, it will also offer authentic South Indian cuisine.

The Taj West End, which has 122 rooms at present, saw an occupancy rate of 72 per cent last year and is likely to hit 85 per cent this year, Ms Kumar said.

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