A blend of food, good health

Joining the World Health Organisation (WHO) campaign ‘1000 cities, 1000 lives’ for World Health Day 2010 which focuses on urban health, ITC Grand Central at Lower Parel, has launched a weeklong event — Food for Urban Health at its coffee shop Hornby’s Pavilion till April 14.

“In the last few years urban lifestyle has changed considerably and it’s important for people to know what to eat and when to eat,” says junior sous chef Dhaval Ajmera, ITC Grand Central.

The WHO campaign that calls upon all cities worldwide to open up portions of streets to people to promote health activities for one day during the week of April 7-11 will see this city hotel focusing on healthy eating and living.

“Almost 22% of our country’s population is urban and we want to initiate our guests to the concept of healthy eating and healthy living,” says Ajmera.
Right from the menu, ingredients chosen to the way of cooking, everything will incorporate the concept of healthy food which can be included as a way of life.

“Our dishes are simple and made from vegetables available locally. In fact, they are so easy to prepare that guests can include these in their daily diet as well,” he says.

They are furthering their belief in ‘responsible luxury’ through this event.

So, at lunch and dinner hours at the coffee shop, the buffet will have a section devoted to healthy cuisine comprising health shots or drinks which are appetisers, followed by a range of salads, main dishes like soya nuggets curry and fish curry prepared without oil or fat and also a range of desserts like cashewnut peda, apple strudel etc, which are eggless, fat-free and with no added sugar.

Ajmera elaborates that they will be serving health shots like carrot and celery juice or the honey and ginger juice among many others which are a storehouse of vitamins. Or, the mixed vegetable salads which are sourced from local farmers and are freshly served.

“We procure locavore ingredients which are basically sourced from local farmers within 200km from our hotel in order to make it the most effective and zero carbon emitting food chain,” he explains.

Good health is the way to go.