Apple in toffee syrup or marshmallows? Take your Easter pick

New Delhi, April 5 (IANS) Easter eggs stuffed with chocolate, marzipan, marshmallows, coconut and white chocolate cigar roll...eateries across Indian cities have decorated their Easter basket with mouthwatering goodies to make sure patrons are left asking for more.

For those who have a sweet tooth, The Grand here has an exotic menu. On offer is the Easter bunny moulded in both dark chocolate and white chocolate accompanied by mouth-watering cross buns, chocolate pastry, marzipan and marshmallows in three sizes.

The choicest traditional delicacies will be available at their pastry shop, says Vineet Wadhera, director, food and beverage, The Grand, ahead of Easter this Sunday.

"We have planned keeping in mind the tastes and preferences of the patrons. In sync with age-old traditions, we have included the Easter bunny on our shelves both in white chocolate and in dark chocolate," he told IANS.

Royal China restaurant in the capital too has a special dessert to put a sweet coating on the festive mood - they offer egg tarts.

"We thought of the Easter's special tart as it is a tradition and these look so cute and attract everybody. Every year we include this recipe in our menu and give it for a special price, specially for kids," said Aashita Relan, director, Royal China.

It also has delicacies like Easter's steamed egg york bun, apple or banana in toffee syrup, and deep fried crispy buns with creamy custard filling, priced at Rs.350 per person plus taxes.

Easter marks the end of the period of Lent or suffering and it is believed that Jesus Christ was resurrected after his crucifixion on Good Friday.

Christians make up 2.3 percent of the total population in India, but these days Easter celebrations go beyond the community.

The festival is celebrated with great zeal all over the world.

Grand Hyatt Goa has a special brunch at The Dining Room and Bebo's Kids Easter party at the Palace Lawns. One can enjoy Asian, Italian, Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine and desserts.

Coupling it with a selection of fine French champagne, select beers, imported wines and mojito's will make it an extra special Sunday afternoon filled with lovely memories.

Talking about the preparations, Mark Hagan, executive chef at the Grand Hyatt Goa, said the food from all over the world has been brought under one roof.

"We have flown in food products from around the world to cook and serve for Easter. There are lots of kids' activities and surprises in store. From an Easter egg hunt to decorating eggs, there is magic show planned and children can make most of the Bebo's Kids Easter party," he said.

The Easter Sunday brunch starts at 1 p.m. and will be on till 4 p.m., followed by the kids party at 4.30 p.m. and it will go on till 7 p.m.

The brunch charges are Rs.1,950 per person plus taxes and for the kids party it is Rs.800 per person.

The Manchester United Cafe Bar, Mumbai, has economic meals. A special three-course lunch will cost Rs.550. The menu includes salad, main course and coconut and white chocolate cigar roll in dessert. Easter eggs will also be provided with the meal.

Easter celebrations mean sharing happiness with friends and relatives. Godrej Nature's Basket has scrumptious Easter eggs in various exotic and delectable flavours priced at Rs.99 onwards along with hot cross buns, marzipan cakes priced at Rs.23 and Rs.100, ideal for gifting purposes.

It is available in their outlets in Mumbai, Pune, New Delhi, Gurgaon, Bangalore and Hyderabad.

Hilton Chennai has come up with The Easter Market where one can shop for Easter eggs, chocolate bunnies, hot cross buns and other goodies. Eggs and bunnies are available for Rs.200 plus taxes; the large bunnies can be bought for Rs.2,000 plus taxes.

At this market, one can take home special hot cross buns by shelling out Rs.150 plus taxes.

(Aastha Khurana can be contacted at aastha.k@ians.in)