A day spent at Marine Drive’s Queen’s Necklace will yield a host of different experiences, as Mumbai’s most brilliant landmark puts on a million colours and flavours from dawn to dusk. Stepping in to the InterContinental Marine Drive, the area’s other jewel, it’s easy to spot the similarities. With the introduction of new executive chef Paul Kinny to create culinary magic in the kitchens of of one of the city’s most elegant establishments.

With its long history of accolades as Mumbai’s best restaurant serving its best kebabs, Kebab Korner hardly needs an introduction. Chef Kinny’s quest to create food that nourishes the soul even as it fulfils the senses has led to the introduction of an inspired new Diwali menu, available to diners all through the month of October.

The innovative menu consists of soups like lauki aur nariyal ka shorba, echana rassa, thymol-infused sweet-water prawns stew, and delicious starters like murgh bhakkha kebab, kastoori boti, pomfret chai masala and nimbu mirchi ka jhingha. The array of delights on the main course includes dishes like chutneywale paneer, cottage cheese simmered in chunky tomato gravy; machhi acharwali, diced kingfish cooked with pickled spice and coconut, and murgh shabnam, boneless chicken in a lentil gravy tempered with cumin and curry leaves. But topping it all, naturally, is dessert, with which Diwali is synonymous and without which no festive spread is complete. The Diwali menu at Kebab Corner delivers on this count as well, with its selection of desserts that includes makhana kheer, lotus nut and milk pudding, khaja, sweetened flaky flour dumpling and the mouth-watering Emarti, redolent of an era of grand tradition.

On the other hand, if you need a break from festivities, and if your palate craves an authentic Italian experience, then pop next door to Corleone. In the best Mediterranean tradition, Corleone incidentally serves the city’s longest and most delectable Sunday Brunch. Linger over some of the finest contemporary Italian, European, Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine in Mumbai from 12 noon to 5 pm every Sunday as you soak in the ambience and revel in the excellent service. With a selection that varies from asparagus and teriyaki mushroom sushi to smoked salmon and cream cheese in mini bagels, to a sumptuous spread at the live pasta counter, to refreshing takes on the eternally beloved pizza, and topped off with a choice of delicious desserts ranging from hazelnut chocolate roulade, to crème brulée, Corleone is the place to treat your senses on a Sunday afternoon.

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