THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even though, Kovalam with its share of stunning resorts and luxury hotels is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the state, the sandy shores of Shangumukham beach is not far behind. From the soothing breeze languidly flowing from the Arabian sea to the sultry mermaid lavishly reposing on the banks, Shangumukham is a dreamy destination for those who like to unwind on a clean and quiet beach side.
Yet, this spellbinding coastal area was lacking a cozy corner where one could sneak away from the daily humdrum and spend some lone-time in the company of old melodies while relishing some good old seafood. Uday Suites, a relatively new resort cum restaurant, an endeavour of Uday Samudra groups, offers just that. This beautiful refuge, far away from the city yet so close to the sea, is conducting a seafood festival during the weekends for the city folks to indulge in good food in a luxurious ambiance.
“The city has not many places where they get authentic seafood, that can be enjoyed at a comfortable venue. That is why we are introducing ‘Chaakara seafood fest’ for the families to come and enjoy an evening of good food and live performances,” says the organisers of the fest.
The wistful music of ‘Pennale, pennale’ from the classic ‘Chemmeen’, plays in the backdrop, while you are led towards the large seafood spread waiting for you beside the pool-side.
From the array of salads (green salad, Nicoise salad, seafood salad, tuna meat salad, Hawaian veg salad) to the delectable seafood soup, the starters displayed in the buffet will kindle your appetite in a jiffy.
The eating arena arranged beside the poolside, with live bands and comedy skits, does not have the a la carte facility during the fest. Instead, they are arranging numerous ‘nadan’ fish delicacies in its authentic form for the quintessential Malayali to delve in. The festival arranged for the weekends - Friday, Saturday and Sunday – from 7.00-10.30 pm is focusing on the middle-class crowd, with its reasonable price tags. Surrounded by antique buildings and luscious greenery, this haven becomes an ideal location for families to spend an evening out.
The buffet has lemon rice, curd rice, ‘kallappam’, ‘kappa’ and ‘thattu dosa’ with ‘meen achar’, ‘chemmeen podi’, ‘meen chammandi’, fish mappas, ‘meen malabari’, Goan fish curry, ‘chemmeen manga curry’, masala fried seafood, Netholi peera and netholi fry. Normal Malayali side dishes such as avial, sambar, ‘thoran’, ‘dal’ are also there for you to try. But it is the ‘From the grill’ section of the arena that call out to you with its range of must-taste dishes such as grilled tiger prawns, mix seafood, ‘karimeen pollichathu’, squid, crab and mackerel rechads.
The food, music and the live skits are sure to evoke the memories of classic movies such as ‘Amaram’ and ‘Chemmeen’ in Malayali minds. The festival is on till June 1.