11 pm curfew means party-hearty Mumbai may settle for a quiet dinner on NYE
Owners say they are focusing on early celebrations and home deliveries.
By ET Bureau | Updated:
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The year- end curfew has curtailed people’s celebrations, but it won’t deter them from celebrating at home.
Mumbai’s showstopper this year, the 11 pm curfew, will impact restaurants’ year-end festivities, but owners say they are focusing on early celebrations and home deliveries.
Gauri Devidayal, Director, Food Matters Group Gauri Devidayal, Director, Food Matters Group. “The year- end curfew has curtailed people’s celebrations, but it won’t deter them from celebrating at home. I expect many int imate house parties and smaller celebrations, which has been the norm this festive season. Our dine-in services at The Table will be operational as per curfew norms, while dedicated delivery brands will not see much of a change. However, we will include certain party-friendly options to make it easier for guests to order in for a larger group.”
Riyaaz Amlani, CEO, Impresario Handmade Restaurants Riyaaz Amlani, CEO, Impresario Handmade Restaurants. “The year has been hard on all of us, but we look at things from a glass half-full perspective. The curfew is for the public’s safety, so we have decided to bring in the new year an hourand-a-half early with our guests. Instead of 12 am, we’ll ring in NYE at 10.30 pm, basically midnight as per Thailand standard time.”
Anurag Katriar, President, National Restaurant Association of India Anurag Katriar, President, National Restaurant Association of India. “This is the biggest time in the food business, anywhere in the world. We used to get extended timings, usually till 5 am. Even this year, we were hoping for extended timings, but it’s actual ly been reduced. The only thing that could work is home delivery. However, NYE is more about celebrating rather than eating the food itself, and you can’t replicate that feeling. You can order a turkey home but having a Christmas brunch at a restaurant is a dif ferent experience. People will have to accept it.
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“We’ve requested the government to extend the timing, but given the new strain of Covid, I don’t know if we will get any relief.”
AD Singh, MD, Olive Bar & Kitchen
AD Singh, MD, Olive Bar & Kitchen “It’s frustrating for many of us who are trying to be careful while running our businesses. However, not everybody is respecting the law, and because of overcrowding and lack of social distancing, the virus is sti l l spreading. As such, cur few is justified, but it’s a bitter blow for an industry still trying to recover. We’ve modified our of ferings ; we’re tempt ing people to come out early that night with fun sundowners, so they can celebrate and be home by curfew.”
Keenan Tham, Director, Pebblestreet Hospitality (KOKO, Foo) Keenan Tham, Director, Pebblestreet Hospitality (KOKO, Foo) “Even before the curfew announcement, we were expecting a low-key celebration this year and had made our plans accordingly. We are leaning towards a more dining-focused celebration and are targeting families and friends looking for a safe and secure dining experience. The intent ion is for them to come and have a fantastic dining experience with us, and then head home and probably raise a toast to their loved ones at midnight.”
Cancelled Events, A New Global Greeting: The Many Firsts That Came With The Novel Coronavirus
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The coronavirus has shut down countries, offices and even some famous tourist places for the first time ever. There have been some other firsts that were added to the list.
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