Barbecue-partying time in December

By Sanjeev Shekhar
Amid state assembly elections hullabaloo coupled with chilling cold that has lashed the state capital of Jharkhand, denizens here are already celebrating party and get-together, much-much away from such interventions in their personal life. Simultaneously, they do not forget to discuss politics after gulping few pegs with their favourite chicken leg, chicken chest or pompret fish cooked on the grill of barbecue.
Yes, the Barbecue culture is in to beat the cold of Ranchi. The barbecue culture or idea of hosting parties in the open during the chilling winter with charcoal heater by the side has gradually pervaded the elite section of society in this state capital of Jharkhand. Such parties and get together are on the rise and the changing trend is a healthy sign of adoption of variety of food habits among the people residing here, said Rakesh Kumar, proprietor and owner of the guesthouse at Doranda.“In fact with onset of December, such parties witness increase in the number of the get-together of officials, office-party or ladies get-together”, informs Rakesh. Ranchi is colder and the people here love to drape themselves in their best of outfit to suit their requirement. “The season demands consumption of non-vegetarian like chicken and mutton to beat the cold,” he justifies adding a few pegs of hot drinks only adds flavor to the partying spirit & merriment.
A defence officer of the Colonel rank is fond of partying; particularly the barbecue preparation in which he takes pride in managing solely the entire affair from hosting to serving. He loves select gathering at his sprawling lawn with marigolds and Lillis surrounding the entire space spotted with lights that enlivens the heart of every individual present there to enjoy the party. “The exciting thing about the classic garden barbecue is that they can be as simple or as complicated as you wish to make them. A barbecue for two with a couple of bottles of your favourite drink, on the terrace or in the garden can be an enjoyable and relaxing time while you sit back & relax talking to your friends and enjoying your Barbecue food,” said the Colonel, a teetotaler.
Colonel marinates the chicken and paneer in ginger-garlic paste with perfect mixing of salt for nearly one-two hours. He does everything in advance so that he can act a perfect host on such occasion of get-together. “Colonel Sahaab is a perfect host and a cook. The chicken cooked by him on the grill is rare of its type and is mouth-watering delicacy that tickles the taste buds with green ‘chutney’ personally prepared by him,” claims his colleague.
The charcoal beneath the grill provides heat soothing to those who sits around to enjoy the food.Chill at the grill every winter apparently seems to be the punch-line of Chadrashekhar, the chief-engineer with the shipping company. He is adventurous, innovative & full of energy to prepare variety of food, out of which barbecue is one of them. He loves food and has a strong penchant for cooking. Chandrashekhar has his own thought pattern of celebrating barbecue. He reveals, “A variety of food and drink should be available to suit your guests tastes, and do use unbreakable plates and glasses, if you don't want any injuries that would end up spoiling your garden barbecue.”He suggests safety and hygiene should be the main priorities, and as tempting as it may be to cut corners. “Sensible precautions to ensure you and your guests safety are the best way to enjoy barbecue,” he justifies.
The increasing number of garden barbecue with decorations also includes brightly coloured banners, balloons, outdoor lighting and a selection of music, as does the army personnel. “Keep it varied so there is something for everyone,” an official in a party held.“You can liven up your barbecue party with a party game, a few decorations, balloons and banners. Adding a party theme is extremely popular, and adds to the fun and excitement for you and your guests. We have a great selection of party themes to choose from as well as a fantastic range of barbecue party costumes,” said a high-level official of the corporate house P. Ghosh.

Sanjeev Shekhar
Journalist/Media Consultant/PR