Cannons to the right of em. Cannons to the left of em.. charged the light brigade.
Well, not cannons. But people, yes.. people… people everywhere.. and like the proverbial light brigade (with due apologies to Lord Alfred Tennyson), we had to ‘slice’ through their ranks to get to the food as we covered the event on the 3rd and final day of the Festival. 30,000 people in 31 hours!
And speaking of food, The Karachi Eat food festival was a unique experience—no ifs and buts about it. Yes, there were parking issues. Yes, it was (over) crowded. But, yes, Hotel Marriott rescued many people who had to answer mama nature’s call.
But what else would one expect in an entertainment-starved city choked with foodies?
We had a BMW convertible trying to muscle its way in behind a posse of Altos. Mehrans is edging out Mercs… Fans chatting up (or trying to) chat up their favorite celebrities.
However, what I found most heartening about the Festival was not so much the food as the place’s ambiance. The long orderly queues without the usual jostling and line jumping even amongst hungry foodies. The people sit down to enjoy a meal on the grass. Prawn Biryani and Chicken Chipotle on the hoof
The good people at Nando’s had taken center stage as they had people competing in a hogging contest.. on a seesaw! Actors are going head to head on Peri bites.
Karachi Eat was not just your run-of-the-mill shark-like feeding frenzy but also offered food for the soul. After near limitless hogging, foodies were reminded that health is not just aimless stuffing alone.
To the sound of a haunting background score, The ‘AQ Power Yoga team demonstrated their skills in the ancient art of self-discipline. AQ Power Yoga demonstrates their skills.
Later in the evening, Rani Taj, the world’s premiere female Dhol player, flew in from Birmingham to electrify the crowd with her trance-inducing performance.
Of course, the Raison d’être of the Festival was food. And in this regard, it did not disappoint at all.
From Fika’s savory Seafood Chowder to Strawberry Samosas to Emaan’s mouthwatering Cream concoctions. And, of course, nostalgia straight from the 90s. Apple Sidra and Pakola for Rs. 10 only! The power of 10!
From Photo booths to freebies, most people went home well-satisfied.
The Festival was not just about the universal love of food but rather an event to be savored as a breath of fresh air in a city that desperately needs it. Karachites taking a turn in the sun
Unfortunately, the sheer volume of trash generated by the people led to a right royal mess being dumped right outside the ancient Frere hall gardens structure, quite near the entrance gates. The management of the Festival should have ensured an efficient waste management system. Instead, garbage and residue left over from the Festival make for an ungainly sight close to the entrance gates.
