Head to this festival in Navi Mumbai to relish strawberries

(From left) A child creates an artwork; a berry-eating competition at a previous edition

From its humble beginnings as the memory of childhood holidays in Mahabaleshwar, the strawberry has found itself at the centre of India's growing dessert culture. This weekend, the Nexus Seawoods mall in Nerul will host a two-day Fest-O-Berry festival that celebrates this red delicacy that has established itself from France to Mumbai.

The festival is the first-ever celebration of its kind in this part of Navi Mumbai, and is curated by Things2do. "The suburb boasts a diverse community that often participates in such events. Responding to their demand for new on-ground experiences was one of the reasons for hosting this event," said Yash Rathi, the platform's co-founder. The festival, he adds, will be a one-stop platform for all things strawberry.

Yash Rathi

From workshops on culinary creations to fun games and interactive sessions for kids, it aims to reach out to a demographic across all age groups. "We have created Strawberry Land, a kids-dedicated area where children can indulge in face painting, berry jam making, origami workshops and a strawberry picking interactive experience," Rathi added.

Any festival about strawberries cannot be without a focus on food, he adds. The event will see over 50 berry-infused dishes from the famed chocolate-covered strawberry to the strawberry dulce de leche which will be presented across stalls for visitors to try. "It is a unique festival that stands out since it is dedicated to the fruit of strawberry. But the focus is to elevate the festival beyond the fruit itself. It is about creating a space for people to celebrate with their loved ones," he concluded.

On: February 10 and February 11; 2 pm to 10 pm
At: Second floor, Airspace, Nexus Seawoods Mall, Nerul East.
Log on to: insider.in
Cost: Rs 99 onwards

Where to find your strawberry delights

Jingle ale and strawberry surprise

>> Berry with a twist
If you love your berry with a tang, try this home-brewed ginger jingle ale with a strawberry twist, or a berry-infused strawberry surprise tea for a sweet change.
AT Café Duco, Pali Hill, Bandra West.
CALL 9137076462
COST Rs 310 and Rs 325

Strawberry meringue

>> Complementary dessert
If you are a fan of complex textures, this combination of delicate meringue and tarty berry in the strawberry meringue might just make the cut.
AT Los Cavos, Linking Road, Bandra West.
CALL 7400405927
COST Rs 750

New York-style cheesecake

>> Sweet cheese
Try this classy New York-style cheesecake with vibrant strawberries and raspberry coulis.
AT PF Chang's, One Lodha
Place, Lower Parel.
CALL 8655833293
COST R595

Gluten-free cheesecake

>> Get healthy
For those with an eye on fitness, try this gluten-free cheesecake that brings you the joy of dessert without the drawbacks.
AT The Pantry- Guiltfree Goodness, Fort.
CALL 8097504799
COST Rs 295

White chocolate entremet

>> Berry-licious
This white chocolate entremet comes with strawberries covered in vanilla sponge encased in white chocolate mousse. This is topped with the finishing touch of sweet strawberry gel.
AT Baliboo, first floor, International Business Park, Goregaon East.
CALL 7678040044
COST Rs 550

>> Tastes like strawberries
A delicious custard that blends the tang of ripe berries with vanilla can make for a satisfying dessert for any happy occasion.
AT Cray Craft, Town Centre, Andheri West.
CALL 47483063
COST Rs 530

Other festivals to catch

>> FAMILY: Frolic Fields Festival
Join your kids on a weekend of meaningful and interactive fun at this family festival.
ON February 10 and 11; 11 am to 10 pm
AT JVPD Ground, Devle Road, Juhu.
LOG ON TO insider.in
COST Rs 249 onwards

>> ART: India Art Festival
Take a break from the digital world with some reflective art to soothe your mind.
ON February 8 to February 11; 11 am to 8 pm
AT Nehru Centre, Worli.

Beth Hart in performance

>> MUSIC: Mahindra Blues Festival
If music is your calling, then find the right groove at this annual celebration for the Blues in Bandra.
ON February 10 and February 11; 6 pm onwards
AT Mehboob Studios, Bandra West.
LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com
COST Rs 3,999 onwards

>> BOOKS: Paperback Lit Fest
Soak in a weekend of poetry and make new friends by meeting fellow book lovers at this unique literature festival.
ON February 10; 12 pm onwards
AT KMC', Fort.
LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com
COST Rs 400 onwards