In pictures: Usher in Poila Baisakh at Bonne Femme with a special menu that’s sure to lift your mood

What are your plans for Poila Baisakh? If you’re looking to enjoy a delicious spread that creatively blends traditional Bengali recipes with a touch of fusion, then check out Bonne Femme — a new fine-dining establishment in Kolkata from the iconic brand Balaram Mallick and Radharaman Mallick

The culinary extravaganza that was flagged off by model Madhabilata Mitra and actress Sayantani Guha Thakurta, will be available from April 13 to 15, from 12-3pm and 7-10pm. Madhabilata, who usually avoids jackfruit, fell in love with the preparation at Bonne Femme. And for Sayantani, the thirst-quencher made with ‘mishti doi’ was a huge hit

The menu includes classic vegetarian recipes like (centre) Begun Bori Diye Kalmi Shaak Bhaja, (left) Aloo Phoolkopir Roast, Basanti Pulao and Enchorer Dalna. The irresistible pair of (right) Luchi and Chholar Dal adds an extra temptation to the menu

The menu also features come innovative contemporary dishes such as Kancha Lanka Murgi with Aam Kasundi Sauce, and Kachki Macher Pakoda with Mango Salsa in the appetisers

If you love your ‘maachh’, or ‘mangsho-bhaat’ is your soulfood, then don’t miss the (left) Shorshey Bekti or (right) Kancha Lanka Murgir Jhol from the Poila Baisakh menu

The appetisers and refreshing summer sips, like (left) Aam Panna and (right) Lal Doi Lassi, are common in all three thalis

The Poila Baisakh menu comes in three variants, each innovatively named — the vegetarian thali named ‘Baisakhi’ is priced at Rs 599, the fish thali ‘Rupnarayani’ at Rs 750 and chicken thali ‘Murshidabadi’ at Rs 699. Each thali has 10 dishes, excluding the appetisers and the drink

If you have a sweet tooth, the vegetarian thali offers Rosomalai, the fish thali features Swaralipi Sandesh and the chicken thali includes Mishti Doi. There’s also Papad and Tomato Aamsotto Chutney before you end the meal with some ‘mishti’ magic. Psst…their sweet shop is right next door, so don’t forget to pack some Amrito Payodhi or any ‘mishti’ of your choice

Sudip Mallick, co-owner of Bonne Femme, was also present at the menu launch. He spoke about his love for traditional cuisine as well as fusion food

Moushumi Sircar, Sudip’s working partner, discussed the creative process involved in curating menus at Bonne Femme, highlighting how Sudip and the restaurant’s chef collaborate to brainstorm and create new dishes