Melting Pot stirs up delicious food for Mardi Gras

It’s a foodies dream: a feast of sweet, savory and spicy delights all spread out al fresco and ready for the picking. Chuck in a few refreshing beers with some great company and you have got the Melting Pot. Since it started in the autumn of 2018, the Melting Pot has been putting on a diverse range of what have become some of the best food events in the city, with many of Hanoi’s finest chefs gathering to create their own unique versions on a monthly theme. Some notable past events include a Christmas edition, a Veg and Vegan day, and, a favorite of the Melting Pot’s founder Anastacia Susilo, a street food event.

Born out of Susilo’s passion to create a place “where food, music, art and people come together,” the Melting Pot delivers an excellent platform for new cooks, restaurants and other food places to promote their brand. When Susilo first moved to Hanoi, food markets like these did not really exist, and it soon became her dream to create an event for people who love food and events as much as she does. In 100 Beer Garden she found the perfect spot to do it, with its rustic backyard feel complete with patio tables, a stage and billiards, not to mention an impressive selection of beers.

The next big Melting Pot event is a Mardi Gras theme on Saturday Feb 15. Mardi Gras, French for “fat Tuesday,” has historically been the last big night of feasting before a ritual fasting. Even if you are not planning to fast, make sure to loosen your belt and join the gluttonous party where restaurants from all over Hanoi do their own take on Mardi Gras style food, alongside a day of live music and entertainment.

With the pressure of being the last meal before a big fast, Mardi Gras dishes are rich, filling meals such as jambalaya (sausage, vegetables and rice). Such dishes are mouth-watering products of Louisiana Creole cuisine, a mix of West African, French, Spanish, Amerindian and Haitian influences born in the heart of New Orleans, a city known for their wild Mardi Gras celebrations. Susilo is passionate about food and is not shy of a good party so the Mardi Gras theme was a natural fit. She told Chào’ to look out for the classic gumbo as well as to try the beignets (deep fried pastries covered in powdered sugar).

Another upcoming event for Melting Pot is their Taco Fest on March 28 where chefs from across Hanoi will make their own version of the traditionally Mexican dish. Deciphering how to make tacos out of naan bread, mac and cheese, or ice cream is a fun exploration for the chefs and visitors alike. It is this creative spirit that the Melting Pot inspires in Hanoian chefs, pushing them to think outside of the box. Last year the Taco Fest had over 1,000 visitors, making it one of the biggest Melting Pot events to date. Susilo says she is hoping for a similar turnout again this year.

Dress up, bring your friends and, more importantly, bring your appetite to 100 Beer Garden Saturday starting at 4 p.m. until nearly midnight to enjoy an assortment of delectable Mardi Gras foods made in each chef’s own distinctive way, as well as a host of music and entertainment.

Melting Pot Mardi Gras at 100 Beer Garden, 4 p.m -11.30 p.m.
68/238 Âu Cơ, Quảng An, Tây Hồ
091 266 67 36