Turkey in demand despite avian flua

Even the bird flu scare, which looms large over the city this festive season, is not enough to take away turkey from the plates of food connoisseurs. With the fall in the price of birds this year, city foodies are planning grand feasts during the Christmas and New Year festivities.
Turkey sales have risen over the past few years with the price ranging from Rs 250 to Rs 300 a kilogram this season compared to Rs 330 per kg in 2007.
At New Market, the city's oldest shopping destination during Christmas, Arvind Lal Sonkar seems to be a happy man. The lone vendor for turkeys during the festive season, he is busy supplying the birds to various city clubs.
"This year, I began selling earlier than other years. Over the past three days, I have been busy sending consignments to Bengal Club, Tolly Club and Calcutta Club," said Sonkar. While Calcutta Club and Tolly Club bought 40 turkeys each, Bengal Club has procured 35.
"There is a difference in price, too. A dressed turkey will cost the buyer around Rs 350. The average weight of a bird is 2.5 to 3 kg. Accordingly, each kilogram is priced at Rs 250-300," added Sonkar. Most turkeys are procured from Bangalore. Even freight charges have declined considerably this year.
"Last year, due to overpricing, we had to keep back a few turkeys, which were not sold even after
the year ended. This time, we will not take chances," Sonkar says placidly. His other high-profile clients include CC&FC and some posh restaurants.
"Turkey has been a traditional favourite during Christmas. We prefer buying the turkeys with proper English dressing. Among the all-time favourites, stuffed turkey and grilled ones are a hit with children," said Maria G S, a buyer. Even at restaurants, the bird flu scare hardly seems to have had any effect. "We buy turkeys only from those dealers, who certify that their birds are in good health. We mostly serve turkey roast, turkey kebabs and various continental dishes. Going by the market trend, the prices for turkey dishes could go down this time," said Gautam Chakraborty, manager of Moulin Rouge restaurant on Park Street.