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Rooted in the Earth, Served on a Plate !!!

When the World’s 23rd Best Restaurant, Latin America’s 6th Best, the recipient of the 2025 American Express One to Watch Award, and a restaurant ranked #68 on Asia’s 50 Best come together, it is not just a dinner, it becomes a moment. An evening that leaves you truly spellbound.

Chef Rodolfo, Chef Johnson, and their incredible teams came together to showcase what it truly means to stay rooted. As the world moves forward at a relentless pace, they gently remind us that progress does not mean forgetting where we come from. Nature continues to give us,quietly, generously, just like a mother does. Mother Nature offers abundance through ingredients that are native, seasonal, and deeply connected to who we are. All we need to do is slow down, look around, and treat these ingredients with respect, to nourish not just our bodies, but our souls and minds.

If there is one profound takeaway from this dinner, it is a reaffirmation of purpose. To continue doing what we do, to preserve recipes, honour ingredients, and work closely with what each season offers. To rediscover ingredients that may once have been overlooked or undervalued, yet hold immense power in shaping our health, culture, and identity.

Chef Rodolfo spoke with such deep passion about the produce of Chile, ingredients that were once dismissed, forgotten, or taken for granted. Through his relentless commitment, he has not only revived these ingredients but has also carried them onto the global stage, helping position Chile as a powerful food destination. Listening to him speak was a reminder of how one chef’s belief can change the way a country eats and is seen.

Chef Johnson, on the other hand, creates his quiet magic using produce largely grown and cultivated at Farmlore. His plates reflect elegance, restraint, and finesse, allowing the ingredient to lead, never overpowering its natural story.

One of the most moving highlights of the evening was learning that Team Boragó travelled with nearly 120 kilos of luggage, filled with produce, cookery and even cutlery. Such extraordinary attention to detail speaks volumes about their respect for food, process, and experience.

This dining experience was far more than a meal. It was a spectacular celebration of ingredients and a powerful reminder to love and respect everything edible around us. I see these chefs as quiet warriors, fighting through food to preserve biodiversity, heritage, and authenticity.

To Kaushik and Swati, thank you for being the most gracious and thoughtful hosts.

Udiksh, thank you for pairing the evening with beautiful wines and serving them with that ever-infectious smile.

Avinash and the entire Farmlore team, thank you for your warm, heartfelt hospitality.

Chef Rodolfo and Chef Johnson, my deepest respect for what you do. We need more chefs like you. Your passion for every single ingredient was impossible to miss. I truly hope you continue to discover, revive, and work with many more local ingredients across the world.

And to Chef Chris Howard and Chef Benja Correa, thank you.

This evening will stay with me for a very long time.

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For the first time in my life, a meal left me numb.

Creating Magic

I tried so hard to put my Gaggan experience into words… but my fingers refused to move. How do you describe something that goes beyond food?

Was it the flavours? Was it the music? The energy in the room? The team that moved like one heartbeat?Or was it the magician himself, the biggest showman the culinary world has ever seen?

Those three hours were pure theatre. A jaw-dropping, mind-bending, heart-thumping journey.

If you truly want to experience Gaggan, you must go to Bangkok. Only then can you feel the warmth, the madness, the passion that his entire team pours into every moment. It’s rare to see a brigade so perfectly in sync with a chef’s vision.

The wine pairings were exceptional  and Vladimir guiding us through each pour was like icing on an already unforgettable cake.

As Gaggan calls it, “cooksicle” and “curry okay”, I feel blessed, humbled and privileged to have seen him perform right in front of my eyes.

This is not just Indian, not just Japanese, not just Thai.

It is Gaggan. A category of its own!!!

With the GOAT
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Showcasing the Indigenous Rice, Curries and Food history of Thailand at Wana Yook!

I am in a dilemma about where to begin, should I talk about Chef Chalee Kader or Wana Yook? Because one simply does not make sense without the other. His food, the space, the philosophy, everything is intertwined. And that is the magic. Chef Chalee is not just cooking, he is redefining conversations around food in Thailand. Whether it is his Isaan-inspired cuisine, his commitment to nose-to-tail (or as he says, “brain to balls”) utilisation, his focus on sustainability or the way he elevates something as humble and comforting as rice and curry, the man is driving serious change in the culinary scene.

Wana Yook itself is a story. Set inside an old restored house wrapped in lush greenery, it almost feels like stepping into a miniature Amazon forest in the heart of Bangkok. For me, when it comes to experiential dining, every detail matters, the ambiance, the energy, the emotion of the space. Wana Yook gets all of it right.

We were welcomed warmly with champagne at the bar before heading to my favourite space in any restaurant, the kitchen. From that moment on, the meal unfolded like a beautifully crafted narrative. Every course had a story, a regional memory, or an ingredient with deep cultural roots.

From the ceviche to the wagyu, the broth, the fermented eggs, the fried gourami, the softshell crabs, the Shima Aji, the crab dumpling, and of course the iconic Khao & Kaeng, the experience was layered, emotional, and filled with nuance. The table full of curries and accompaniments towards the end is such a heartfelt nod to how families in Thailand eat, abundance, comfort and warmth.

We ended on a sweet note with Kanom, but also with the lingering memories of wine pairings, sato, and food stories that stay with you long after the meal is over.

What struck me throughout was not just the deliciousness of each dish, but the intention behind it. Chef Chalee isn’t just serving food, he’s preserving traditions, reimagining classics, championing sustainability and honouring ingredients in a way that feels deeply personal yet universally meaningful.

Wana Yook is a journey through Thailand’s culinary soul, guided by a chef who is doing far more than cooking, he is storytelling, preserving and pushing boundaries, all at once.

A perfect dinner isn’t just on the plate,  it is in the laughter, the stories and the food buddies who make every bite warmer.

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A Love Letter From India To Japan 🥢

My question to Chef Adwait was, “What really runs in your mind when you create this kind of food?”
He looked at me blankly, and that’s when I realised, creation is something that comes naturally to some people, like him.

Chef Adwait has taken elements from both Indian and Japanese ingredients and techniques to create these unique dishes for our palate.

We began with Nimbu Kombu Paani, which I would call a welcome drink that was eaten rather than sipped. Made with Kagzi Nimbu from southern India and kombu (a type of seaweed with a subtle umami flavours), it set the tone beautifully.

Khasi Chicken Horenso, black sesame Khasi chicken with Japanese spinach (Horenso)  was topped with chicken feet fat. The nutty flavour of Black sesame blended perfectly with the chicken and spinach.

Ganne ka Ras, Sencha Somen. I could never have imagined having noodles (somen) with ganne ka ras (sugarcane juice). The scallop perfectly complemented the entire composition and it was a smooth summer slurp.

Aam Papad Tuna, never in my wildest dreams would I have thought of sushi wrapped in aam papad! Only Chef Adwait could pull that off so brilliantly. I loved how the roll melted in the mouth,  the tuna and mango slow-danced together in perfect harmony.

Now to a dish that’s very close to my heart and DNA,  Mangalore Buns, Filter Coffee Butter, and Banana Bonito. I need to share this experience with my family back home in Mangalore. Adding filter coffee butter to this dish was like a Mangalorean living in Chennai, a mix of nostalgia and comfort. This was my absolute favourite dish of the entire meal and I know it’s not easy to achieve that perfect Mangalore bun texture.

Corn Raab Soba with Naga Smoked Pork, corn raab, also known as makai ka raab from Rajasthan, was served with Naga smoked pork on a bed of soba noodles, finished with a drizzle of nolen gur from West Bengal. So many flavours came together to create this heartwarming dish.

Aslam-san, Chef Adwait’s take on Aslam Butter Chicken, gives a Japanese twist to a Delhi favourite, paying homage to the city that loves this dish.

And then came the Sel Roti x Mochi Donut — a small, unassuming dessert that ended up being our favourite. We thought we were done with sweets, but before we knew it, we couldn’t stop eating. Every bite screamed, “I want more,” and we polished it off in no time!

This is what happens when you dine with an open mind and heart.

We sipped on some incredible in-house kombucha between courses,  since we skipped cocktails and I’m glad we did. The jasmine, green tea and chamomile flavours were refreshing; my personal favourite was the chamomile, while the others leaned towards jasmine.

INJA is a place to experience unimaginable Indian and Japanese flavours, a space where Chef Adwait’s creativity goes beyond imagination.

Special mention to the warmest hospitality by Panchali.

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Red Ant Chutney and Life Lessons: A Tale from Chikmagalur.

When enterprising women from hills decide to carve their own path, extraordinary stories emerge. This is the story of Pavithra and her friend, two determined women from Mudigere, Chikmagalur, who brought the essence of Malnad cuisine to life. Their journey toward financial independence and preserving the region’s flavors through their restaurants is inspiring.

Our lunch at Hale Mane was a celebration of authentic, homestyle Malnad food:

Akki Roti: A traditional rice flour flatbread, perfectly crisp on the outside and soft inside, paired with Malnad Mutton curry
Akki Unde: Steamed rice dumplings, dense yet delicious, served a hint of ghee for a rich, earthy taste.
Mutton Curry: A spicy, slow-cooked dish infused with traditional Malnad spices, offering tender, juicy pieces of mutton in a flavourful gravy.
Fish Curry: Fresh fish cooked in a tangy, mildly spicy coconut-based gravy, highlighting the coastal influence in Malnad cuisine.
Fish Fry: Tawa fried fish fry with some flavourful tangy Malnad masala.

The next day, our breakfast at Malnad Mane Atithya was just as exceptional, featuring an array of traditional dishes:

Mangalore Buns: Soft, slightly sweet, deep-fried banana puris that were warm and comforting, perfect with coconut chutney.
Shevige: Delicate, hand-pressed rice noodles served with a mild green kurma, offering a wholesome and light start to the meal.
Thatte Idly: Thick, fluffy idlis that melted in the mouth, served with sambar and spicy chutney.
Akki Unde: A repeat from the previous day, but this time paired with a green kurma for a fresh twist.
What made the breakfast truly special were Pavithra’s personal touches:

Red Ant Chutney: A rare delicacy made famous by her appearance on the Gordon Ramsay show, this chutney combined the tangy zest of red ants with traditional Malnad spices.
Horse Gram Chutney: A labour-intensive dish taking two days to prepare, packed with robust flavors and a nutty undertone.
Bamboo Shoot Stir Fry: Tender bamboo shoots sautéed with spices, offering a unique crunch and a taste reminiscent of the forest.
We ended the meal with piping hot tea and coffee, brewed with fresh milk from Pavithra’s own farm, adding an unparalleled freshness to the experience.

This journey into Malnad cuisine was not just about food but also about the love, dedication, and authenticity that Pavithra and her friend poured into every dish. Their passion for preserving the region’s culinary heritage was truly heartwarming.

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When Luxury Meets Heritage at The Lotus Palace, Chettinad

The Lotus Palace in Karaikudi is where history and luxury seamlessly blend to create an unforgettable experience. Built in the 17th century, this 233-year-old architectural marvel, located 72 km from Trichy airport and 14 km from Karaikudi junction, was our home for two enchanting nights. Thanks to The Park Hotel’s efforts, this heritage mansion has been beautifully restored while maintaining its original charm.

The Lotus Palace in Karaikudi is where history and luxury seamlessly blend to create an unforgettable experience. Built in the 17th century, this 233-year-old architectural marvel, located 72 km from Trichy airport and 14 km from Karaikudi junction, was our home for two enchanting nights. Thanks to The Park Hotel’s efforts, this heritage mansion has been beautifully restored while maintaining its original charm.

Lunch at “86 Pillars” was another highlight. Named after the property’s 86 pillars, this dining experience was like being a guest at someone’s home. Karpagam and Ramachandran meticulously arranged our banana leaf and the feast that followed was a culinary journey through Chettinad’s traditional flavors. We were treated to fish, prawn, mutton, chicken, variety rice, parotta, vegetables, chutney, fish curry, chicken curry, sambar, rasam, curd, papadam, and payasam. Each dish was prepared with authenticity and we savoured every bite.

 The evenings at The Lotus Palace are simply magical, especially in the Red Room. Bathed in the deep, rich tones of Burmese red lacquer, this room celebrates the opulent Chettiar heritage and provides a cosy, intimate space. Exclusively for in-house guests, we indulged in a sophisticated high tea with a platter of traditional snacks, including fried idly, paniyaram, raw banana fritters, rose cookies and egg puffs, followed by a tumbler of piping hot tea. It was a delightful way to wind down the day.

Our last morning at The Lotus Palace was tinged with emotion as we prepared to head home. The staff, however, ensured that we left on a high note with another memorable breakfast: Mutta dosa (egg dosa) with Chettinad fish curry, a fitting send-off meal that left us completely satisfied.

What truly stood out to us was how The Lotus Palace preserved its heritage while incorporating modern luxuries. Despite the mansion’s age, every detail was carefully managed to respect its historical integrity. The seamless integration of old and new is what makes this place extraordinary.

My heartiest gratitude to Darshini Ashok Director PR, The Park Hotels Chennai for helping us book the stay at The Lotus Palace, Karaikudi

Our time at The Lotus Palace was nothing short of magical and I can’t wait to return for another glimpse into its timeless charm.

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And finally I found Homestyle food in Southampton, UK.

Our last day in Southampton, and we were determined to make it memorable. It was Sunday – the perfect day for a hearty meal. Up until this point, the food we’d had in Southampton had been decent but hadn’t really blown us away. There was plenty of fish and chips, but I was craving some authentic homestyle food. That’s when I stumbled upon The Southampton Arms, located just a stone’s throw from our hotel. A quick glance at the reviews confirmed it – this was our brunch spot.

It was a cold, rainy Sunday, and it took us nearly 45 minutes to get a cab for the short 1.2-mile trip (walking was out of the question in that weather). We arrived at 12:15 pm, and the place was almost packed. The Southampton Arms has two sections: a pub area for those just grabbing drinks and sides, and a proper dining area. Unfortunately, we hadn’t made a reservation and were told they were fully booked. Disappointment set in, but then Martina, the warm and welcoming owner, saved the day by letting us take a reserved table, provided we’d be done by 2 pm.

Seated and ready, we placed our order:

Moretti Beer – A great start to wash down the meal.

Peppered Mackerel Starter – Perfectly seasoned mackerel paired with tomatoes, onions, and greens. It was fresh, light, and absolutely delicious.

Trio of Roasts (Sunday Special) – A delightful combination of pork, ham, and lamb served with a variety of veggies (finally, veggies beyond just potatoes!) and a traditional Yorkshire pudding. For the uninitiated, Yorkshire pudding is a baked dish made from eggs, flour, and milk or water, and it resembled a soft bun. The roasts were succulent, and each bite had that comforting homestyle flavor.

Just when I thought this was the highlight of the meal, the Beef Pie arrived, served with more veggies, mashed potatoes, and a flavorful sauce. Oh my goodness – this was hands down the best pie I’ve ever tasted! The beef was tender, the filling subtly flavorful, and it left me savoring every bite.

Despite the place being packed, the service was impeccable. Martina and her team ensured that everything ran smoothly, making us feel right at home. The ambiance is charming, both inside and out – cozy, welcoming, and quintessentially English.

For anyone visiting Southampton, The Southampton Arms is an absolute must. If you’re looking for real, homestyle, heartwarming food, this is where you’ll find it. It was the perfect way to end our trip, and I can’t recommend it enough!

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Windows Of The world – An exclusive peek to a colourful wedding!!!

Windows of the World at Hyatt Regency Chennai was the theme for a very special wedding, it was a culinary journey through seven action stations, showcasing global gastronomic wonders. Indulged in Nordic delights with vodka, relish Sushi bars of Ginza with sake, and savoured Sicilian cuisine paired with Spritz and Aperitivo. Experienced Caribbean flavours with rum-infused Jambalayas and Barbados stews. Delighted in Creole cuisine with Vermouth and Asian-spiced spirits. Explored Indian kebabs, kormas, and curries paired with fine whiskies. Lastly, I enjoyed award-winning cheeses from House of Kase with perfectly paired wines at the Fromagerie.

Scandinavian Splendour

The Nordic delights were a refreshing start to the culinary adventure. The Baltic Salmon, served in multiple textures, paired exquisitely with the crisp, coppery vodka. For vegetarians and omnivores alike, the Crepes Printanier with sautéed kale offered a delightful combination, perfectly capped off with the sweetness of summer berries and Trifle.

Ginza District Delights:

The Sushi bars of Ginza showcased the freshest ingredients and modern twists on classic dishes. From the Simesaba to the Unagi, each sushi was a masterpiece, complemented by inventive pairings like the wasabi lemon curd tart. The Asahi Beer, Yuzu Shandy, and Iwai Whisky added a perfect finishing touch.

Sicilian Sensations:

Fiametta Pereira’s Sicilian specialties brought warmth and tradition to the table. The Involtini Di Melanzane and Risotto First-Aged Carnaroli Rice were standout dishes, while the Cannoli Alla Siciliana provided a sweet, satisfying conclusion. The house special Spritz and Aperitivo elevated the Sicilian experience.

Caribbean Charms:

The vibrancy of the Caribbean cuisine shone through with dishes like Jerk Chicken Legs and Jambalaya. The Malibu Crème Brulé left a lasting impression, perfectly capturing the essence of the islands. Paired with rum-infused delights, this station was a celebration of flavour and culture.

House of Malacca Magic:

From Singapore Pot Stickers to Thai Mango Sticky Rice, the House of Malacca transported diners to the heart of Southeast Asia. Each dish burst with authentic Flavors, enhanced by Vermouth & Macerated Spirits. It was a true homage to the region’s culinary diversity.

Indian Delights:

The Indian Harvest station showcased a plethora of seasonal flavours, from Galouti Kebab to Moradabadi Chicken Biryani. As a lover of Indian cuisine, I found myself drawn to this station, savouring every bite paired with fine whisky.

Fromagerie de Kase:

Cheese lovers rejoiced at the sight of the award-winning cheeses presented by Kase. The Artisanal Cheese Board and Three-Cheese Fondue were indulgent treats, perfectly complemented by a selection of house wines.

Everything Sweet:

No culinary journey is complete without dessert, and the Everything Sweet counter did not disappoint. From Stone Fruits Flambé to Crepe Suzette, each dessert was a delightful finale to an unforgettable experience.

Windows of the World at Hyatt Regency Chennai offered a culinary adventure that transcended borders and awakened taste buds. Each station is an ode to the diversity and richness of global cuisine.

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A Night That Created History In The Culinary World!

The world’s longest and happiest table at Hanu Reddy Mango farm, also called as Hanu’s table creates history in the culinary world! This 156ft table that is made using the mango trees that were uprooted during the varda cyclone in 2017 is now the talk of the town. The beautiful table can seat 150 happy people making joyful conversations.

10 best chefs of India showcase their regional cuisine on the world’s longest and happiest table in Chennai, India.

20th January 2024 was a very special day and my happiness knew no bounds! I still remember on a sunny day around the last week of June 2023 Nirupama and I drove to the Hanu Reddy mango farm to just sit under the mango trees and discuss what we could possibly do here. My eyes twinkled with excitement as my mind envisioned something very special.

For the last few years my mind body and soul only feels regional food and I said how about chefs from all around India come and showcase their regional food and I remember I told Nirupama for all you know this might go to the Guinness Book of World records!!! To me the only person who could pull this off with all his might was Chef Regi, our next farm visit was with Chef Regi and we walked around the farm to imagine what it would be like to put Chennai on the world culinary map.

And the rest is history, Chef Regi gathered his army of chefs and Team Hanu Reddy gathered their team to get a kitchen constructed and do some massive work in the farm in such a short time.

Walking through the farm after 6 months was like a fairytale with an ” India’s Culinary Odyssey” logo all around, it was a proud moment for me who has made Chennai my home for 25yrs now. The place was beautifully lit up and the reception was warm.

As we entered the farm the huge mango trees were lit up, the music was Indian and it complimented the Indian cocktails that were curated with classic Indian ingredients like tamarind, pepper chillies and more.

Indian ingredients infused cocktails
Indian ingredients infused cocktails

As we moved on to the dining area, the table that would seat 106 guests was brimming with colors from the beautiful flowers and Indian elements like the tiffin carriers and dabbas. Nithya along with her friend did a fabulous job with the decor ( well she is a professional)

The 156ft happy table

We got seated and we had our own Ashwin Rajagopal who was the emcee for the evening. The warm welcome speech by Mr. Hanu Reddy and Chef Regi Mathew were building up the excitement.

Amuse Bouche

The amuse bouche was synonymous to the mango farm and that mild sour flavour of the raw mango set the mood for the rest of the evening.

Being a Sindhi Chef Vicky Ratnani decided to showcase the lotus stem which is a Sindhi delicacy. The lotus stem project: tikki chat was a great starter to this magnificent evening.

Lotus stem tikki chat

My goan brother Avinash Martins had his own style to present the goan sea bass with style and vibrance. Sunset kissed recheado delight made using fermented sun-dried tomato recheado, sea bass, kalchi Kodi, kokum, chempde torr and delicate edible flowers was like going back to my childhood days. Especially the chempde torr ( salted raw mango) that we brought from hand carts outside our school in Goa.

Goan seabass recheado

The flavours of Bannuwali cuisine inspired by north west frontier are supposed to be very subtle yet comforting. Chef Vanshika Bhatia presented the Burke waale chole made using tender chickpeas coated in aged mango pickle adored with a delicate layer of moongdal and a tadka of amchur with kapali wheat Paratha. This is an heirloom recipe from her grandmother to her mother and now she is wooing us with this food from her home.

Burke waale chole

There is something about the Koli community and the Koli food in Mumbai the Koli community are the fisherman community and their food is actually the native food of Mumbai. My love for Koli food started when our driver who belonged to the Koli community got his lunch and that invariably became my lunch. I love the flavours of their food and this one was very nostalgic for me. The goda masala is mostly used for vegetarian curries. Chef Varun Tolani from masque Mumbai has blended the masalas seamlessly and presented The Koli masala mud crab, goda masala and onion amti, karandi loncha with those cute little pillowy pav.

Koli mud crab

Blue pea pidi, well I have nothing to say about this dish, like they say silence speaks a thousand words. When you have a golden heart everything you make turns to Amrit. These rice dumplings, cooked in coconut milk and served with ramapuram style chicken curry was definitely Nirvana.

Blue pea pidi

The humble ragi mudde stuffed with karamani with dhantin chutney, uchellu chutney, fried drumstick and served with bottle gourd lentil soup opened my eyes and soul to how something so simple can be simply delicious Chef Mythrayie Iyer namma Chennai ponnu is creating waves in Bangalore at the farmlore.

Ragi mudde

Chef Auroni Mookerjee’s confit patha in a niramish jhol using Bengal goat, notun aloo, radhatilak rice and bonolokki ghee was a dish blessed by Ma. This dish prepared without onion or garlic laced with ghee and hing enhanced the flavour of the meat. Loved the presentation of this dish and I actually had this dish through my eyes even before tasting it. Kudos to this accidental chef who has made his mark in the industry without formal training.

Niramish jhol

Reliving a culinary heritage of what it was to sit around the table and have a family lunch on a Sunday is what Chef Harish Rao recreated for us. From Pushpa’s kitchen to our table Pushpa’s Sunday Shrimp fry and Nei Annam made with tiger prawns, coconut milk rice and gongura crisp from the state of Andhra Pradesh was a delight.

Pushpa’s kitchen special Shrimp fry with Nei Annam
Ambur duck biriyani

Ambur Duck Biriyani was Chef Hussain Shahzad’s take on recreating the most loved biriyani in Chennai. The succulent pieces of those marinated duck was for me the highlight of the dish.

Inspired by the flavours of India Chef Vinesh Jhony decided to give us a sweet finale with his two outstanding desserts. Passion fruit and coconut ais kachang with passion fruit and mango sorbet, frozen coconut dots, caramelised salted peanuts and Jasmine tender coconut veil.

Carrot ginger and brunost

Carrot ginger and brunost, carrot halwa veloute, whipped brunost cheese, pineapple ginger ale, brown butter pineapple, salted cashew streusel, carrot paper, ginger icecream and ginger tuile.

Passion fruit & coconut ais kachang

And just when we thought this was fabulous, we had a beautiful return gift that was presented to us. A long bag with Pallanguli or Pallankuli this is a traditional ancient mancala game played in South India, especially Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The Pallanguli holes were beautifully filled with desserts by Vinesh Jhony.

Pallanguli

This event has definitely created history in the culinary world. For how beautiful the venue was and how seamlessly the entire event was conducted there was so much hard work that went behind the scenes.

Gratitude and kudos to my dear friend Nirupama who is an epitome of strength and husband Suresh who is that quiet pillar for support. Chef Regi Mathew for leading the army of chefs with his able leadership. Mr. Hanu Reddy for being a visionary and the entire family for the support. Nithya and Ram for being a huge part of the event from construction to decoration. The service staff for their impeccable service under the guidance of Mirelle. Chef Ram, chef Siddiqui, chef Babu, chef Vignesh, chef Rajesh apologies if i have missed anyone.

And finally Chennai has arrived!

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It takes nothing to be kind to people, have you given it a thought???

The motto of our group is community living and no competition within the group,we only compliment each other.

This year our group Eat Pray and Love that has 300+ people predominantly from the food industry met on a Sunday evening for High tea and early dinner.

My heart felt gratitude to Nirupama from Hanu Reddy residences who always gave us the venue to host our events, she has been doing it for 3yrs now and promised to do so forever!

The evening started with organising the pot luck. Home style food was extra delicious with that main ingredient that goes in abundance “love” everyone who got food for the pot luck was breaming with happiness when they got to know that their food was super special.

We had our round of photo session, networking and a quick few minutes introduction talk by me. I tried my best to talk a little about everyone present at the event and also talked about the food on the table so everyone knew what they were eating.

We had decided zero wastage of food and so organised takeaway containers. Now this was a big hit and everyone decided on their menu for Monday ( the next day) breakfast lunch and dinner, I personally was very happy because wastage is something that makes me very sad.

We also had return gifts by Gud fud box that make sweets and savouries using millets, honey from Ambrosia and biryani by Al safa biriyani.

The food was lavish spread by our group members. Cheese platter with condiments, 3 varieties of biryani of which one was vegan jackfruit biryani, Punjabi samosa, Patti samosa, paneer roll, lemon tart, vegan curd rice ( peanut curd) malida ( Bohri sweet) vegan mysurpa, sabudana khichdi, caramel custard, srilankan sambol and Korean watermelon drink.

The list of food purely talks about the diversity in our group, yet we are all bonded over food.

This post is my heartfelt gratitude to my community without whom Eat Pray and Love does not exist!