Recipe for Success

MY FATHER always said to be remembered in life do something worth writing or write something worth reading. Today, I write about 2 people who did both!

Most cookbooks hide that one ingredient that makes a recipe or change the quantities so the dish never comes out quite right. Chefs claim that it's all in the touch, but I've always believed that a good and honest recipe should have the same result in the end no matter who the cook might be.

So I was pleasantly surprised when writer turned author Sonal Ved invited me to a private dinner at Long & Short, Intercontinental Marine Drive to sample her favourite foods from her debutant book 'Gujju goes Gourmet'. In a collaborative effort with chef Arzooman Irani, the new executive chef of the hotel, Sonal curated a five course culinary extravaganza.

The meal began with an Asparagus and Tarragon Mousse complimented by a chilli almond foam on a bed of purple cabbage spaghetti. Followed by a delightful cup of Moroccan chickpea soup which chef Irani had creatively paired with gun powder baby appams. Our main was a light and healthy spinach and ricotta ravioli with zucchini pappardelle and avacado mash. For the grand finale, hidden under the specially crafted ice igloo was a delicious salted caramel cheese cake made better only by the Belgian dark chocolate and ambrosia macarons.

What impressed me the most was that Chef Irani followed Sonal's recipe to the tee. And the proof of the pudding lay in the eating! Sonal’s recipe book is available on the Juggernaut books app for Android and iOS for those who would like to bite right into it!

Home chefs taking over restaurants seems to be the new trend.

Homemaker, doting wife of filmmaker Abhinav Deo (of Delhi Belly fame) and loving mother - Smita Deo recently turned author releasing her first paperback - From Karwar to Kolhapur via Mumbai. Known for her kitchen prowess it wasn't the least bit surprising when I heard that her book was an instant sell out. But even more interesting is that her dishes have impressed the executive chef of Trident, Mumbai and together they are planning an authentic culinary feast.

Later this month, home chef’s are in for quite a treat as Sameer Malkani the founder of the Food Bloggers Assocation of India launches – Home Chef Matters presented by Vikhroli Cucina at Taj Lands End on 16^th August. This one of a kind one day conference will allow buddying home chefs to learn, engage and network with industry experts. Look out for Chef Goila spilling the secrets of social media, join Chef Ratnani in his creative crafting or watch as the crowd favourite Kunal Vijaykar shares tales of his love for eating! For those who want to take a page from Sonal’s or Smita’s story, Chef Ranveer Brar will offer the ingredients to turn your culinary skills into the next bestseller.

With all these innovative opportunities for home chefs in the hospitality industry. Today, it isn’t hard to go big while you stay home!