An Introduction To – G Somasundaram, Executive Chef

An Introduction To – G Somasundaram, Executive Chef

G Somasundaram, Executive Chef, Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel    What do you love most about being a chef, and what keeps you passionate about your work every day? A: As a chef, my passion lies in curating a dining experience that leaves a lasting impression long after the meal. Serving food that doesn’t just satisfy your palate and satiate your hunger but takes you on a culinary escapade is a mission I take on every day. Continuously seeking, experimenting with and creating flavors that linger in your memory keeps guests coming back for more. At Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel, we strive to offer an immersive guest experience by imbibing them in the neighborhood and its DNA. For me, it’s about crafting a connection through food that remains and resonates with you, making each meal at the hotel a truly unforgettable one. How do you stay inspired and continue to innovate in your cooking? Are there any particular sources or activities that spark your creativity? A: A typical day off involves binge watching TV and playing with my daughter! These moments with my daughter and family are incredibly precious to me. Even during my leisure time, I enjoy preparing a meal for my family – they are the first ones to try my new recipes, and their love for my cooking fuels my passion and motivates me to bring that same love and dedication to the meals I prepare for our guests. Being able to experiment with new and old recipes, healthy and nutritious food, flavors and techniques with my family sparks culinary creativity in me, keeping me inspired and committed to delivering exceptional dining experiences in the hotel’s kitchen as well. Can you share a memorable experience from your travels that deeply influenced your culinary perspective? A: My first stint abroad at Shikar, Maxwell Reserve Singapore, Autograph Collection has deeply influenced my take on the art of culinary. What we know today as Singaporean cuisine was in fact born out of an amalgamation of Chinese, Hainanese, Malay and Indian cuisines and heritage. This is why Singaporean street food is commonly looked at as a vibrant tapestry of flavors. Adapting to a culinary landscape so different from that of India and extremely diverse, and learning to integrate new and different skills was both demanding and rewarding. At Shikar, an Indian fine dining experience, I had the opportunity to lead the pre-opening team. Alongside celebrity Chef Jolly, we created a menu that incorporated global techniques in traditional Indian food. This experience shaped my approach to culinary arts and I often find myself reflecting on them as I continue to explore the craft. What role does family play in your life and career, and how do you balance your demanding professional schedule with family time? A: My family is my greatest strength. Their support and belief in me are the pillars that push me to pursue my passion every time I step into the kitchen. My days off are spent playing with my daughter, cooking for my family and watching movies together! I devote my leisure time to my family. They are my ultimate source of joy and inspiration. Spending entire days, doing the most mundane things with my family are the most precious to me. It energizes and reinvigorates me. Family time provides a much-needed balance to my professional life and remind me of the simple pleasures that truly matter. You mentioned an interest in preserving lost recipes. Can you share a specific recipe or culinary tradition you’ve revived that holds special meaning for you? A: One culinary tradition that holds a special place in my heart is the revival of a traditional South Indian condiment, Salem Chilly Garlic Chutney, a simple dip packed with robust flavors perfect for working professionals living alone who often whip up dosas and omelets for a quick meal. As a young chef living alone, dosas, bread and omelet or omelet with kanji – the South Indian rendition of a congee – were my quick fixes for most nights and this chutney would complete the meal. Homely and traditional, this chutney is considered a favorite in the hot and arid rural regions of South India. It pairs well with kanji, a preparation of day old rice soaked in water and buttermilk. The chutney comes together easily using a few basic ingredients. To make this chutney, you’ll need: Raw garlic Salt South Indian Salem chilly powder (a special blend that adds a unique depth of flavor) Gingelly or Sesame oil Here’s how to prepare it: Crush the garlic: Start by crushing the raw garlic cloves. Traditionally, it is crushed into a coarse paste in a stone mortar and pestle. The raw garlic adds a pungent kick and is known for its energizing properties. Mix the ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the crushed garlic with salt and a generous amount of Salem chilly powder. Add oil: Drizzle in the gingelly oil and mix everything together until well blended. The oil not only enhances the flavors but also helps in balancing the sharpness of the garlic. Serving suggestions: Serve with dosas, rice meals and kanji or use as a spread for the Indian classic bread and omelet sandwich. How do you approach mentoring and developing your culinary team, especially when working with younger chefs? A: I owe much of my success to the mentors who guided me along the way on my culinary journey. Their mentorship has been invaluable, and I aim to extend this same leadership and guidance to the young chefs I work with today.  Young chefs and their eagerness to achieve instant success is both admirable and challenging. It’s crucial to provide them with the necessary direction to help them navigate their path effectively. I believe that sharing my experiences and insights can make a significant difference in their own journeys. It is not only about training them on the technical skills but also nurturing their passion and helping them understand the importance

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 Flavours & Colours of Holi

Flavours & Colours of Holi

Celebrate the festival of colours in many colourful and flavourful ways in Bangalore. Holi-licious Grand Brunch at FEAST Experience the culture of colours and indulge in some delicious food to celebrate the vibrant and colourful season of Holi with a culinary palate created just for the occasion. Gorge on sumptuous treats and tuck into a delicious brunch to make this Holi, a delicious one! Executive Chef Gaurav Anand has carefully designed a special menu with his culinary team, for the occasion to tantalise your taste buds. Start your meal with some refreshing drinks like the traditional Thandai Rose Milk, Kesar Lassi, crunchy snacks like Bhakarwadi, Mini Cocktails Samosa, Gujarati special counter with dishes like Fafda, Khandvi, Kachori Chaat, Ragada Patties, Bhuna Hara Saag, Kache gosht ki Biryani, Amritsari Kulche aur Chana, Fondant Potato, Sicilian Style Vegetable Lasagna, Asian Main live counters, Malpua, Phirnee, Gujia and so much more. Where: FEAST, Lobby Level, Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway, Bangalore. When: Tuesday, 10th March 2020, 12:30 PM to 4 PM Call: +91 80 4252 0133. Have a Fun-tastic Holi at LUSH Holi is the perfect time to indulge and binge on some good food and delicious drinks. Head to Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel if you’re craving for some authentic Holi delicacies. The hotel is organising a delicious Lunch for Holi on Tuesday where you can enjoy an extravagant spread at Lush – the signature all-day- dining -restaurant, handcrafted by talented Chef Nitish and his team. Indulge in a special Holi spread comprising of Indian Chaats, Gol Gappa, Aloo Chaat, Samosa Chaat, Aloo Tikki, Dahi Vada, Indian delicacies like Chole Bhature and hand-crafted Indian Mithais. Where: Lush, Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel, Bangalore. When: 10 March, 12:30 pm to 3 pm Holi Special at Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore The highlight of any Indian festival is the scrumptious food prepared, and Holi is no different. Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore has a special Holi menu with an array of traditional delicacies from different regions of India at The Bengaluru Brassiere on 9 and 10 March. There will also be fun-filled activities at the poolside for the festival, perfect for friends and family. The menu, created by Chef Manish Uniyal, will have authentic savoury dishes and sweets like Mathura ki kachori, Bharwan paneer and Mawa gujia along with Kesaria Thandai to accompany your meal. Where: The Bengaluru Brassiere, Hyatt Centric MG Road, Ulsoor, Bangalore. When – 9 and 10 March 2020, 12 noon to 3 PM. Call: 080 40187200. Rangeelo Rajasthan The royalty of Rajasthan celebrates everything with food and music. It’s said that for every festivity, the entire kingdom would prepare grand feasts that saw everyone congregating to celebrate over the season’s best preparations. Bringing you that very experience, is Rasovara – The Royal Kitchen, with its Rangeelo Rajasthan festival. From March 6-10, 2020, Rasovara, UB City will take on the hues of India’s beloved state, Rajasthan. Their experienced khansamas have researched long and hard, digging into the royal kitchen’s rare recipes, to recreate the near-perfect spring menu for you. After you’re welcomed in customary Rasovara style, complete with a chandan teeka, you will be shown to your table where a magical treat awaits. Hold your breath as piping hot Green Peas Kachori, prepared from the season’s freshest peas, set the tone for the meal ahead. Sip into the refreshing Mango Thandai that gives you a taste of the impending summer. Or, if you prefer, there is the Gulab and Kesar Thandai, blended to perfection to bring you the most complete thandai experience. Mawa Gujiya, made from the royal chefs most secret recipes, bring a burst of flavours and aromas from the first bite to the last. And then, there’s the hero of the meal – Rajasthan famed Kesar Jalebi, without which every royal feast was incomplete. Where: Rasovara, UB City, Bengaluru. When: March 6-10, 2020. Holi Celebrations at Courtyard & Fairfield by Marriott Bengaluru ORR Welcome the festival of colours with a magnificent lunch buffet at the all-day dining restaurant MoMo Café and specialty Indian restaurant Kava. Also, welcoming Spring is the two-day Holi themed festival on 9th and 10th March. Cocktail menu with refreshing thandais, kids zone for the children to indulge in, free shots for everyone dressed in white and a range of exciting desserts to dive into, the extravaganza promises to make you go high on food and the festive aura around. Where: Courtyard & Fairfield by Marriott Bengaluru ORR. Call: +91 9513653156. Flavours & Colours of Holi

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 Divine Taste from the Paradise on Earth, Kashmir

Divine Taste from the Paradise on Earth, Kashmir

Kashmir has always intrigued everyone across the world and its rich cuisine has a legendary fan following too. It is not called the paradise on earth, only for its surreal beauty, but also for its authentic cuisine that is appreciated across the world. The talented Kashmiri chef, Chef Bashir Wazza is in Bengaluru and has curated the limited edition Kashmiri Wazwan Food Festival at LUSH, Renaissance Bengaluru. The hotel is known for curating some of the choicest of food festivals and this one is another of its alluring offerings, straight from the jewel crown of India, Kashmir. Curated in collaboration with Chef Bashir Wazza of Kashmir and Renaissance Hotel’s talented Chef Sanjeev with expert tips from ace gourmand Suresh Hinduja, the food festival promises an incredible line up of dishes and desserts that are bound to rekindle your palate. Some of the signature lipsmacking Kashmiri dishes that are a must try are Gustaba, Rista, Girda, Chochwor, Sheermal, Bakarkhani, Tabak Mazz Yakhni, Ver masala, Waze kokur, Rogan Josh, Zereshk Pulao and more which are sure to leave you wanting for more. Begin with a melt-in-the-mouth Seekh Kebab that is delicious and flavourful. Vegetarians will love the Nadru and Mushroom Kebab, made with mashed lotus root and is crispy on the outside. For mains, you cannot miss the Gucchi Pulao, a Kashmiri delicary, made with black morels with some the famed Rogan Josh and Shalgam gosht that are simply divine. Even if you’re not a vegetarian, you must try the Kashmiri Rajma and Palak dish and mop it up with some Girda, a fermented flat bread and Sheermal. End your meal on a sweet note with an array of authentic Kashmiri desserts like Keser Kulfi with Kava reduction, Apple fan phirni or Apple Murabba. The taste of Wazwan is on at LUSH, from 17th to 27th February, 2020. What: Kashmiri Wazwan Food Festival Where: LUSH, Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel, Race Course Road, Bengaluru. When: 17th February to 27th February, 7 pm to 11 pm How much: INR 2200++ per person, with Alcohol INR 5000++ The Divine Taste from the Paradise on Earth, Kashmir

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 No Sincerer Love than the Love of Food this Valentine’s Day

No Sincerer Love than the Love of Food this Valentine’s Day

Wondering where to take your loved one this Valentine’s this month? Here are a few suggestions on where you can dine and make your Valentine’s Day special Add a Touch of Hawaii to your Valentine’s Day Celebration This 14th of February, enjoy a candlelit meal featuring a specially prepared menu by the Three Dots culinary team. Indulge yourself in Hawaiian style of romance with your loved one. Enjoy the romantic vibe at Three Dots and a Dash, with a welcome glass of sparkling wine along with Hawaiian steamed mini buns which is considered one of the most popular snacks in Hawaii. Try the Hawaiian root veg leg broth soup to start off your evening. Don’t forget to munch on the crunchy mozzarella cheese fritters. Kickstart your evening with Cheese crepes topped with maple syrup, walnuts and rose petals. Also, try Huli huli marinated chicken pizza, a delicious Hawaiian rotisserie chicken. The Classic margarita with arugula Quattro is the four cheese pizza that cannot be missed! The culinary experience is then finished with fruit and nuts cake and the Hawaiian haupia which is a traditional coconut milk-based Hawaiian dessert often found at local gatherings in Hawaii. If you’re looking for a healthy option for this evening, try the carrot soup with a cute touch of little hearts bits. This soup is incredibly healthy and will comfort you in case you prefer comfort over adventure. Where: Three Dots and a Dash, Indiranagar & JP Nagar, Bangalore. Celebrate the season of Romance at Cinnamon This Valentine week woo your better half at Cinnamon, a place where the city’s dessert lovers relish bespoke desserts, the gourmet deli at Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel. Celebrate the season of love with unforgettable dessert creations conjured by Chef Ashutosh and spice up your romance. You can choose from an extensive dessert menu featuring Red velvet heart cake, Fresh fruit heart cake, Pink Velvet cake, Valentine day’s brownie, Black forest upside-down cake, Strawberry coconut crust cheesecake, Berry magnum, Raspberry meringue hearts, Chocolate coated strawberries cheesecake, Valentine inspired cupcakes. Where: Cinnamon, Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel. Sweet Romance Love is in the air. Choose from any of the following experiences to pamper your significant other. The hotel promises to make it one of the most cherishing nights, thus far. A night filled with love to make your loved one feel lavished! Dine on Valentine’s Day at a variety of fine dining options and celebrate the season of love with menus that have been curated specially to redefine your dining experience. FEAST: The culinary team at the hotel has curated a special menu to showcase an extraordinary buffet! A wide spread buffet that will leave your taste buds with an unforgettable savour. A good number of live-counters would be a part of the spread as well. These will consist of vegetarian and non-vegetarian grills and barbeques to complement the theme. Try out these dishes like stuffed chicken roulade, red wine braised lamb shank, roasted veg lasagna, potato dauphinoise. With innumerable desserts on the menu for a sweet escape like live crepe Suzette, waffle and pancake, chocolate bar, strawberry croquembouche and much more. Where: Feast, Lobby Level at Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway, Bangalore. HIGH Ultra Lounge All you lovebirds get ready to get hooked with an astounding party night’s you’ve experienced thus far! Along with delectable food like comes the perfect combo of astounding DJ NJAY behind the console reeling best of his enthralling beats. Get ready to groove all night with your loved one as the electric DJ is going to play the finest of his collections for the house all night leaves you grooving with your partner. With a spectacular view of the city from 421 feet and delectable dishes like live grills with meat and fish, Persian kebabs, dim sums counters, live sushi counter, Thai food delicacies and so much more with live music will set just the right mood for the evening. So, head to High Ultra Lounge this Valentine’s Day to unwind over live music and scrumptious food!!! Where: High Ultra Lounge, Bangalore. Cocktails at RAAHI – Neo Kitchen & Bar Raahi is the caravan which will take you on an inspired epicurean expedition. It is a humble amalgamation of regional ingredients, culinary aesthetics, and bold innovation. The bartenders at Raahi, work closely with native ingredients, and create a food experience that will stimulate all your gastronomic senses. Taking inspiration from nature, their cocktail menu is based on The Panch Tattva’s (five elements) using indigenous ingredients and quality alcohol. These unique cocktails are complemented by redefined classics made by their widely travelled mixologists and bar experts. Raahi, the Neo Kitchen and Bar has a special cocktail menu for Valentine’s Day. Try 18th – Beefeater, Orange aperitif, Raahi Pan Kombucha and lime juice, Romeo & Juliet – Absolut, Hibiscus Tea Reduction, spice water and sparkling wine, Chaucer’s Story – Absolut, in-house rose shrub, Lychee Extract and egg white, Priest love – Brandy, rose wine, distilled chocolate water and orange crisp and rose cooked grapes. For the teetotallers too, there is ample choice from a dedicated section of non-alcoholic drinks comprising rejigged regional drinks and infusions. Where: Raahi, 15, Madras Bank Road, Above NEXA showroom, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru. JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru Plan your perfect Valentine’s Day dinner with your special one in luxe and love with the perfect ambience and tempting delicacies from the restaurants at JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru. Choose between an extensive buffet at JW Kitchen and the special cupid menu at ALBA. JW KITCHEN: Sovour some extravagant dishes like Avocado Carpaccio, Asian Crab and Pepper Soup, Pork Belly with Roasted Pepper Coulis, Salmon Wellington, Nalli Nihari, Dum ki Machali, Nadru Kofta Curry, Paneer Pasanda, Sarsoon ka Saag, Valentine Velvet Slice, Pistachio Strawberry Tart, Berry Rhubarb Pistachio Opera, French vanilla raspberry entremets, Hidden Strawberry Stone and many more. ALBA: Italian food is all about love, this Valentine’s Day indulge in a special Cupid Set Menu with dishes like Prawn Tartare, Hydroponic Leaves,

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