Experiencing Chef Ravinder’s Culinary Journey
I love talking about food, and hearing stories about food, amazes me. You get to learn so much about different cuisines and experiences. Every person, every hotelier, every food-lover, every home cook or rather every chef holds with him a different book of thoughts about his culinary experience. If you too love such things, then here’s something you can look forward to.
Courtyard by Marriott, Bhopal has been the city’s leading culinary destination with well-known restaurants and the finest chefs who cater to the evolving needs of the Indian palette. If there is one thing Bay leaf, Courtyard by Marriott will promise you, it is a superlative food experience, each and every time. This time Courtyard by Marriott, Bhopal will be setting a new benchmark in the field of culinary innovation by curating an exceptional epicurean showcase of Chef Ravinder’s Culinary Journey. This unique concept comes to Bhopal for the first time and will be a ten day series, bringing an essence of Chef Ravinder’s collective experience, from the Umami taste palate of Japan, barbecue and grill technique from U.S. , the Kimchi from South Korea which is more of Indian pickle to the poaching and stir fry cooking method in Kochi. The menu is curated using handpicked popular Indian dishes which is presented in the most startling way.
I was privileged enough to be invited for a sit-down lunch before the launch of this 10 day culinary extravaganza. Describing below what I had and why I would want to visit again.
Soup
Shatvari Shorba
This is also known as Creamy Soup Of Asparagus & Almond and is a surprising burst of flavours! This delicate and creamy asparagus soup tastes wonderfully luxurious. The fine textures of asparagus along with fresh goat cheese puréed to silky perfection and finely chopped almonds will blow your mind. It’s perfect for early spring, when asparagus is in peak season and there’s still a chill in the air. The vibrant green colour of this asparagus makes it beautiful and luscious.
Appetizers
Lazzat – E – Haleeb
Melt-in-the-mouth kebabs made with homemade cottage cheese, ghugni mash and spices. Ghugni is a very popular street food of Kolkata. The Ghugni is made from dried white peas and spiced up with a special masala called moodi masala. This ghugni was finely mashed along with some tangy spices and was used as a stuffing inside the cottage cheese and covered with roasted semolina. Each and every layer complimented each other very well along with the imly chutney that was used on the plate as presentation. Highly Recommended!!
Labneh Aloo Kebab
Strained yogurt or Greek yogurt is also known as Labneh. A combination of traditional Western recipes that are amusingly peppered with robust Eastern aromas and flavours. The Labneh potato kebabs are served with warm chieckpea chaat and fresh mint. Spicy and delectable kebabs that would just melt in your mouth. The mayo dip accompanied with these kebabs were a burst of flavours. Goes well with watermelon Mojito. Do Not Miss!!
Mains
Rasq – E – Paneer
Cottage cheese stuffed in tubular pasta or cannelloni stuffed with veggies has always amazed me. For I have had Paneer Cannelloni with Kadhai Ratatouille at Bay leaf itself in the past (look for my old archive posts on bay leaf and Vlog) and it has been my all time favourite. This time too, it was the same dish but, with a twist or rather, I should quote it as Chef Ravinder’s “Style of making it different”! Cottage Cheese Cannelloni stuffed with tangy green peas, fresh Indian herbs with tangy tomato gravy. I’m actually salivating while writing about it.
Dhaba Makhani
Here comes a wish come true!!
Before the event started, I mentioned this to my friend, Anmol, that I’m so tired of having these international cuisines every now and then and it’s been almost two months that have been craving for Garlic Naan and Dal Makhani. I was absolutely clueless that my wish was about to come true right here and which other better place than Bay Leaf to have this? I’ve always mentioned this in all my posts that one can get the best Dal Makhani in town at Marriott Bhopal only. Tried & Tested! The Dal makhani or Black Lentils are cooked overnight made with tomatoes, loads of butter and cream. I love it for its smooth velvety texture and divine flavour. The Charcoal effect adds all the magic to make this Dal an absolute stunner.
Aloo Choley Ki Tahari
Tahari is a mixed version of biryani/pulao. Tahari is usually a mixed rice recipe usually mixed with either mutton or vegetables into it. The Basmati rice were cooked with baby potatoes and chickpea along with mint and royal cumin. Great on taste, and not too heavy on the appetite. Try it with the Dal, and you’ll fall in love with this. 🙂
Indian Breads
Bay leaf makes sure that whatever they serve their guests, it should be brilliant and different. From Yellow Sheermaal Rotis (Sheermal is a mildly-sweet, saffron-flavoured naan) to Garlic Naans. They have a variety of Indian breads to choose from.
Chefs Special Dessert
No matter how much I eat, there is always a room for dessert. It doesn’t go to the stomach, it directly goes to the heart. Well, this was an utter bombshell. Fennel scented brownie with strawberry curry which was toasted in olive oil and onion seeds. Topped with a scoop of Rajbhog Ice-cream. The dessert was a winner for me. From its presentation, to its taste. Everything was made to perfection.
The Menu at Bay Leaf, Courtyard by Marriott is designed to give your taste buds an exquisite flavours about the food experienced by Chef Ravinder. Why wait to travel, when you can get a great opportunity to learn and explore about food through this 10 days extravaganza. The service is impeccable and will leave you mesmerised.
Thank you Anmol & Mr. Ravindra Soni for the invite.
Thank you Mr. Girish, Chef Ravinder and Bhaskar & team for an exquisite experience.
P.S. The author was invited and the reviews are personal.
Tastes are subjective and may differ from person to person.
Till then, Happy Hogging!
Restaurant: Bay Leaf, Courtyard by Marriott, Bhopal
Address: DB City, Arera Hills.
Date: 17th to 26th March, 2017
Timing: 1900-2330 Hours
For Reservations Call: 839101524
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