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Carpentine comes to town

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Season’s greetings! We’re warming up to winter treats by the Executive chefs, Sebin Babu and Saranaj

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Christmas is here with its many views. Is Santa Claus taking away all the charm, are Christmas decorations extravagent? Then there are those classic carols,  ‘It’s the most Wonderful Time of the Year’ and ‘Let it Snow’. The irony is that we’re on situated on a coastal town, we don’t need that warm cup of milk. But then there is a reason this season is merry, apart from Frank Sinatra reminding us. When I sat at Carpentine, it was cosy with its brick walls, minimal home made Christmas decorations and those cabin like wooden floors. There’s a shelf full of jars filled with raisons and nuts stored in wine over three months, to make the perfect plum cakes. You’ll also spot a cookie jar, I’ll warn you they have the perfect crunch and they stay loyal by its tagline, “That’s how the cookie crumbles.” The owner, Chris Francis looks over his mother – Jancy aunty- baking a fresh set of peppermint cupcakes as his sister,Hema, drizzles some chocolate on the ganache. That’s Christmas, the joy of getting together to make something you love.

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Christmas Goodies

A few turtledoves told me that the Spanish Omelette is quite a treat at Carpentine. Chef Sebin whisked the eggs so fast, it fluffed and looked as delicate as a Christmas snowflake. Rested on it wereCarpentine-Cafe-fwd-life-foodshoot Kalamata olvies, bell peppers and freshly chopped parsley. As the knife slid through it, you could judge it was creamy before tasting it. The bearable lightness of its being was a way to start the morning. If no one has sent you a treat on the pear tree, Carpentine delights you with some avocado shake and winter cool cumber mojito and yes the peppermint shake. The shake is ‘Christmas divine’. If you have that sugar craving, peppermints are there to perk you up. As I perused the menu, I wanted something new. Like Anton Ego in Ratatouille says, “ A fresh perspective.” It’s no coincidence that I see ratatouille on the menu. Very much like the movie itself: a warm and homely moment. The eggplant  zucchini and sautéed red onion had its clear hints of dried oregano, basil and thyme. It’s not heavy but hearty.That made some space for a gloriously dark plum cake with its caramel and wine dipped fruits.

Wholly Content

But if you want that happy Santa belly full feeling, then you must try the Carpentine burgers and pasta.The burger patties and pasta are made from scratch. I especially enjoyed  the smoky taste of the patty in the burger, garnished with olives and sliced jalepenos and cheddar. So, if you do not spot any presents under  the Christmas tree, take a drive to Carpentine. Go ahead, surprise yourself.

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Words and Styling by Atheena Wilson Photographs by Arun Menon
Location Courtesy: Carpentine Café

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Food

Benefits of Including Crab in your Diet

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Crab has all the attraction of seafood without the fishy flavor that some people want to avoid. It is delightfully salty with a delicate mineral sweetness. Crabs were reportedly among the foods that coastal societies eaten a hundred years ago. On the menus of the greatest restaurants today, it stands out as the highlight dish. Crab is famous for its distinctive, exquisite flavor as well as for the health benefits it provides.

Omega-3 fatty acids and protein are abundant in crabs. The Food Experts advise two servings of fish and seafood every week, which is not difficult. 

 Good Protein Source

Crab is a low-fat, nutritious protein source that boosts metabolism and gives you energy. In reality, crab has less saturated fat and about the same amount of protein per 100 grams as other meats. 

Strengthens Heart Health

Consuming a lot of crab meat can actually benefit your cardiovascular system. The Omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and protein found in crab are all beneficial sources of lowering cholesterol. Having lower cholesterol lowers your chances of heart attacks and strokes. 

Increases Brain Activity

Crabs are healthy for you since they are a high source of selenium, vitamin B2, copper, and other vital vitamins and minerals. Together with omega-3 fatty acids, these nutrients support healthy brain ageing and reduce the risk of dementia. They aid in defending against oxidative stress, inflammation, and other elements that may have an impact on the growth and health of the brain. 

Strengthens bones

You may already be aware of the significance of calcium for bone health. However, did you realize that phosphorus plays an equal role? Due to its high phosphorus content, crab flesh can aid in the development of strong, healthy teeth and bones. 

Contains selenium

Compared to other meats, crab offers a substantially higher supply of selenium. As an antioxidant, this necessary mineral not only assists in preventing cell damage from free radicals but also strengthens your immune system. Selenium aids in the regulation of your metabolism and is essential for healthy thyroid function. 

An aphrodisiac

The aphrodisiac property of crab meat promotes libido and sexual energy. They have high quantities of zinc and substances that increase estrogen and testosterone levels, enhancing sexual desire.

Makes the blood flow faster

Copper is yet another significant mineral present in crab meat. One significant advantage of copper is that it facilitates the body’s absorption of iron, which enhances the creation of red blood cells. After injuries and illnesses, proper circulation aids in the healing process. 

Consuming excessive amounts of crab can have certain unfavorable impacts, just like with most other foods. If you eat too much of some of the nutrients in crab, such copper and zinc, you could get sick. Crab, however, is a fairly nutritious item to eat in moderation unless you have a seafood allergy, and adverse effects are uncommon. Before consuming any seafood, always make sure you don’t have any allergies.

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The Taste Of Malayali Kitchen In Sweden

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A Kochi-based malayali is creating a sensation by preparing Kerala Cuisine in the foreign swedish kitchen. Devi Nair, who has been settled in Sweden with her husband for almost 10 years, wanted her daughter to experience the delicacies of the Malyaali culture along with her International palette. The sense of homesickness and nostalgia has a part to play in this venture as well. In recent years, as the pandemic hit she chose to share her cooking extravaganzas on Instagram which led her to become more known to the public. Her recipes featured celebratory treats like the Bengali confection Rosbora, local parotta, and non-vegetarian Kerala foods that are popular on social media because they’re simple to make yet delicious to eat and look at. Devi whips up a storm of authentic Kerala delicacies during Malayali festivals. Tender, plump unniyappam, spongy kozhukkatta, rice dumplings, Vishu ada, and Vishu katta are just a few of the items on her Vishu menu this year. She prepared undaputtu with spicy prawn filling, kilikkoodu with meat and egg white, and ammini kozhukatta, a spicy rice dumpling, for Eid. It is also heard that she is planning to launch her own bakery in Sweden as well. 

Words By : Goutham Satheesh

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Some Flavourful Delights to Savour this Festive Season

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Vishu and Easter festivities are around the corner. Along with dressing up and gathering around for some fun family time, you would definitely want to indulge in these simple but festive special treats.

Lilly’s Pattisserie

What if we told you could have Payasam cakes? Yes. You heard that right. The Lilly’s Patisserie, Thrissur is offering Payasam cakes on it its Vishu Special menu as a distinct highlight. Try out their Palada and Pazham Pradhaman cakes which are available in two sizes.They have also got you covered for Easter with a range of Hot Cross Buns from traditional to chocolate and candy berry flavours. You can also spice up your Easter treats with their artisanally crafted Easter Eggs.

 

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Pandhal Cake Shop

The Pandhal Cake Shop, Kochi is shelling out some amazing Easter Egg Surprises this Holy Season. Their marzipan-based eggs come in varied sizes and colours vibrant enough to cheer the grimmest of the lot. Also, check out their Easter Egg Baskets that are sure to surprise you!

 

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Lebanese Grill

No Easter is complete without some spicy meat-based main course to savour. This Kottayam-based Arabian restaurant is all about gifting your loved ones with some flavourful rice for the festive season. This Easter they are introducing the Mutton Cask Biriyani. The cask comes along with pappad, pickle and raita. These are only available on a pre-order basis. So, what are you waiting for? Hurry up and order now.

 

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Words By: Mariam Thankam Mohan

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