Cover Story

Das Sreedharan – Make Food Not War

Published

13 years ago

October 19, 2011

We walked into BTH looking for the man who changed Londenites Kerala cuisine experience, the award winning chef and maverick entrepreneurs who has chain of overnight success restaurants across London. We ended up meeting a casually dressed, charming, handsome, young at heart visionary who maintains his strong relationship with Kerala.

Can you tell us about your childhood, something which influenced your culinary career

I grew up in the small village of Thrikkayoor near Cochin, enjoying a simple innocent childhood like every other village boy – spending my days playing with friends, enjoying and taking part in the temple festivals etc.

We were a self-sufficient farming family and grew our own vegetables and spices. My father being insistent that we should help our mum with her chores, would get us involved in the vegetable garden and kitchen. Although as a child I would rather be out playing with my friends than be involved in these activities, the seeds that he sowed then, helped me to find my connection with nature and food in my latter years.

The family also owned a small teashop, which served typical Kerala meals during lunchtime and would act as a melting point for villagers throughout the day. I would sit and watch the cooking every day and seemed to unknowingly absorb the art, talent and sensitivity that went into the cooking.

The love and warmth that my mum would put into the cooking made her food renowned in the village and she deeply infused in me a true knowledge of food, coupled with an instinct for good cooking.

In this way, I learnt so much from my parents and grandparents. I learned how food is grown and how much pain goes into nurturing the land. This helped me to develop the Rasa philosophy further as I developed a deep respect for the ingredients in the food and understood how it came into being. I believe that you can be a better cook if you understand the process of the growth of food; from seed to how it appears on your plate. Absolute devotion to cooking can only be developed by understanding the journey that the ingredients have taken. To have good food, you need to respect the environment in which it grows. Being part of this link between farming and cooking is to experience something very basic yet very profound.

Can you tell us the reason for the career change from accountancy to cooking, what made you realise that cooking would be a lifelong love affair.

Looking back at my life, there is no doubt that food was my destiny. I left my village at the age of 19 years old, deciding to travel and find my fate. Incidentally, my very first job was for a hotel. There I was told by my encouraging boss that I belonged to the field of food and hospitality. But thinking that accountancy might be a more lucrative career, I came to study in London. My first few years in London were a constant struggle – trying to find part-time jobs to sustain myself and missing home especially my mum’s cooking.

Your brief story about starting the first hotel and its growth.

In 1991, I was then managing a restaurant in London but I felt that there was something lacking. Indian restaurants were hardly serving anything that was close to authentic Indian cuisine. Restaurants set by desperate Bangladeshi immigrants looking for low-input high-return jobs, resulted in an unfortunate slump in the quality of food and overall dining experience. I decided that I needed to do something different by introducing the London restaurant business to the fascinating world of regional Kerala cooking.

What is food and its preparation to you

At Rasa, we believe that experience of food extends beyond just dining; it is a lifestyle for healthy and happy living. I believe deeply that food is a celebration of life and that it brings together essential positive energies to create harmony in our world. Responsible food production links us more closely to nature and provides for sustainability and a positive outlook on life. Cooking good food brings enormous fulfillment and allows us to demonstrate our love for those important to us. Food is capable of establishing a deep connection with people, bringing them together with love and warmth.

What made you set up Rasa Gurukul? Why does the Gurukul have courses on culinary weapons making, oil making and tea-shop management?

Over the last few years, I have been very disappointed by the unenthusiastic attitude of people in catering industry – people lack the love and passion that is so essential in food preparation. Farming had lost its community involvement – people are disconnected from the ingredients that constitute their food. I also found that there was no teaching or learning of traditional home cooking anywhere in Kerala. I felt it was my responsibility to come up with a solution. The result of that feeling was the beginning of the Rasa Gurukul idea.

Tell us more about your books, the reasons for writing them. Are there more in the pipeline?

I was first asked to consider writing cookery books after being prompted by well known cookery writers like Madhu Jaffrey and Rose Gray (River Cafe). I was also inspired by the many requests from customers, who having tasted the food at the restaurant wanted to recreate it in their own homes. I was only more than happy to oblige so that this magic can spread to their everyday living. In this way, I started writing my first book going through an internal search of the meaning of food and its power while recreating the secrets of good cooking that I had witnessed as a child.

Your favorite dish?

The meal that is closest to my heart will also remain my mum’s mango moru curry eaten with traditional boiled rice and a simple thoran on the side. Everytime I have this, I am flooded with sweet memories of my childhood, those idyllic days spent in abandon and above all, my mum’s love and warmth.

Cover Story

Insta – Glam : Best Fashion from Aparna Thomas

Published

1 month ago

March 14, 2024

Reshma Vivekanandan

Instagram has developed into a busy runway in the fast-paced world of fashion, where influencers like Aparna Thomas showcase their own looks, creating trends and motivating millions of others. Aparna Thomas has enthralled audiences with her varied and imaginative ensembles thanks to her outstanding taste and passion for fashion. Let’s delve into some of her best fashion looks that have left a lasting impression on fashion enthusiasts around the globe.

Effortless Glamour

Aparna Thomas looks sophisticated and alluring in this beautiful rainbow saree by Fitting Room Couture, styled by talented Sabarinath. Her look as completed by jewels from Pure Allure

Shimmer Glam

How to add a touch of glamour to any occasion without sacrificing comfort or style, just add some Shimmer. Aparna looks gorgeous in the stunning golden sequined flared dress by D’Roz for Christmas theme shoot.

Chic Style

Aparna looks casual chic with urban sophistication with her street style look in this green dress by Urbanic

Regal Beauty

Aparna is a natural at stealing the show; she looks magnificent in her exquisite blue saree that Sabarinath styled. The saree comes from Luxurion World.

Mythical Magic

Aparna looks stunning in an embellished saree by T & M Signature thanks to her excellent sense of style. The blouse features soft and elegant hues with delicate foliate motifs and elaborate crisscross patterns. The MOD Signature jewels completed the entire look.

Cover Story

Explore the Hidden Gems: Must-Visit Places on Lakshadweep

Published

1 month ago

March 14, 2024

Reshma Vivekanandan

Lakshadweep, meaning “a hundred thousand islands” in Sanskrit, is a mesmerizing archipelago nestled in the Arabian Sea. With its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life, Lakshadweep is a paradise for travelers seeking serenity and natural beauty. Lakshadweep offers activities for all types of visitors, including nature lovers, water sports enthusiasts, and beach bums. These are the top activities to do in Lakshadweep when visiting.

The only ways to get to Lakshadweep are by air or boat. There are frequent flights from Kochi and Bangalore to the single airport, which is located on Agatti Island. Another option is to travel by ferry from Kochi, which takes between 18 to 20 hours. To enter Lakshadweep, visitors must get a special permit, which can be obtained online or through the tourism department of Lakshadweep. When the weather is nice and sunny, from October to March is the ideal time to visit Lakshadweep. Since there aren’t many resorts or guesthouses in Lakshadweep, it’s crucial to reserve your lodging well in advance.

Agatti Island:

Agatti, the gateway to Lakshadweep, welcomes you with its breathtaking beauty. The island boasts stunning coral reefs, making it a haven for snorkelers and divers. Take a stroll along the shimmering white sands or indulge in water sports like kayaking and windsurfing. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the spectacular sunset painting the sky in hues of orange and pink.

Minicoy Island:

Experience the rich cultural heritage of Lakshadweep on Minicoy Island. The island is renowned for its traditional Maldivian-influenced culture, evident in its architecture, cuisine, and customs. Explore the charming villages adorned with colorful houses and visit the iconic Lighthouse built by the British. Don’t miss the chance to savor authentic Maldivian cuisine and witness captivating cultural performances.

Kadmat Island:

For those craving solitude and tranquility, Kadmat Island is the perfect escape. This serene island is renowned for its untouched beaches fringed with swaying palms. Dive into the azure waters to explore the vibrant marine life teeming with colorful fish and coral formations. Relax under the shade of coconut trees and savor fresh seafood delicacies served by local vendors.

Amini Beach:

If you’re searching for quiet tourist destinations in Lakshadweep, Amini Beach is a great choice. This beach is well-known on Amini Island because of its coral sandstone surface. Adventure sports like as snorkelling, scuba diving, reef walking, and kayaking are available for you to try. Amini Beach is a great place to unwind and spend the day drinking cocktails and soaking up the sun.

Bangaram Island:

Dubbed as the jewel of Lakshadweep, Bangaram Island is a postcard-perfect destination. With its powdery white sands and emerald lagoons, it’s a paradise for beach lovers. Spend your days basking in the sun, snorkeling amidst the coral gardens, or simply unwinding in a hammock under the shade of a palm tree. Indulge in a romantic beach picnic as you watch the stars illuminate the night sky.

Lakshadweep beckons travelers with its pristine beauty, diverse marine life, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, the islands offer a myriad of experiences to cherish. Explore these must-visit places on Lakshadweep and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Beauty

Kiara Advani’s Soft Glam Makeup Look

Published

1 month ago

March 13, 2024

Reshma Vivekanandan

Kiara Advani is proof that a look may be beautiful without always requiring intense contouring and layers of makeup. The actor from Satyaprem ki Katha has a natural, luminous, and unquestionably head-turning approach to soft makeup that is worth emulating. Lekha Gupta, her makeup artist, created the ideal mix between a clean, glowing complexion and a subtle brown smoky eye. Whether it’s for her big day or multiple red carpet appearances, the actor has a reputation for doing minimalist makeup flawlessly.

Kiara Advani, wearing a body-hugging pink gown by Tran Hung, was spotted having a pink moment that was enhanced by her bold beauty appearance. Her face was defined by the delicately bronzed cheeks, her glossy nude lips completed the ensemble, and her gently smudged out makeup accentuated the shape of her eyes.

Lekha Gupta, the makeup artist, accentuated Advani’s eyes by using mascara to lend drama to the lashes. She gave Advani’s skin a dewy base and then defined the cheekbones with a warm, peachy bronzer. Her lips were covered in a glossy lip gloss that complemented the brightness of her pink costume, and her brows were nicely shaped and filled in. In terms of hair, the actor sported a glossy, blow-dried mane that had a contemporary centre part to complete the symmetry of the ensemble.