Food
Timed to Taste-Keys Café
There’s a new restaurant and we’re all keyed up to know what Chef Vijayan R, Executive Chef of Keys Café, has got on board.
Hotel Keys was a landmark that became more familiar whenever I journeyed to Fort Kochi. But the view of the restaurant was always at a tempting distance, I wondered, what would it be like to take a seat at the restaurant and be on the other side. When I got a ring from Chef Vijayan that the shoot was confirmed at noon, I was keyed up. As we traveled through the highway, the glum sky prodded the clouds to bellow thunder. I was slightly pessimistic about the weather. But the moment I entered the restaurant, it totally changed. Keys Café’s interiors had an evocative color palette of Piet Mondrian’s canvas. The canary yellow paneled lights complimented the red tables. With the transparent acrylic chairs and Jetson wivel chairs, the restaurant evinced modernism. Just like the painting’s distinct contours, I spotted it in the black and white doodles framed on the clair de lune walls. And that’s how the shoot came to life, with some good old fashioned color.
Getting Started
Seated at a cozy corner, I enjoyed the baked kingfish drizzled with butter sauce for lunch. Chef Vijayan joined us. With a cordial smile he asked, “How about a mix of North Indian, Chinese and some classic South Indian cuisine?”A few sketches here and there, Chef and I decided what dish was going to be photographed. The kitchen was an inspiration with the multitude of colors and shapes. My moment was when the Chef curled the pappads into cones. He smiled,“It’s for the shoot too.”
Early into the afternoon, we started with the classic Achayan Pothu fry. It was perfectly roasted with slithers of crisp coconut and the classic raw onion rings and when I had a taste, the spices flaunted its value. Chef Siju Mathew said, “ When you want to enjoy such classic dishes, perfectly cooked red rice makes the dish complete.” We later moved to the colorful spread of the Paneer Kati Roll.With shredded bell peppers, funnel shaped jeera pappads and some Jaljeera, the meal was quite filling. Chef Siji said, “ Jaljeera’s the perfect appetizer that helps digest all of your meal and it has a particular zest.”
Night is Young
In time, evening arrived, through the glass façade, the skies soon turned opulently dark. The restaurant had a different mood and tone. If there was something that was stunning at the restaurant, it was the glass façade, and it could only be interpreted at the bar counter. Lined with the cocktail, pint, rocks and tumbler glasses – the counter assures you see the glass half full. The crockery got little envious for the bias towards the glasses was certainly transparent.
If you ordered a cocktail with olives, I could assure you wouldn’t feel tipsy rather slightly refreshed. The fresh oriental salads are served in cocktail glasses with fresh water lettuce, drizzled olive oil, crimped carrots and yes wait for it, yellow zucchinis. For our main course, we enjoyed some mutton seek kebabs that had astrong zing of spiciness and finally dessert was topped with classic caramel, nuts and cream served in a tumbler glass with fresh fruits. The day ended on a good note, after all it was the first time I enjoyed a shoot where the culinary palette varied to color palette of the skies. Through the restaurant’s stunning glass façade, time passed,but it evoked a mood to enjoy different food. When asked what’s in a name. I feel Key’s café had quite a figurative intention to open doors to a different dining experience.
Text and Styling: Atheena Wilson Photos: Arun Menon Assisted by Anand Krisha Location Courtesy: Keys Hotel
Food
Benefits of Including Crab in your Diet
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.
Food
The Taste Of Malayali Kitchen In Sweden
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
Food
Some Flavourful Delights to Savour this Festive Season
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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