Food
The Royal Feast at Fragrant Nature, Kochi
Group corporate chef of Fragrant Nature,Kochi, Johns Mathew, shows us what a royal feast is all about
When cruising through the lackadaisical streets of the hippie-haven, Mattancherry, one is charmed by how it’s gracefully aging with antiquity. Only, however, until you spot a handsome colonial building, starkly in contrast to its neighbours.
Five-star boutique hotel, Fragrant Nature, boasts of a scenic harbour view as well as its trove of historical stories and remnants of dusty charms of the East India Company. As the rustic doors are opened, you are welcomed into something that is breathtaking and luxuriant. For those who may have seen it, a photographic moment of the Trevi Fountain in Rome may come to mind. For everyone else, the hotel offers images of a castle with checkered marble floors and decadent sets of plush furniture. You then wonder how will the restaurant look?
Turning Tables
The All Day Dining multi-cuisine restaurant is a treat to an artist’s eyes. With a touch of Dutch artist Van Gogh’s sunflower yellow walls, and oval-rimmed chairs upholstered with classic awning stripes, the room reverberates of French interiors. Through sheer curtains, you get splendid views of the tromp l’oeil painting by English artists Gary Myatt and Mel Holmes. The painting, Indian Street Market’, incorporates the architecture of bygone ages, a
suggestion of English colonialism, and the eclectic mix that would be found in a port at the heart of a busy trading route. The artwork showcases the rendezvous among Portuguese, Dutch and English culture with and an underlining of Kerala’s culture too. In resonance with the painting which was an illusion in depth, chef Johns created a menu that had varied sets of flavours that is as surprising as the hotel’s cosmopolitan culture. From the infusion of olives in pumpkin purees with tomato juice and shiitake mushrooms, to poached scampi with fennel emulsion, the lunch was a feast, prepared in a healthy, old-fashioned slow cooking method.
C’est la Vie
As we took a seat, a cheerful waiter presented us with a menu that touted French cuisine, with a spoonful of grandiloquent terms. Our entrée was salad avocado and thyme mustard seed served with some vinaigrette. The shrimps had a fresh glaze of coating and gave a bolt of acidity due to the mustard.
Through the glass doors, the patio’s scarlet walls juxtaposed beautifully with the French bistro chairs. Sharing a playful shade, the garnet-hued poached pears had a brush with a Parisian scent of cinnamon. The pear was set on the plate with cut pieces that fanned out.
While seated, however, it is hard not to admire the way the table has been set. Just like the setting had its undertones of sophistication, we were served a very lavish Polish dish, chicken galantine which is derived from the word, “galant” which was a connotation for something sophisticated. The poached meat was spiced moderately accompanied by roasted eggplants, beady plums, and kalamatas (Greek olives).
In with the New
French gourmet is a muchspoken about cuisine. The terrine (a meat/veg/fish loaf made in an earthen casserole) may sound a bit alien, but the technique and composition of preparation are fascinating. If you thought the main course was always warm, a terrine is served cold. Very similar to a jelly pâté it looks like a cassata of beetroot, green beans, and good cheese. This was served in a fusion style, with bok choy or chinese cabbage.
For dessert, chef Johns served a classic chocolate-coconut cake with ice cream and sprinkled with pistachios. Boasting an ambience that eschews royalty, the hotel gives you the chance to dine like a medieval king, with a taste of colonial finesse. Unlike the illusion of the tromp l’oeil, taste can never just be a figment of your imagination.
Words and Styling by Atheena Wilson Photographs by Arun A Menon
Location Courtesy Fragrant Nature, Mattancherry
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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