Vernika Awal
Deputy Editor
A few years ago I remember being glued to all the lifestyle TV channels which used to air exotic travel and food shows instead of the usual cartoon programmes that most people my age would lean towards. One of my most favourites used to be ‘Vicky Goes Veg” which used to feature Chef Vicky Ratnani cooking global vegetarian dishes in his playful avatar with one liners that stayed with the viewers! Recently my colleague Priya Pathian caught up with him and they discussed his new cloud kitchen offering gourmet burgers, his new cookbook, upcoming TV shows and a man ahead of his time that he is. He also spoke about being the first Indian chef to have his own shiny kitchen in the metaverse! Watch our video of the week to learn more about this “student of the year!”
Talking about Indians and their pride, can cricket be left behind? Well, our man in blue, Virat Kohli, has launched the latest outpost of his restaurant One8 Commune helmed by ace Chef Pawan Bisht, in Juhu, Mumbai. Located inside legendary singer Kishore Kumar’s bungalow, the easy going eatery delivers it out of the park with its food and ambience. If you plan to visit then make sure to reserve a table in advance as it’s been just a few days since it launched but it already has Mumbaikars lining up outside. Pssst…don’t miss that avocado tartar!
November is celebrated as World Vegan Month. With veganism going beyond being just another food trend, to a conscious lifestyle that many are switching to, we caught up with plant based chef – Raveena Taurani who runs Yogisattva – a vegan eatery in Mumbai. A sneak-peak into her life as someone who believes and practises the plant based lifestyle and an insight into how Indian food fits the veganism bill perfectly.
Well, that’s not it, as multiple cities across the country are prepared for upcoming festivals to lift up your spirits! While Pune just wound up the Deep Dive craft beer festivals and is hosting a gin festival called GinTo – winter edition on 12th of November at Secret Garden, in Bangalore you can head to the Gin Explorer’s Club’s mythical edition this weekend. Do try the filter coffee cocktail by Jade Forest on my recommendation!