The Goan Culinary Club believes in retaining its legacy…its authentic culinary preparation. For its 50 strong members, it is a platform of learning where recipes are shared, home styled preparations are invited to be shared and a platform of networking and professional trust is established. Since its inception 6 years ago, Co founders Odette and Joe Mascarenhas have worked hard to retain its identity.
This year at The Park on Holiday Street, it was a sundowner like the days of yore….fun, food and music. Watch GM Saurabh Khanna on the poder bicycle.
With this in mind member chefs researched the local flavors..From the Saraswat Kitchens (Kokni Kanteen/Voltaire) – Prawn Lonchem/ Toranche Udhamethi and Bangda Hooman / Chavli Batata Tonak. The Hindu centric (Spice Goa)- Kholyatle Sungta / Sungta che kadi , Inspired Goan (Moki, The Park, Cidade )- Kokum chili glaze yam pops / Pane cracker cafreal hint chicken and Crisp fried cheese pockets w Balchao mayonnaise & cafreal dip. Portuguese outside India (Cerveja) – Feijoada/ Cavala com Arroz de Tomate, Portuguese Inspired Goan or Christian Goan (Taverna Panjim, Saligao Stories) – Grandma’s Chicken roast with stuffing /Goan Pulao and Salted tongue and Olives/ Pork Assado…….the chefs from Holiday Inn, Fern Kadamba, Fidalgo, Bay 15, Flying Dolphin, they all researched and took their pick
There were many interesting challenges too. Two member chef’s were challenged in a cook off…they were blindfolded and given to taste the preparations. With just their palate they had to identify the spices and flavors. The two judges Chef Nitin Dhar and Ms Amita Salatry found it very difficult to judge the winner… the chefs from Bay 15 and The Park were stupendous.
The next challenge was the ability to gorge a Mc Cain burger…Fastest burger finished first. Yes, chef’s are known to have a ‘quick’ meal but the contestants were even faster, The winning time was 1 min 20 seconds. Those burgers were really wholesome.
There is no fun without spirits flowing…With feni cocktail challenge (create your own mix)…lucky winners ahoy.
The music with Lavinia and Sancho was ‘catchy’…old Goan medleys and dancing music too. And the ‘highlight’ of the show was the fashion show of Ms Philu Martins…inspired by the local cuisine. We had the models (our very own members…chef’s, proprietors, GMs, home kitchen enthusiasts) walk in creations inspired by the Poder, local chillies The bhendo, the Mango.
The showstopper for the evening was the Sorpotel and Sanna with a headgear of chilies worn by the clubs co founder Odette Mascarenhas (nicknamed as The Culinary Queen of Goa). Our very own singing sensation Varun Carvalho sang live ‘paka paka’ at the model’s curtain call, besides a few of his popular numbers.
Nostalgic memories of the past in today’s ‘newly’ defined spirit of Goa. The magic of fun, food and music definitely remains. This time the Goan Culinary Club really made it happen.
Welcome to my world 