B Swaminathan (publisherchefbharath@gmail.com)
Mumbai: Western India Culinary Association, to promote the importance and greatness of Maharashtrian Cusine, had conducted a session exclusively focussed around the cuisine during their recent event.
The half-day session had a discussion on keeping the local cuisine alive and explore the different varieties of recipes an Indian Chef can do with the traditional Maharashtrian cuisine. Chefs Manjeet, Madhukrishnan, Jayanti Khatre were present in the event where there was a guest speaker from the ‘Mumbai Dabbawalas’. Besides networking and knowledge-sharing, the event also witnessed a book launch on the hidden secrets of the Maharashtrian Cuisine with a special focus on vegetarian cuisine. Dev Kasalkar presented the traditional Kholapuri Cusine while Nitin spoke on Nagpuri cuisine. Both the speakers cooked for the entire participants in the kitchen.
Tushar Malkani, Jt Treasurer of WICA, said, ” Meets like this will help us to understand the latest happenings and trends happening around us and mainly we get to share knowledge. For example, a chef is now doing food-photography, social media marketing and more. These events will help us get to know the happenings within our community.” He said that the association is focussing on cuisine that extends in Maharastra beyond Mumbai. “We discuss things beyond the kitchen. For example, we discuss the quality of meat in a particular area and how breeds are grown in that particular region. Thus we can predict the quality of the food served in the table. “, he said.
Speaking on the further activities of WICA, Tushar said, “Millets are grown in Maharastra. Thus we find the Kholapuri dishes a reflection of the culture and lifestyle. We, ar WICA want to majorly create demo sessions and awareness among the Culinary school students. Despite so many advancements, a job inside a kitchen is still considered taboo. We aim to change the mindset by showcasing successful personalities who started their career as a chef.”
WICA is expanding in the western region. According to Tushar, the forum which hardly had any participation from the college faculties is now bringing them in the mainstream. Other office-bearers, Vernon Cohleo (President), Salil Fadnis (VP), Chef Sudhir Pai (Treasurer), Vivek Kadam (Secretary), Altamsh Patel (Jt. Secretary ).
