Arts

A taste of India in Cyrus’ living room!

Chef 05

That’s exactly what it felt like being fed by talented and strong cultured chef, Cyrus Todiwala. It felt like being invited over to a family friend’s house, except it was held at Assado Restaurant at the Hilton hotel for a gorgeous Goan evening.

Cyrus is the star of BBC’s The Spice Men, Cyrus Todiwala explained the preparation and influence behind the dishes.
We each enjoyed a four course meal and a drink on arrival.
The menu inspired from Goan cuisine had the most nourishing and delicious flavours that each had a story behind them. I’m a big meat lover so my needs were definitely met this evening.It was more than just a casual dinner outing, it was like a big family meal with lots of smiley faces and wonderful food.

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The menu was mostly inspired by Goan/Portuguese fusions, two colourful cultures that I’d never picture together.
MY first course was a spiced British Lop Gammon rolled in puff pastry and baked, served on a bed of tamarind and dates chutney.I finished it within seconds and was topped up another glass of scrumptious bubbly as we eagerly awaited the following course.
My second course was the turkey thigh, simmered in wine and garlic with spices, filled in pastry and fried, with a baked omelette of sliced potato with spinach, spring onion, green chillies and coriander.The following and my final course (due to not having enough room for dessert) was my favourite, and so, SO good. It was probably the best curry that I’ve had in a long, long time.
My Goan curry was simmered in coconut based curry with dried red chili, curry leaves & butternut berry; so many delicious flavours and ingredients that I would never imagine to be in a curry. It definitely gave me a different take on Asian cuisine; it is so diverse and has so much personality.
I thoroughly enjoyed this evening – every Monday should be spent like this. Long like Goan flavours!
If you want to learn to make incredible dishes like these, look no further. Cyrus has partnered up with Tony Singh and have produced an excellent story cookbook taking you on a trip around the world of spice! Buy The Incredible Spice Menhere: http://www.thebookpeople.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/qs_product_tbp?storeId=10001&catalogId=10051&langId=100&productId=424390&cm_mmc=Google%20Adwords-_-PLA-_-The+Incredible+Spice+Men-_–SMEN&gclid=CO-wq72mtMwCFcyRGwodbyACoA
Follow the man himself, Cyrus Todiwala, on Twitter as he shares more of his Goan cooking experiences: https://twitter.com/ctodiwala/
And to experience a fabulous and friendly dining experience, spend a lovely evening in Assado restaurant: http://www.assado.co.uk/eating-in
Written by Hannah Ajala
Twitter: @hannah_ajala