What did you have for dinner last night?
Gingiberry Fizz, Madurai Mutton Sukka, Tanjavur Kair Katti Gola, Yerachi Biriyani, Karimeen Pollichathu, Kallamari, Mirchi Ka Salan, Guntir Mirapakkai Kozhi, Mangalore Buns, Coin Barotta, Jil Jil Jigarthanda. It was a huge tasting dinner at Maplai, the latest restaurant I’m part of.
What are you reading now?
I usually read two books at any time, one fiction and the other in management. Right now I’m reading The Secret by Kenneth Blanchard and Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan
I read a lot; usually fantasy books especially those with swashbucklers.
What's your favourite recipe book?
Samaithu Par by Meenakshi S. It’s a beautiful documentation of Tamil Brahmin cuisine and culture by a very sweet old paati . Most of my cousins have gotten this as a gift from me at sometime or the other. I have a very old version of Une Répertoire De La Cuisine by Escoffier that I found at a street shop in Mumbai and I think it is a veritable encyclopaedia of French cuisine.
Next vacation? What do you plan to eat there?
Goa for pork vindaloo, sannas, Goan fish curry, rice and kokum sharbath and Bangalore for CTR benne masala dosa and double patty Burgers at Indiana's. I haven't taken a break in a long time, but I am craving these dishes. I’ll probably make a road trip.
Best meal?
At my friend Aasif's place during Ramadan, I had more than five plates of his mom's biryani, and finally had to stop because my colleague was getting embarrassed. I came back home still hungry.
What about the worst?
My wife's first cooking experience when she made avial and used perfumed coconut oil by mistake. I didn't have the heart to tell her, so she thought I liked it and kept serving me.
Places you eat at most often?
Chop By Sandy was a real favourite. I’m waiting to find that kind of place again to have beef steak and pork buns
Lessons learnt in the kitchen?
Don't mess with the Chef.
Any secret junk food confessions?
I love potato chips with curd and thengai podi. The chips have to be crisp. I bet my cousin is rolling on the floor laughing when he reads this because he is expecting me to put this on a menu sometime.
Last meal on earth: What would you choose?
I live to eat, so anything will be fine!
