Cheesemaker Mausam Jotwani's story is as rich with details as her homemade cheese. The 28-year-old HR consultant has been passionate about 'stinky, funky cheese' as she calls it, since she was 19 (and studying in Germany). After spending an indulgent time with artisanal cheese in Europe (eating 'quark' for breakfast, cooking with it, shopping for it), she now makes and sells these delicious cheeses that you must get home for your next party.
Homemade fresh cheese at Eleftheria Cheese.
Currently she offers fresh cheeses only; the French Fromage Blanc and the Bulgarian Feta that have an Indian touch to them. The Fromage Blanc is available in four flavours— garlic and parsley; honey and apricot; dried herbs and extra virgin olive oil; and chives and pepper—and is a great breakfast cheese that you can smear on sandwiches, use as a dip, or as a ravioli filling.
Grab a jar of the French Fromage Blanc from Eleftheria Cheese.
The Bulgarian Feta that comes marinated in olive oil, herbs and paprika is softer, creamier and less crumbly; it is dense and buttery and perfect for crackers or even in a salad. And in case you are wondering, Eleftheria means 'freedom' in Greek. "Freedom from processed cheese," adds Jotwani.
Price: Rs 250-300 for 100 gms. Contact: All cheeses are made-to-order fresh cheeses; small orders need to be placed 2 days in advance and bulk orders need to be placed 3 days in advance. For delivery in Mumbai, call 9920632409.
A young mom who loves to cook, Mansi Koradia runs the coolest food business from her home: A fuss-free pick-up service that only focuses on small orders for 4 to 25 people–ideal for days you are too lazy to cook dinner but are craving a gourmet-style meal. Her limited menu of about eight items includes lasagnes, canapés, and mushroom risotto but it's her dips that are the most popular. The Edamame and Basil Hummus, the Pink Hummus, the Yogurt Garlic Dill Dip, Caramelised Onion Dip, and the 7-layer Mexican Dip are her bestsellers that pair well with crudités, tortilla chips and crackers. Packed with flavour and love, these dips are light and healthy and packaged in old-school mason jars.
Price: Rs 500 to 700 for 1 kg / 1 jar. Contact: Call Mansi Koradia on 9867199994. Pick-ups are available from her Nepeansea Road residence. All orders to be placed 24 hours in advance.
On Sunday, we almost died and went to heaven as we scooped up spoonfuls of the Salted Caramel ice cream by Sucres Des Terres. With no synthetic aftertaste and a tummy that didn't feel like it had overdone the indulgence (though we sure did!), we were won over by its smoothness and its spot-on flavour. Packaged in Parisian-style mason jars with golden lids and brown ribbons, the experience was romantic, just like any good ice cream should be. A venture of husband-wife duo Kunali Chandaria Dattoobhai and Yohaan Dattoobhai (who also own food truck-style eatery, Kaboom!), Sucres Des Terres literally means 'sugars of the earth'. The ice cream is hand-churned in small batches and contains no preservatives or artificial flavours.
Sucres Des Terres offers an exciting menu of exquisite hand-churned icecreams.
The current menu includes flavours such as Mint Chocolate Chip, Salted Caramel, Chocolate Chocolate Macaroon, Espresso Croquant, Dark Chocolate and Candied Ginger, Lime Sherbet (in between a sorbet and an ice cream), and the seasonal Strawberry in Sour Cream that will be in stock till the end of the month. The ice creams are also available on the menu at The Bombay Canteen in Lower Parel.
Price: Rs 650 and Rs 750 for 500 ml (1 jar). Contact: Call 9920985880. No delivery, only pick-up available from Funky Kitchen Company, 2A Rashid Mansion, Samunder Point, Dr. Annie Besant Road, Worli. Timings: 10 am to 7.30 pm, Monday to Saturday. Large orders need to be placed 24 hours in advance.
