Pav Bhaji — the Teaspoon of Turmeric way
86′d is going Indian
Breathedreamgo sponsoring Indian-themed food night at the Drake Hotel
Everyone’s invited to the A Celebration of India at the Drake Hotel in Toronto on Monday, September 26, 2011 starting at 7 pm. Thanks to Ivy Knight, the creator and host of 86′d, a weekly Monday-night food event at the trendy Drake Hotel, 1150 Queen St. W., for collaborating with me to create an India-themed food night.
You will be treated to tasting portions of Indian food from Apalla Fine Indian Cuisine, 811 Queen St. W. in Toronto (647-428-7119). Apalla is an intimate restaurant with a romantic atmosphere run by executive chef and owner Rajwant, who creates fresh, flavourful Indian food that is authentic in taste yet modern in presentation. I went crazy for the Vegetable Pakoras – the best I have had ou
tside of India – and also for the the Paneer Korma (fresh cheese in rich curry sauce), Aloo Gobi (potato cauliflower) and the Saag Paneer (spinach cheese), which is one of my favourite dishes (and I am very picky!). It’s a great place to go for delicious Indian food — but if you genuinely like to eat Indian food that is Indian-level spicy (like me!!), you have to ask for it. Otherwise it is made to Canadian tastes.
You will also be delighted with tasting portions of Bombay street food — with a modern twist! — from Arvinda’s Artfully Created Indian Spice Blends. Arvinda’s is named after Arvinda Chauhan, owner and instructor of Arvinda’s Healthy Gourmet Indian Cooking school. Arvinda invented unique spice blends for her students “who were looking for a truly authentic Indian cooking experience.” Arvinda gets a lot of help from her family, including her daughter Preena Chauhan who writes the Teaspoon of Turmeric cooking blog — a must read if you want to know how to make fresh Ontario peaches Indian-style, find out the healthful benefits of turmeric and other inspiring recipes and ideas. I was given a tin of their gourmet spice blends when I went to the press opening of the Maharaja exhibit at the Art Gallery of Ontario last year, and became an instant fan. I love the fresh, authentic taste of their blends and also their tasteful package design. Arvinda’s brings taste to everything they do!
Showcasing Indian culture
Photograph by Andrew Adams of Katha Images
The evening will also feature a photo slide show of the work of Indian wedding and travel photographer Andrew Adams of Katha Images. As readers of my blog know, I am a huge fan of Andrew’s gorgeous photography. I wrote about him in my blog Indian wedding magic and even asked him to take my photo for My glam “Bollywood” makeover.
And what would an India-themed night be without fashion? I’ll be wearing a sari from Nucreation, 1414 Gerrard St. E. in the Indian Bazaar. This fabulous store will showcase some of their Indian creations; and a Mehndi (henna) artist will be on hand (pun intended!) to provide tattoos, Indian style.
There will also be information about my upcoming small-group tours to India — see Breathedreamgo Tours for more information — and my book Song of India will be available.
So please come and join us, eat some Indian food, groove to bhangra and Bollywood beats and soak up the spicy vibes.
Mariellen Ward is a freelance travel writer whose personal style is informed by a background in journalism, a dedication to yoga and a passion for sharing the beauty of India’s culture and wisdom with the world. She has traveled for about a year altogether in India and publishes an India travel blog, Breathedreamgo.com. Mariellen also writes for magazines and newspapers.
