Foods, Arts, Spirituality and the Nine Rivers
Vikas Khanna - October 12, 2008
It took us almost 3 months to plan the menu for this unique dining experience at The Rubin Museum of Art for the 2008 Nine Rivers Gala.
The most important and challenging part for me was the question - How can I incorporate food, art and spirituality on a plate? The whole evening’s dinner was inspired by scents, spices, and other elements used in prayers in the temples and monasteries of the Himalayas which I had experienced on my last visit. In these regions these ingredients may take the form of offerings or be burned as incenses and are believed to be auspicious and to enhance one’s well being. We offered a small taste, including saffron, sandalwood, goji berries, cardamom, rose petals, dates, lotus, turmeric, sesame seeds, ghee, star anise, ginger, coconut, basil, and mustard seed highlighted in the tasting menus. With the hope that that this meal will bring the world of the Nine Rivers a little closer to the guests. Here are some of dishes and I will be posting the recipes of these dishes shortly on intent.com
1st Course
Saffron Masala Crab Cake over Vermicelli, Pomegranate Chutney
Vegetarian Tikka Kabob with Dried Apricot and Roasted Shallot
Lotus Root Dumplings, Pineapple Relish
Desi Ghee Paratha
Pureed Curried Chickpeas, Mango and Pistachio Chutney
2nd Course
On the plate
Ema Dashi Stuffed Heirloom Tomatoes
Red Nepali and Basmati Rice with Root Vegetables and Swiss Chard
Crisp-fried Local Okra Kur-Kuri
Offered
Puffed Rice Crusted Halibut, Lemon-Spice Sauce
Fenugreek Crusted Vegetable Skewer
Star Anise, Himalayan Pink Salt Infused Rack of Lamb
On the table
Pureed Eggplant, Fava Beans, Mongolian Spice
Peach, Goji Berry Chutney
Ginger Cinnamon Puree
3rd Course
Candied Rose Petal Crème Brulee, Almond Brittle Cookie
Chocolate Samosa
Indian Shortbread Cookies, Chocolate Truffles
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Posted by Vikas Khanna at October 12, 2008 11:25 PM
Comments
I may have said something you already know, however I forgot to add this: The menu and restaurant sounds spectacular, I wish you well, and look forward to visiting your restaurant in the future.
2. Posted by
KAN
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on
October 13, 2008 01:07 PM
I am in heaven by just reading the menu. Thanks!
3. Posted by
Char4
on
October 13, 2008 08:25 PM
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(If you haven't left a comment here before, you may need to be approved by the site owner before your comment will appear. Until then, it won't appear on the entry. Thanks for waiting.)Recent Posts
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Recent Comments
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Char4 commented on Foods, Arts, Spirituality and the Nine Rivers
I am in heaven by just reading the menu. Thank
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KAN commented on Foods, Arts, Spirituality and the Nine Rivers
I may have said something you already know, how
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KAN commented on Foods, Arts, Spirituality and the Nine Rivers
My question for you: Won’t burning incense ge
My question for you: Won’t burning incense get in the way of smelling and tasting your delectable foods? If you are eating something with a subtle taste and smell, the strong smell of incense will drown it out and it'll taste bland, like eating cake before the entrée. The sugar conversion works well one way by building up to it, but the other way, has the opposite effect. Similarly to taste is smell, which is a big part of taste if not all of it, and it might be better on a slow incline to the main entrée climax or desert. Also similar is the conversion from light to darkness which takes some time before you can recognize anything, but going from darkness to light you instantaneously adjust and perceive differences.
Maybe it would be better to have fresh clean ionized air without pollutants that interfere with your delicacies so the patrons get the full effect.