This article was published on 9th February 2021 online on NDTV Food https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/valentines-day-2021-7-valentines-day-treats-that-you-must-try-2365911
Showing posts with label VALENTINES DAY. Show all posts
Showing posts with label VALENTINES DAY. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
Tuesday, February 4, 2020
Sweet Somethings...
What’s a romantic Valentine’s Day date without concluding it on a sweet note? Smart Life brings you some of India’s most beautiful and appealing shared desserts to indulge with.
By Raul Dias
The adage “saving the best for last” has never been more apt when it comes to desserts. That sweet finish to a good meal puts the proverbial—and often, quite literal—cherry on the cake. After all, the dessert is the last thing one remembers of the meal. The luxurious goodness of every sweet bite rounding it all off so very well.
Now when combined with one of the most romantic days of the year, aka. Valentine’s Day, the results can be quite magical and special. It’s also safe to say that over the last couple of years the ante of desserts across the country has been upped. And how! From almost sculptural creations to some truly scrumptious treats, the dessert scene in India has entered a whole other realm.
Keeping this in mind, we’ve come up with a list of some of the most stunning confections to indulge in with your special someone all though this love-fuelled month of February. Enjoy!
Five Spice Cake
At Shanghai Club, ITC Grand Central, Mumbai
As its name suggests, this spicy, Chinese-style dessert packs in quite a punch at the end of a romantic dinner for two! As part of the Shanghai Club’s new menu, this layered confection is made up of 63% dark Belgian chocolate and chocolate cremeux which is further enhanced with a freshly ground mixture of five spices such as cinnamon, cloves, fennel, star anise and Sichuan peppercorns. The super-moist, flourless baked cake is also served with a whiskey-steeped Chinese pear compote for a tart and boozy contrast to its taste.
Seven Textures of Chocolate with Strawberry
At Tiamo, Conrad Bengaluru
Not just is its name a mouthful, but the main components of this decadent dessert are legendary as being associated with love. For one, chocolate has been long considered an aphrodisiacal food since the time of the Aztecs. Strawberry on the other hand, thanks to heart shape, is recognised as the symbol of Venus—the Roman Goddess of love. This visually stunning creation at the Conrad Bengaluru’s rooftop Mediterranean restaurant Tiamo is a combination of 56% chocolate, nuts, raspberries, cream cheese and fresh strawberries that are sourced from the hills of Ooty. For some additional berry heft, it is served with a quenelle made with fresh, crushed strawberries and some luscious cream cheese.
Dessert Thali
At Dhansoo Café, New Delhi
Giving an interesting desi spin to this selection of romantic shared desserts and putting a twist to the concept of a dessert platter, the innovative Dessert Thali at the brand new Dhansoo Café is a fun way to end your meal. This nine-part dessert extravaganza showcases the best of India’s regional sweet delicacies from the north to the south. And so what you get when you call for this dessert is a coconut laddu, a gulab jamun, a portion of rabdi, kesari bhat, atte ki panjiri, namak paratha, chena mukri and churros jalebi with a few slabs of Mysore pak rounding it all off.
By Raul Dias
The adage “saving the best for last” has never been more apt when it comes to desserts. That sweet finish to a good meal puts the proverbial—and often, quite literal—cherry on the cake. After all, the dessert is the last thing one remembers of the meal. The luxurious goodness of every sweet bite rounding it all off so very well.
Now when combined with one of the most romantic days of the year, aka. Valentine’s Day, the results can be quite magical and special. It’s also safe to say that over the last couple of years the ante of desserts across the country has been upped. And how! From almost sculptural creations to some truly scrumptious treats, the dessert scene in India has entered a whole other realm.
Keeping this in mind, we’ve come up with a list of some of the most stunning confections to indulge in with your special someone all though this love-fuelled month of February. Enjoy!
Five Spice Cake
At Shanghai Club, ITC Grand Central, Mumbai
As its name suggests, this spicy, Chinese-style dessert packs in quite a punch at the end of a romantic dinner for two! As part of the Shanghai Club’s new menu, this layered confection is made up of 63% dark Belgian chocolate and chocolate cremeux which is further enhanced with a freshly ground mixture of five spices such as cinnamon, cloves, fennel, star anise and Sichuan peppercorns. The super-moist, flourless baked cake is also served with a whiskey-steeped Chinese pear compote for a tart and boozy contrast to its taste.
Seven Textures of Chocolate with Strawberry
At Tiamo, Conrad Bengaluru
Not just is its name a mouthful, but the main components of this decadent dessert are legendary as being associated with love. For one, chocolate has been long considered an aphrodisiacal food since the time of the Aztecs. Strawberry on the other hand, thanks to heart shape, is recognised as the symbol of Venus—the Roman Goddess of love. This visually stunning creation at the Conrad Bengaluru’s rooftop Mediterranean restaurant Tiamo is a combination of 56% chocolate, nuts, raspberries, cream cheese and fresh strawberries that are sourced from the hills of Ooty. For some additional berry heft, it is served with a quenelle made with fresh, crushed strawberries and some luscious cream cheese.
Dessert Thali
At Dhansoo Café, New Delhi
Giving an interesting desi spin to this selection of romantic shared desserts and putting a twist to the concept of a dessert platter, the innovative Dessert Thali at the brand new Dhansoo Café is a fun way to end your meal. This nine-part dessert extravaganza showcases the best of India’s regional sweet delicacies from the north to the south. And so what you get when you call for this dessert is a coconut laddu, a gulab jamun, a portion of rabdi, kesari bhat, atte ki panjiri, namak paratha, chena mukri and churros jalebi with a few slabs of Mysore pak rounding it all off.
Warm Apple Tart
At La Loca Maria, Mumbai
Since the time of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, the apple has played a vital role as a fruit that’s synonymous with love. Putting a whole other spin on the fruit, La Loca Maria’s Spanish expat founder Chef Manuel Olveira Seller sends out his rendition of an apple tart in style. His warm apple tart begins with a sweet pastry based with a crisp texture that’s extremely flavourful. The finely-sliced golden apples on the top are caramelised and dusted with icing sugar for a dramatic snow-like effect. A scoop of glossy strawberry and red wine sorbet sits atop the tart and provides the perfect icy foil to the warm tart below.
(A differently edited version of this piece was first published in the February 2020 issue of The Week's Smart Life magazine)
Friday, February 10, 2017
For The Food Of Love
Named after Aphrodite, the Greek Goddess of love and
beauty, aphrodisiacs have been titillating our taste buds and pleasing our
palates for centuries. Raul Dias
lists eight such super foods, each imbued with legendary libido-boosting
properties to get you into the mood. Well, it is the month of love, after all.
Isn’t it?
AVOCADO
The truism “we eat with our eyes!” was probably coined keeping the sensually-shaped South American wonder fruit—avocado in mind. The soft, greenish-yellow, buttery flesh, ensconced in a rough dark green shell has garnered the reputation of being an aphrodisiac, extending back to ancient Aztec times. In fact, the Aztecs called the avocado tree “Ahuacuatl,” which translates to “testicle tree.” Modern science however, has proven that the fruit’s high levels of Vitamin E could help keep the spark alive because of its role in maintaining “youthful vigor and energy levels.” We rest our case.
The truism “we eat with our eyes!” was probably coined keeping the sensually-shaped South American wonder fruit—avocado in mind. The soft, greenish-yellow, buttery flesh, ensconced in a rough dark green shell has garnered the reputation of being an aphrodisiac, extending back to ancient Aztec times. In fact, the Aztecs called the avocado tree “Ahuacuatl,” which translates to “testicle tree.” Modern science however, has proven that the fruit’s high levels of Vitamin E could help keep the spark alive because of its role in maintaining “youthful vigor and energy levels.” We rest our case.
Try it out here: Chilli Tossed Tuna Poke with Cubed
Avocado at Toast & Tonic, Bengaluru
BANANA
Never mind what they remind you of. That would be stating the very obvious! Not only do these, naughtily-shaped bad boys come packed with bromelain, an enzyme that triggers testosterone production, but the fruit’s potassium and Vitamin B are said to elevate energy levels. However, experts believe that expecting one banana to bolster things immediately, is a tad unrealistic and that they should be eaten as part of a healthy diet to work their magic. Go on, what are you waiting for!?
Never mind what they remind you of. That would be stating the very obvious! Not only do these, naughtily-shaped bad boys come packed with bromelain, an enzyme that triggers testosterone production, but the fruit’s potassium and Vitamin B are said to elevate energy levels. However, experts believe that expecting one banana to bolster things immediately, is a tad unrealistic and that they should be eaten as part of a healthy diet to work their magic. Go on, what are you waiting for!?
Try it out here: Pearl Millet and Oat Flapjacks with
Bananas, Salted Peanuts and Jaggery Caramel at 212 All Good, Mumbai
ASPARAGUS
Once again, analogies to the very obvious phallic shape of the asparagus spears are unavoidable, making it another ‘deserving’ candidate on a list like this. And just like Avocado, Asparagus is also a good source of Vitamin E, which is involved in stimulating the production of sex hormones. It also increases circulation in the genitourinary system, leading to increased sexual desire. So, should one opt for the green asparagus or the more exotic white variety? How about both? Remember, love is colour blind!
Once again, analogies to the very obvious phallic shape of the asparagus spears are unavoidable, making it another ‘deserving’ candidate on a list like this. And just like Avocado, Asparagus is also a good source of Vitamin E, which is involved in stimulating the production of sex hormones. It also increases circulation in the genitourinary system, leading to increased sexual desire. So, should one opt for the green asparagus or the more exotic white variety? How about both? Remember, love is colour blind!
Try it out here: Miso-Glazed Chilean Seabass on a bed
of Asparagus at Theory, Mumbai
CHOCOLATE
While there’s no disputing chocolate’s rankings on the popularity charts for its sheer luscious taste and sensuous mouth feel, there’s more to it than what’s apparent! It contains the chemicals anandamide and phenylethylamine (PEA), which boost serotonin levels—the feel-good hormone. Yes, that’s the very same hormone your body releases during sex. Interestingly, more than any other variety, it is the inky, cocoa-rich dark chocolate that has been shown to cause a spike in dopamine, which induces feelings of pleasure. And we have just the right one for you…
While there’s no disputing chocolate’s rankings on the popularity charts for its sheer luscious taste and sensuous mouth feel, there’s more to it than what’s apparent! It contains the chemicals anandamide and phenylethylamine (PEA), which boost serotonin levels—the feel-good hormone. Yes, that’s the very same hormone your body releases during sex. Interestingly, more than any other variety, it is the inky, cocoa-rich dark chocolate that has been shown to cause a spike in dopamine, which induces feelings of pleasure. And we have just the right one for you…
Try it out here: Sensual Bitter Chocolate Cake at The
Claridges, New Delhi
COFFEE
To many, the inclusion on coffee on a list like this might seem a wee bit out of place. But the caffeine in coffee is actually a stimulant that ups the heart rate and makes the blood flow. And we all know how important blood flow is to the vital parts in question here! In fact, legend has it that Turkish people claimed coffee to be an aphrodisiac and husbands kept their wives well supplied. If the husband refused, it was a legitimate cause for a wife to divorce him. ‘nuff said!
To many, the inclusion on coffee on a list like this might seem a wee bit out of place. But the caffeine in coffee is actually a stimulant that ups the heart rate and makes the blood flow. And we all know how important blood flow is to the vital parts in question here! In fact, legend has it that Turkish people claimed coffee to be an aphrodisiac and husbands kept their wives well supplied. If the husband refused, it was a legitimate cause for a wife to divorce him. ‘nuff said!
Try it out here: The Oh! Sweet Ninja Coffee Cocktail
with Vodka, Kahlua, and an Espresso Shot at Shiro, Bengaluru
HONEY
Ever looked up the etymology of the word ‘Honeymoon’? This post-marriage love vacation apparently gets its name from mead, an alcoholic beverage made from honey that was traditionally given to the new bride and groom to drink on their wedding night. Honey is packed with Vitamin B and boron, which helps regulate estrogen and testosterone levels and provides a natural energy boost. Even Hippocrates is believed to have prescribed honey for sexual vigour. Well, in that case…
Ever looked up the etymology of the word ‘Honeymoon’? This post-marriage love vacation apparently gets its name from mead, an alcoholic beverage made from honey that was traditionally given to the new bride and groom to drink on their wedding night. Honey is packed with Vitamin B and boron, which helps regulate estrogen and testosterone levels and provides a natural energy boost. Even Hippocrates is believed to have prescribed honey for sexual vigour. Well, in that case…
Try it out here: Honey Flan with Figs at The Clearing
House, Mumbai
OYSTERS
Who’d imagine these ultra-unappetising looking molluscs held a hidden secret within their rock-like shells? High in zinc, oysters have a reputation for being great for love and fertility. Researchers recently found that oysters contain amino acids that trigger production of sex hormones. The briny liquid that accompanies the critter is also said to boost the libido like no other elixir can. Viagra of the sea, anyone?
Who’d imagine these ultra-unappetising looking molluscs held a hidden secret within their rock-like shells? High in zinc, oysters have a reputation for being great for love and fertility. Researchers recently found that oysters contain amino acids that trigger production of sex hormones. The briny liquid that accompanies the critter is also said to boost the libido like no other elixir can. Viagra of the sea, anyone?
Try it out here: Broiled Oysters and Choriz in a Ponzu
Sauce at The Fatty Bao, New Delhi
WATERMELON
What? That innocuous summertime refreshing thirst quencher! An aphrodisiac? Clearly, we’ve saved the most surprising candidate for last. According to a recent study, this lycopene- and citrulline-rich fruit may have a Viagra-like effect on the body, as it relaxes blood vessels and improves circulation.
What? That innocuous summertime refreshing thirst quencher! An aphrodisiac? Clearly, we’ve saved the most surprising candidate for last. According to a recent study, this lycopene- and citrulline-rich fruit may have a Viagra-like effect on the body, as it relaxes blood vessels and improves circulation.
Try it out here: Asian Watermelon Pop Salad at Shizusan,
Pune
(A shorter, edited version of this article first appeared in the February 2017 issue of Hi!Blitz Magazine, India)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)