2nd October 2017
Renowned cookery writer, Mridula Baljekar is organising a charity supper club at Mango Lounge at The Chequers, in Cookham Dean in Berkshire, in aid of Curry for Change, sponsored by Goa Beer.
Mridula, has written 27 best-selling cookery books and presented numerous TV cookery programmes. She and executive chef Ashwani Kumar – a winner of the International Indian Chef of the Year – have designed an exquisite dinner menu for Tuesday 10th October, starting at 7:30pm. Chef Kumar has previously worked at the Cinnamon Club in London.
The fundraiser is part of the 20th National Curry Week (9th – 15th October 2017), founded by the late Peter Grove, to fight third world hunger. The week-long celebration of Indian cuisine is now organised by his widow, Colleen.
Commenting on the Groves’ tireless works, Mridula said: “Indian restaurants across the country willingly support this worthy cause and raise thousands of pounds each year. I am proud to have been a part of this campaign for many years and would continue to do so in order that Peter’s legacy can continue.”
The £35 gourmet menu features a Crab and tiger prawn risotto with truffle oil; Tandoori guinea fowl, marinated in Persian spices. Herb crusted black cod with south Indian-style crushed potatoes and coconut sauce; a vegetarian version of a Persian-influenced Murtabak made with spiced grated paneer, mild cheddar cheese and beaten egg sandwiched between paper-thin flat bread and griddle-cooked, served with kokum sauce; and a Cinnamon spiced hot chocolate mousse with vanilla ice cream.
Proceeds will be matched by Natco Foods, to be utilised by UK charities Find Your Feet and Health Poverty Action, to tackle hunger and malnutrition in Asia and Africa.
Viiking Ventures’ MD, Ben Parmer, said, “Supporting restaurants’ charity events and encouraging authentic Indian gourmet dining, are central to our brand strategy – it’s an honour to have been invited to take part.”Goa Premium Beer is produced by the family-run boutique Impala Distillery & Brewery in Goa, which was acquired in 2015 by Bollywood actor and film producer Sachiin Joshi. The gluten-free beer is a popular accompaniment to spicy foods.