Vol. 8 (2), August 2012 Department of Hotel Management, Christ University, Hosur Road, Bangalore– 560029 Namaste! - Avin Thaliath As August scampers past, I would like to wish each one of our faithful and loyal readers a very Happy Independence Day! With the air filled with patriotism and pride our cover story traces the history of the green revolution and our organic heritage. A very eventful month for the department as our students were challenged through Shristi– the theme restaurant set up and Cul– Art 2012. Take a tour with us through Karnataka’s beautiful Gokarna and savour the flavours of Ramazan in our indigenous recipe and our photo bug photo. GO ORGANIC! -Usha Dinakaran Organic food is a term that a lot of us are coming across a lot lately. Maybe it’s because the health concerns among many are rising and people want to include organic food in their diet. Maybe it’s because organic food is a cause propagated by popular celebrity chefs and TV shows. Maybe it’s because organic food is a new food trend that is here to stay. However, how many of us actually know what organic food really is? Here’s a simple guide for you. Firstly, organic food does not mean vegetarian food. This is a myth among many people. Organic foods are simply foods that are processed using methods that do not involve use of pesticides, fertilizers or any other chemicals. Also, they do not contain genetically modified organisms, and are not processed using irradiation, industrial solvents, or chemical food additives. Organic meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Thus, this can include meat like chicken and fish that are chemical-free. Secondly, organic food does not exclusively consist of soups, salads and tossed vegetables. With fresh organic produce, everything from burgers to curries can be made which would be 100% organic. Biriyanis with plump, natural chickens, saucy spaghetti with cheese, fish curries – you can make all of these healthy meals at home by simply using organic meats and vegetables. Thirdly, while organic food is healthy and more nutritious than what we otherwise consume, organic chips and sodas are simply not. No matter what you read, cane sugar is still sugar and fried chips are still fried, no matter what kind of compost was or wasn't heaped onto the potatoes. Sorry! Producing organic food does not require a lot of use of fossil fuel that give a considerable share in polluting the air. It also takes advantage of the green-house effect phenomenon to salvage the soil’s carbon. By not using synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers, the fresh water remains unpolluted as well, ensuring cleaner water for everyone. Also, organic meat doesn’t have any by-products in its feed, which is a primary contributor to Mad-Cow and other related diseases. With the demand for organic food increasing day by day, larger companies would have to source it from local farmers to supply organic meat and milk – animals would often be given more space in the local farms to roam compared to those at larger factory firms. While shopping for organic ingredients and other produce, ensure you read the labels properly. Products labelled "organic" must consist of 95 percent organically produced ingredients, but products that contain only 70 percent organic ingredients can use the phrase "Made with organic ingredients." Read carefully. You can find plenty of organic produce from stores like Adi Naturals, Green Channel, 24 Lettered Mantra and Era Organics. In addition to this, there are certain branded organic products like ProNature, Navadarshanam, etc. that are available at supermarkets and other departmental stores. Either way, try switching to an organic diet and see the difference yourself! 1 Darpan 2012: Our Love Affair with Music cascade of applause. -Srujana Sagi The final category of performances for the day was the Indian Non-Theme Dance, which was Every year, as Darpan, the Christ College Intra kicked off by our very own seniors, Megha, Nitin, -college talent inches closer, the levels of preparaKalpana, Elsamma, Anaita, Nadiya, Pruthvi, Dimple, tion and excitement rise. The campus is set abuzz Rohith, Ahmed and Gaurav, of 4th year BHM, to the with activity and on the big day the plethora of talregional Telegu song “Ringa Ringa”. The dance was ent hidden in our college takes the spot light. an expression of how the localities of Andhra have a fun filled atmosDarpan 2012, was spread over two days- the phere. It was fast 13th and 14th of July. The first day was dedicated to paced and a blast a wide range of dance performances. The fest was of fun, definitely kicked off by the lively Kumaran from our Student something to reWelfare Office, who introduced the Indian Classical member our senDance teams. Dance forms like Kathak and Bhaiors by. Other ratanatyam was showcased by the talented stuteams in this catedents and a stunning performance was given by Mr. gory showcased Prabhin, Ms. Preethi and Ms. Rajashree from the different styles like Bollywood, contemporary, etc. Faculty of Performing Arts. Thoroughly entertaining, they were a perfect way to end the fest for the day. This was followed by the Indian Theme Dance. The dances in this category made one's hearts race The second day of Darpan was dedicated and minds spin, with the teams taking the audience largely to musical performances but also had a to different dimensions, exploring themes like sprinkling of western dance performances. The ‘Death, Cheating, Sun signs, Society’ and numerous western acoustic performances were a big hit, with other insightful concepts. This section of the proinspirations from cartoons like The Flintstones and gram was carried through by Emcee's Abhineetha The Powerpuff Girls. One of the most popular Raghunathan and Floyd Savio Peters. events of the fest by far, was the Battle of The Bands. The Bands had the crowds hooting and clapping to their medleys of rock. Next, a number of dance perAll in all, the two days of song and dance that formances by was Darpan 2012, was a great way to break in the our comrades academic year. from the Christ University, Kengeri Campus, which included a peppy fusion number that was very popular and received a 2 A Glimpse in the Life of Chef Abhijit Saha “There is no success formula for a restaurant. There are good restaurants and there are bad ones” -Abhijit Saha Take on Organic Food: An Entrepreneur with an abundance of experience and accolades both domestically and internationally. He is a special chef to our country, being’ One among the Top Ten in India’, awarded by The Outlook magazine. An intrinsic part of the judging panel for the ‘50 Best Restaurants in the World. Also, the Guest Chef and Speaker at ‘The World of Flavors’ Conference’ invited by the Culinary Institute of America. His last posting prior to becoming a Chef Entrepreneur was as the Director of Food Services and Executive Chef with the Park Hotels for 8 years. Food and Wine Culture a Future Façade in India: Times are changing and so are we as a team. Presently have not been successful in incorporating Organic Ingredients in Presently the Founding Director and Executive Chef my menus but the emphasis on use of Local Ingredients to of ‘Avant Garde Hospitality’ along with Co-founder and reduce Import and Carbon Footprints has been maximum. Director Shruti Shibulal, together they own ‘Caperberry’ on As Organic ingredients become easier and cheaper to proDickenson Road and ‘Fava’ in U.B City. cure it will part of all menus. Customer Perception vs. Food Trends : It’s a present façade as our consumption food has not been supported by beverages like wine. Also our climate and culture, food tastes play an important role. It will surely grow but will never be able to reach the markets of other beverage leaders in India which penetrated beyond tier 1 and 2 cities. India vs. Rest of the World: Rest of the WorldMoved to As a chef I need to realize my creative passion and love for food. On the other hand I am an entrepreneur and have to see how I can satisfy my customers. So I came up with two concepts for restaurants-Caper berry being one which satisfied my creative urge where I did what I want to give the guest a Michelin Star experience and Fava which was a homage to my customers as it catered to stereotype flavors, cheaper prices and a regular dine option. Locovorism- eat local produce. Ecological Methods The Indian market has a long way to go before it matures! Presently 80% of the diners consume meals excluding Desserts. Experimentation is tricky as customers are loyal to Favorites and Familiar dishes and a very niche market segment experiments. Indians are Non friendly diners and this makes it harder to make a connection and creating a Service Executive & Customer relations. Feedback and communication is hard and Risk is huge and hard. One thing that keeps everything at bay is Good Service, it compensates for the food. A Trend is a combination of: India-Moving to Fun dining and Not Fine Dining Use of only good quality ingredients Coffee culture Key factors of running a Restaurant in a city like Bangalore: Microbrewery culture Acceptance, Marketing (most important, targets an emotional quotient), Risk, Experience Factor or vow Factor to be created with Food and Service 24/7, Consistence, Communication and set-up have to match Doing it well Mayank Agarwal Photo credits : www.caperberry.in 3 Monthly Chronicles Prof. Avin Thaliath and Prof. Denny Augustine handled the much anticipated food and wine -Nitin Narayanan pairing session. Prof Denny took us “Success always comes when preparation meets oppor- through the various tasting notes for different grape varieties. He highlighted the traditional tunity “ – Henry Hartman tasting notes and exSo was the case in Cul-Art plained how these norms 2012 organized by Department of Hoare being revolutionized tel Management, Christ University. with modern food and The preparation of this wine journey wine pairing. His emphasis started way back under the able guidwas on how taste is very ance of our faculty and we students subjective and there is no organized the whole show. We were wrong or right in pairing. very fortunate to have prestigious inProf . Avin Thaliath with his stitutions like – IHM Hyderabad, creative geniuses in the Naipunnya, T. John College particbakery team put up a maripating in this workshop. It was open for students as well as faculty. The primary objective vellous food and wine pairing session. Second year volunwas to understand wine as a product, trends in wine in- teers also coordinated and conducted the session immaculately. Participants tasted 4 different wine and food dustry and wine and food harmony. match, and shared their personal tasting notes and opinDay one kick started with an in-depth discussion ions. Though wine was the core aspect of discussion, the on wine manufacturing, regions and the wine culture of exquisite dishes were acclaimed by all at the end of the world. This session was handled by Prof. Zacharia JoDay 1. seph of Christ University. The following session was hanDay 2 involved a vineyard and winery visit to dled by Dr Jagdish, Managing Director of Karnataka Wine Board. It was focused on the government’s take on the Grover Vineyards, Doddaballapur. wine industry and schemes to promote wine culture in Participants were eager to know the Karnataka. A cultivation and growth of vines. We very inter- were guided by Ms Agnes, who esting fact explained the same and about the that he wine manufacturing plant. We shared was visited the production and bottling the govern- section of the plant and later went ment moving to the underground cellar which was wines from a wonderful sight. The valedictory the alcoholic session was held in Grover Vineyards where Ms Karishma beverage sector to a beverage under the Indian Grape handed over the certificates to all the participants. Processing Board. This would increase the accessibility to Cul-Art 2012 was much more than just wines. this potentially healthy drink and create a mass market Interaction with various students and faculty was a wonfor wines in India. Mr. Keshav Raju, Founder Director and derful experience. Every bottle of wine has a saga CEO, Magpie Vineyards, was kind enough to handle a attached to it which the drinker must understand and session, where he spoke about wine opportunities in appreciate. Though our wine journey was a short one, it India. He shared his entrepreneurial saga with Magpie will surely live long in our memories. Wines and discussed marketing mantras followed at Salute…Sante…Cheers ! present. His appeal to all was to understand and savour wine as it is more than just a beverage. Photo Credits: Arun Gangadharan Cul-Art 2012: National Level Wine Workshop 4 SHRISTI: A Glimpse Of The Future Monthly Chronicles - Bryan John Fernandes & Karan Nagpal THE FLINSTONES ROCKTAURANT Shristi... It is an event that is held every year by the BHM Second year students. What do they exactly do? Well they design, and construct model restaurants with a model menu with their objective being: To create new ideas of tomorrow. Here are all the restaurants that were there at Shristi: ANGANWADI ‘The Courtyard What Makes Luxury Affordable’ This beautifully decorated little hut had an authentic feel about it, and its interiors had a very homey, calming effect on everyone who walked in. They were advertising organic food, which they grew themselves, and the restaurant sponsors kids who need education, and also sustain their farm with the profit they make. If time travel were real, I would’ve believed I was actually in the Stone Age! Fantastic rustic interiors and being greeted by a bonfire, felt really incredible. A bar in the corner, and all natural lighting really added to the stone age theme of the restaurant. GALATA GARAGE ‘Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.’ When we walked in we froze at the sight of the garage themed decor. There was an actual car inside with a built in table that was made out of a fish aquarium, with real fish inside it. Everything was eco-friendly inside ranging from a pimped out ride that was found lying in a scrap heap to all the décor that was made from bottles, cans and recycled paper. LUMINOUS As the name WONDERLAND ‘Dreams Come True’ suggests this restauAfter being greeted by Mickey Mouse and Don- rant plays with the visual impact on food. ald Duck, the experience only gets better! The music and atmosphere is a lot of fun. Lots of cartoons, posters Amazing use of small particles that reflect and colour are seen inside this fantasy dream land. Their concept revolves around every human being hav- lights, and also a very unique menu; make ing an inner child, and tapping into that. this a very enjoyable experience. DINER A MARRAKECH ‘Restaurant. Tea. Lounge.’ CANOE HOUSE ‘Aloha’ Walking into this restaurant just transports you Beach side. Breathtaking breeze. Beautiful to North Africa! Beautiful lighting, with traditional furniture and candles, it re- lights. This is what you find in the Canoe house. It’s a very relaxed atmosphere. ally feels like you’re there. The music HAPPY HALLOWEEN and ambience are The restaurant is actually shaped like a pumpjust perfect. kin. Yes, you read it right, a pumpkin. And with scary COUNTRY ROADS lights, and costumes, this truly was the perfect Halloween experience. Standing outside this wonderAll the students put on an exquisite display! And fully set up restaurant felt like a scene from any old made it happen with a lot of effort! Let's just hope that cowboy movie. The horse on the side, adding to its au- the next year’s batch will be able to top this year’s, and thenticity, wanted posters, dart boards, great Country keep up to the standards of the present BHM students . music and a fantastic bar fulfilled the entire experience Photo Credits : Ahmed Sharif 5 Cover Story few minutes later. An owl which flew over saw the immobilized Slow and Steady Wins the ‘Food’ Race; frog, caught it as prey, and then sat on a A Dedication to Turtle Cooking tree branch to enjoy its meal. Ten minutes -Angelina Maben later, the owl fell down and died. “recounts a farmer on the effects of Endosulphan, a Organic food, carbon footprints, local producepopular pesticide used in cotton cultivation. terms that get used a lot these The fruit salad on your plate, if not handled cordays. Are these a passing fad or rectly may contain something in the region of 30 toxins. a signal of change in food habOrganic farming on the other hand means growing food its? Or is it a result of a shift in without the use of toxic pesticides and chemical fertilizfocus towards sustainability based on science? Whatever the ers. Natural alternatives such as neem oil are used to combat pests. Combine that with local consumption and basis is, it is something that is making foodies across the globe you get the added benefit of erasing the carbon footsit up and take notice. From the print that is caused by sourcing food from far off locacold, clammy climes of England tions. A 2008 New York Times article highlights the to the sunny and arid Australian wastefulness of the food transport system, “Cod caught off Norway is shipped to China to be turned into filets, outback, Chefs are growing their own fresh, vibrant and then shipped back to Norway for sale. Argentine herbs, fruits and vegetables, and cooking up a storm lemons fill supermarket shelves on the Citrus Coast of with them. Chef Jamie Oliver and cricketer turned farmer Mathew Hayden are both passionate advocates Spain, as local lemons rot on the ground. Half of Europe’s peas are grown and packaged in Kenya.” of cooking what you grow in your own backyards. Why is there this paradigm shift in ideas? The answer can be found close to home. For decades since the Green revolution states like Punjab and Kerala have produced the grain and cash crops to feed a hungry nation. Today these states have some of the highest rates of cancer and birth defects in the country. All of this can be traced back to the indiscriminate use of pesticides. The impact has been so severe that a recent study has revealed that up to 65% of Punjab’s farmers have mutated DNA due to exposure to banned pesticides, making them susceptible to cancer and degenerative diseases. In the cotton season of 2001 (May to December), according to official figures 500 laborers died of pesticide poisoning in Andhra Pradesh’s Warangal district alone. These toxic chemicals seep into ground water and contaminate drinking water. Fish and bird populations have done the disappearing act. “Earthworms emerged from the soil, and, subsequently, died. Then birds came to eat the earthworms and they died as well. “Some termites were killed in a cotton farm sprayed with endosulphan. A frog fed on the dead termites, and was immobilized a The simple yet game changing idea of using locally grown, organic produce as a solution to these problems, captured the imagination of one Manjunath P.R . Freshly returned from the United States, this former IT professional first began organic farming in Kochi in 2003 on a small piece of land that he acquired. By 2009 he was the owner of three organic vegetable and two organic poultry farms and had opened his own restaurant – Lumiere, serving fresh produce sourced directly from these farms. A number of entrepreneurs have since followed suit and opened restaurants along the same lines nationwide. ‘ As the human race collectively looks to the world’s leaders at Rio De Janeiro’s Climate Summit for solutions and for hope of a sustainable future. A future in which billions of new mouths will have to be fed, while balancing the pressure this will create on our planet, perhaps the answers can be found at the dinner table. 6 The Hopeless Traveller Memories: Sun, Sand and Surf - Megha Moturi We are a bunch of very closely knit friends. Almost like one big family. Last year in the chaos of the academic session, when all of us were beaten down and bogged by work, studies and life in general, we decided to take a well deserved break before our final exams. We made up our minds, packed our bags, booked our tickets and in a day’s time reached Gokarna, a small beach town in north Karnataka. The place was like an unexplored paradise, astoundingly beautiful in all ways! The small beach is nestled by three picturesque beaches with cool clear waters of the Bay of Bengal. The beauty of the place was unfathomable and it took us quite some time for all of it to sink in. To add to our delight the rooms were cheap and the food was fresh and honest. We stayed there for 3 days and 2 nights and with our frenzied adventures most of it was a blur. But such is the power of the brain that it chooses to record the most insignificant details of any experience and transform them into sweet memories. One such memory was of one chilly morning on the beach at 5 am when my friend and I got up early after one befuddled night and did not know what to do since everyone else was sleeping. The memory of the both of us sitting on the beach and talking our hearts away is as clear as it happened yesterday. Another memory was of yet another morning when two of us were swimming in the cold high tide and collecting sea shells. Seemingly insignificant but truly priceless, these records of events in our minds will remain etched forever. Even our brain tells us not to ignore the small things in life! Photo Credits :Mayank Agarwal 7 Entrepreneurs’ Corner The cynic says, “One man can’t do anything”. I say, “Only one man can do anything.” - John W. Gardner -Mayank Agarwal It is strange how food is so important in our lives and we don’t have time to break bread peacefully because most of our time or almost all our time goes in making money first. Then we look into aspects how we can make more money. We addict ourselves, our family, our peers, our society to this notion. We give rise to a creativeness where people collectively think and an idea is born, this is the story of Kaati Zone, India’s frontrunner in the Quick Service Restaurant biz. The idea was born out of the Modern Family where we have Two Bread winners both husband and wife, this gives them a large disposable income to spend. To have this large disposable income, they need to slog long hours during which one gets hungry and dining no longer stays an option. Its rather a weekend escape, so Mr. Kiran Nadkarni (Founder and C.E.O) chanced on this opportunity and made one part of the Indian street food culture an organized market. Who would have thought a simple street food originated by the Nizams part of the food heritage of Kolkatta would become a multimillion dollar business for one brand. A Kaati roll begins life as a paratha or flat bread, heated on a flat griddle. Beaten egg is poured on to form a layer. Fillings that can range from potato, cottage cheese (paneer), cheese, mutton kebab, chunks of tandoori chicken, along with vegetables fried in butter, are added, and the whole thing is rolled up with sauce or spices to form a satisfying albeit calorie-filled snack. Kaati Zone took the roll wrapped it and gave branding to a street food. As any other fast food joint they set standardized tastes, choices and price for the products offered to the customers. The set up requires a low cost franchisee, a sure shot success formula. Add-ons were brought in, it is important to satisfy all customers who walk in through that door. ‘Healthier’ options were made available, even ‘Combos’ through tie ups with beverage companies, Home delivery convenience, they also came in bigger munches to satisfy large hungers. It was made gourmet to peoples taste while still keeping the localness feel to it. Like any business, it takes you places. The same was the case with them, currently located in 6 cities with 31 outlets, each of which occupies a mere 200-300 sq. ft. and generates monthly revenue of up to 4 lakhs. More importantly it’s a BANGALORE based company! Photo Credits: www.kaatizone.co.in 8 d at cooke e m d e t arina r osht (M 400 yea G a a o k t r k a c Patth owba g the e): A thr n o t s ed durin t t n o e v in on h . ition ing trad derabad k y o H o f c o ld s o m the Niza reign of a Girish - Anahit Photo Bug! typical rebellious youth to one of the world’s greatest chefs he is today, this is something Bourdain believes with utmost certainty. Literary Lounge The Kitchen Confidential - Anthony Bourdain If you’ve never read a book that’s an eye opener, insanely funny, limitless and a career counsellor all in one then, ‘The Kitchen Confidential’ by Anthony Bourdain is surely a pioneer in its writing style. Honestly speaking, it takes guts to write a book like that. Written in street-wise honesty and a complete New Yorker’s style it is a book definitely not for the faint hearted. If you decide to read it be prepared for something devastatingly mind blowing. If you are not the avid reader, a good suggestion would be to keep a dictionary by your side or if you don't own one, become best friends with a really smart person. Fast. Even If this book teaches you nothing, once your done reading it you will be sure of one thing, food has power. From the start of his career as a Bourdain portrays his path to achieving a career as a chef as if courses of a meal. For the appetizer, he reveals his exploits in the infamous Culinary Institute of America. For the main course, he exposes exactly how much hard work and suffering, in many of New York’s restaurants, it takes to emerge as the experienced and worldly wise chef he is today. For dessert, the author advises who aspire to chef-dom of the basic rules to guaranteed cooking success. -Mahira Alvares Photo Credits: www.amazon.com Are you serious? Want to stay in a hotel under the sea ? Then take a trip to Key Largo, Florida and stay at Jules Underwater lodge. 9 Indigenous Recipe Nargisi Kofta Ingredients Almonds 6to 8 piece Chilli powder 1 tsp This dish is popular in North India especially Chopped green chilli (optional) 3 number Uttar Pradesh. It appears that the Moghul emperors Coriander powder 1 1/2 -bsp took ‘kofta’ from Persia to India, serving the varia Cumin powder 1 1/2 tbsp tion Nargisi kofta. The name ‘Nargis’ comes from Eggs – 6 number the resemblance to a flower named Narcissus, a Garam masala whole – 3 piece winter flower grown in India. The flower has a yelGinger garlic paste – 1 tbsp low center (the color of cooked egg yolk), surround- Minced meat- chicken 500gms ed by white petals resembling the cooked egg Oil 1 tbsp white. onions 2 number Salt - to taste Tomatoes 3 number Turmeric 1 pinch -Ahmed Sharif Boil and peel eggs. Mix spices with minced meat. Coat eggs with minced meat. Heat oil in a pan and add whole garam masala and cumin. Fry onions till golden brown add turmeric, ginger garlic paste and cook till raw smell is gone. Add cumin, coriander ,chilli powder. Add tomato and almond paste and cook till oil oozes out. Add water and cook covered -check seasoning add chilli ,and add koftas. Finish off with chopped coriander leaves serve hot with rice, chapatti or naan. Reference: http://www.travelsfy.com And The Akshar Family Keeps Growing… - Karan Nagpal Akshar gratefully welcomes Srujana Sagi as our newest member to our little editorial family. Despite having the responsibilities of being the class representative, she seems to handle any sort of pressure very easily. She is extremely well informed about current affairs, and has an extremely good vocabulary. She loves reading novels and that adds to her repertoire here in Akshar. Do look out for her articles! And be sure to read her coverage of Darpan 2012 in this month’s issue. Welcome Srujana! We are glad to have you. Your Akshar Family 10 Editor-in chief Avin Thaliath Conceptualized and Designed by C. Rahila Sahrish Editorial Team Avin Thaliath Tanya Nicole Fernandes C. Rahila Sahrish Mayank Agarwal Anahita Girish Vishwas Badami Mahira Alvares Bryan John Fernandes Karan Nagpal Srujana Sagi Contact us at: Christ University, Hosur Road Bangalore— 560029 Karnataka India Phone Numbers: +91.80.4012.9100 +91.80.4012.9600 Fax: +91.80.4012.9000 Email: [email protected] Website: www.christuniversity.in Available on: © For Private Circulation Only 11
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