Insert a one-line description/Introduction about Diya’s Restaurant reviews & critiques here.
‘Authentically Inauthentic’, might be the most precise description of the culinary offering at Kamei, its repertoire, whilst unmistakably oriental and largely faithful to the essence of traditional dishes, is nonetheless adventurous, flirting somewhat overtly, and in many cases even outrageously with younger, more contemporary foreign elements.
Sheer instinct guided me towards this decidedly precious gem of a restaurant in Paris, France, a little over a month ago, in part steered by a charming Instagram reel that I happened to stumble upon, revealing the hugely energetic and talented young resident chef, Thibault Sombardier, as he attempts to coax the front of house team into trying one of his new creations, each one at first resistant, even eyeing the dish, ‘Escargots Feuilletes’, somewhat suspiciously, before succumbing to what appeared to be an altogether celestial experience …
Right off the bat, I have to admit that I went to Cavatina with the somewhat unfair expectation of Chef Prateek Sadhu’s standard of food at restaurant NAAR, and as much as I tried, and do believe successfully managed to shift my perspective, am not sure I can call this an altogether balanced review …
… Moreover, given how little I tasted with respect to the number of dishes, since the ‘degustation’ menu that day did not appeal to me for a first experience of Cavatina, it certainly isn’t going to be a comprehensive assessment.
In September 2022, I visited Calcutta for the very first time, for one night and one proper meal … a friend of mine had invited me to join him on what was essentially a work trip for him, and quick introduction to the ‘City of Joy’ for me, punctuated by a night-time excursion to view the famous and altogether formidable ‘Durga Puja Pandals’ that might rival the work of some of the greatest installation artists in the world …
A veritable gem in the heart of New Delhi, the culinary repertoire of Café Lota itself a highly accomplished demonstration of local craftsmanship, therein most appropriately situated inside a museum dedicated to the ‘handmade’ work of Indian artisans …
Emblematic of all that constitutes the French Art of living, aka, ‘L’art de Vivre a la francaise,’ the Tour d’Argent may well be considered the greatest culinary courtesan of the 20th century …
NAAR … a name that has reverentially been on the tip of every gourmet tongue since its baptism into the vast culinary landscape of India, which I can safely say, having only recently enjoyed a first of what I hope will be several encounters, is much deserved.
A tribute to an Indian chef, Manu Chandra, and his first solo restaurant venture, Lupa, located in Bangalore, India.