Indian Food has arrived, and it’s here to stay! On Thursday, April 5, 2012 Varli Magazine brought us the second annual Varli Food Festival. The event was hosted by Emmy nominated television host and “Top Chef” judge Padma Lakshmi, featured numerous Indian restaurants, and was graced with over 20 Award Winning Celebrity Chefs from Canada, USA, UK, and India.
“I am really excited to introduce festival guests to the vibrancy and diversity of Indian cuisine” said Varli Singh, creator of the event and the editor and publisher of Indian Dining publication “Varli Magazine”. And diversity shined, as each restaurant station displayed their versions of Indian Inspired dishes. With selections including Chicken Barfi from Nirvana Restaurant, Malai Chicken Ravioli from Chand Palace, Papaya Ginger Salad from NanKing, to Pesto Cilantro Pulao from Heritage Restaurant, it was a night for Indian restaurants to showcase their innovative culinary creations. Spirit and beverage vendors shined through offering Indian beers from King Fisher and Taj Mahal along with new and upcoming Indian Vineyard Wines from Global Mania NY, who offered wine pairings for popular Indian dishes.
The highlight of the festival however were the chefs: From Master Chef India Judges, to Food Network stars, to Michelin-starred chefs. They were seen doing cooking demonstrations, engaging with attendees, sharing their tips and techniques, signing cookbooks, and taking pictures with guests. “Indian food is created with layers of complex flavors which all work together beautifully.” stated Padma Lakshmi as she introduced Varli Singh, Chef Sanjeev Kapoor and Chef Vikas Khanna to the stage.
In addition to the restaurant stations and Celebrity Chefs there was A Varli Spice Market Giveaway, Silent Auctions, and Giftbags filled with gift certificates to the participating restaurants.
Only in it’s second year of inception Varli Food Festival has established itself as the only Indian Food Festival in the world. After being held in New York City for the past two years Varli Food Festival 2013 is slated to be held in Dubai, UAE.
Over the next few weeks I will be sharing my “Masala Minute” interviews that I had the opportunity of taking with top South Asian Chefs such as Sanjeev Kapoor, Vikas Khanna, Jehangir Mehta, Maneet Chauhan, Vikram Vij, and more.
Stay tuned for more foodie fun!
This is too cool. Such a fun sounding event. Can’t wait to see even more.