From ‘The Veggie Table’ to her own table, a ‘Divan’ experience at Chef Ronny’s.

A culinary journey unlike no other…

As an event planner, I’m fortunate to receive invites to try unique food creations from chefs at many catering companies and restaurants across the city. I truly love my job, especially when it involves eating.

But its not always a glorified job, trust me. There are times when I’ve left disappointed AND with stomach cramps. Where’s the Pepto when you need it?  This usually happens when chefs try to impress with their version of a gourmet fy’d Indian. Many use the ‘fusion’ concept, but really butcher the true Indian tastes. Try being served a platter of bite-sized samosas stuffed with potato, mozzarella and salsa? You call this fusion? I almost don’t know what to do as I’m forced to nosh away at the bit…do I smile or head North for the lieu and sing to the porcelain gods? I dare not expand.

In last week’s culinary adventures I simply didn’t want to leave the dinner table. Heck, I couldn’t even let go of my plate of curry until the dish was spotless- it was just that good! I waited in anticipation for the next entrée.

I was invited to experience a true ‘Divan’ at Ronica Sajnani’s home.

Now some of you may know Ronica as an actress, featured in films like Deepa Mehta’s, Water to a long-standing tv show that airs repeats on OMNI called “The Veggie Table”. Ronica combines her passion for cooking with uniting people to the table with on-screen presence. So what’s a divan?

In India, a divan or diwan is a council or assembly of leaders – and sometimes refers to the council chamber itself.  It comes from a middle - eastern word meaning “bundle of written sheets, small book or collection of poems.” In the 19th Century the great British explorer, Sir Richard Burton, served in India during his early career where he became intrigued by oriental customs and culture.   On his return to England he invited his friends and notables to his divans – colorful social gatherings or salons where they discussed the big social, political and artistic issues of his day.  His guests were the renowned writers, artists and explorers of that period. 

It is in the spirit of this great Indian tradition I was lucky to meet some new people with like-minded interests, to explore ideas while trying new food sensations to kiss our palates!

The evening started in the cozy sitting room, surrounded by antiques, art -work and sketches by renowned artists by the fireplace. We were poured a glass of French wine served in her special etched glasses from Argentina. They were delicate but especially beautiful. I met a wonderful group of 5 ladies and 3 gentlemen, all strangers at first, but I knew we’d become fast friends. Conversations stirred from our love of food to decorating homes to the cruddy weather. I receive a top up in my glass.

Then we move from sitting to the dining room area. The table was graced with deep crimson tablecloth with gold chargers and bone china with black floral inset designs throughout. There was a fresh arrangement of white roses, a hint of the sweet fragrance carried throughout the evening.

Out comes a plate of Pakoras with fresh coriander and tamarind chutney, served over plates made from reclaimed wood. I love the rustic, earthy feel and it paired well with the delicately fried fritters. I gobbled them in a few bites. I noticed my plate didn’t even have a speckle of oil on the dish. I knew she used a healthy-based cooking oil.

Next was a bowl of daal with kachumber and mathri. I was sitting across a reputable food critic and I could see his eyes light up from his last spoonful. I too, had the same response, it was bloody, damn good!  He remarks, ‘Ronica, you really out did yourself, this dish is very special’. We all couldn’t agree more.  It was creamy, flavorful, warm and chunky as it wasn’t just moong daal, there was a hint of chick peas, kidney beans and the mathri with fresh coriander was a nice touch!

I normally have mathri on its own with a cup of chai, so to have it in my daal soup was a hit!

We took a 10min. breather. Rohan, (Ronica’s son) was visiting us from Queen’s University and he made sure his stylin self got our glasses topped off before we begun our next course. I went for the robust Argentinian Malbec as I recollect the menu stated the main entrée was a meat dish.

It was a perfect choice, as we were served Badami Gosht – slow-cooked organic lamb in yogurt, with coconut milk and almond masala. It was accompanied with a side of Tendlis with roasted cashews and curry leaves. It was my first experience trying Gherkins and it was delish! We also had Methi Aloo (Fenugreek greens with potato). For starch, we had Parantha (layered flatbread), Steamed Basmati Rice with Raita and Mango Pickle accoutrements. 

To complete the meal, Ronica presented dessert, Mango Kheer served with jackfruit and fresh lychees. What a presentation and the tastes…its’ been a week and I’m still ruminating over the flavors.  I love kheer but to add alfonso puree to the mix, really kicks up the pud to a whole new level. 

As you can see from the expressions on people’s faces, we were elated.

                     

I have one word…’orgasmic’. That's the only word to best describe this dish.

To end this wonderful night, Ronica introduces a musician friend by the name of Julio. What a combination of eye candy AND talent! He was serenading us lyrics of music that he wrote, in Spanish. What a perfect way to end the evening.

My DIVAN experience was indeed DIVINE from all aspects. I look forward to continuing the culinary adventures with you R.S. and keep inspiring!

Readers – do try the Divan experience at Ronica’s. www.ronicacooks.com.

It's a perfect way to meet new people or bring a bunch of friends for a dinner outing. And you can even have an intro-culinary class prior to dinner! 

Comments

[HafeezaJK]

This sounds fantastic! I can't wait to try it.

[jill harrop]

I love this idea of home based cultural experience.
sounds like it had it all..art show, theatre, gastro, cozy social, in one perfect little package,
Im lucky to have experienced Ronicas hospitality love the way this event is colourfully described it certainly does it justice,!

jill

www.heartfeltartistry.com

[Lina D]

Thanks Jill and Hafeeza for your comments. It was indeed a wonderful experience, will be back! I left inspired that yesterday I attempted to make the mango kheer with alfonso and well just could not get it right...time for a lesson with Ronica! Lol.
L

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