(Clockwise from top left: Pulao, Aloo Gobi Palya, Mutter Paneer, Kosumbri) I don’t normally make bets but for fun, but I recently got pulled into one with an old high school friend whom I refer most of the time to as ‘Awesome Friend’. The bet I won (yay!) and my winning prize was probably one of the most fantastic displays of culinary warmth and effort I have ever seen!
The details of the bet I will not go into, but his ‘losing task’ was to prepare a multi-coursed dinner party with the guests and time of his choosing. The end result was spectacular! The occasion – the birthday of Awesome Friend himself. The setting – his family’s beautiful home in Saratoga hills. The people – over 25 of his friends. The food – six courses of his favorite Indian home-cooked foods.
I have prepared dinner parties for 8 but six different courses for a party of 25 is a whole different story. But in addition to the food being delicious, I think I was just in awe of the effort and warmth of the entire setting. There I was, dressed up for my first time in a traditional Indian outfit (we played the part) eating home-cooked Indian food made by my awesome friend whose private equity schedule rarely lets him leave the office, let alone cook! It was really such a treat. Happy belated birthday Awesome Friend; a huge thank you from all your friends for a wonderful birthday treat.
The details of the bet I will not go into, but his ‘losing task’ was to prepare a multi-coursed dinner party with the guests and time of his choosing. The end result was spectacular! The occasion – the birthday of Awesome Friend himself. The setting – his family’s beautiful home in Saratoga hills. The people – over 25 of his friends. The food – six courses of his favorite Indian home-cooked foods.
I have prepared dinner parties for 8 but six different courses for a party of 25 is a whole different story. But in addition to the food being delicious, I think I was just in awe of the effort and warmth of the entire setting. There I was, dressed up for my first time in a traditional Indian outfit (we played the part) eating home-cooked Indian food made by my awesome friend whose private equity schedule rarely lets him leave the office, let alone cook! It was really such a treat. Happy belated birthday Awesome Friend; a huge thank you from all your friends for a wonderful birthday treat.
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Awesome Friend's birthday dinner party menu
Bhel puri
bhel mix, garbanzo beans, tamarind chutney, potato, onion, coriander, salt, chili powder
Pulao
basmati rice, swiss chard, bell peppers, cashews, almonds, raisins, spices
Eggplant curry
eggplant, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, spices
Aloo Gobi Palya
potato, cauliflower, bell peppers, onions, coriander, tomato, spices
Kosumbri
carrot, cucumber, dhal (lentils), coriander, coconut, mustard seeds
Mutter Paneer
paneer (cheese), peas, onions, tomatoes, tomato paste, spices
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OMG...I'm so jealous. I thought I was supposed to get to partake in the winnings of said bet =(
ReplyDeleteI love you all anyways and miss you here in HK.