Chocolates and a Charming Chef
Celeste launched their flagship chocolate boutique in Diplomatic Enclave and marked the occasion with a ‘do’ at Olive Beach, Hotel Diplomat. Though we didn’t get to see the boutique since the actual opening was a private affair with special guest, Chef Vikas Khanna, we did get to see the amazing things chocolateria’s are doing these days. Life size chocolates of what looked like Adam & Eve, magnanimous birth announcement, baby shower and wedding gifts and a pretty fine buffet of truffles, pralines and rochers. My only experience with Celeste is at Rakshabandhan every year; one of my cousins always has a pack to go with the envelope. My personal opinion – they are pretty good for Indian standards and given the price points, comparatively affordable too. However, I think my cousin needs to choose better because the selection at the launch was truly better or maybe these are newly launched. There was no one to take us through the selection so we pretty much guessed what we were having; there was a nice coffee one too but these guys do a good job of the chocolate and nuts combo.
Beyond the chocolates, the most endearing part of the evening was Chef Vikas Khanna who sailed through ‘sound’ issues with the mic and speakers, a chilly evening outdoors and a pretty packed space for the number of invitees. He was truly the star of the evening, here to launch the cover of his new cookbook in collaboration with Om Books International – Khanna Sutra – Food Lessons in Love. The story goes something like this – when Chef Khanna made it to the US he realized that everyone pronounced his last name as – ‘Khana’, coupled with Vikas which means evolution. Here he was, in a new country, evolving foods, flavours and in turn feelings too! Poetically articulated by Chef himself, you could sense the passion the man has for cooking. He equates good food with the heady feeling of love and speaking personally, he is so right. Food is all about love; it can conjure love, imply love and show love in so many ways. This certainly builds the intrigue surrounding the book. Looking forward to it Chef!
Ed: Cover photo not from this brand.