Good food for a good cause

Pumpkin SoupChefs for Charity is an initiative by Food Lovers Magazine that has roped in 31 chefs representing Bangalore’s finest restaurants – and all for a good cause.  The proceeds of this meal go to Sneha Nilaya, an orphanage run by the Franciscan Sisters Of The Immaculate Society, in Langford Gardens, Bangalore.

Starting from March 15 – April 2, this 17-day gourmet extravaganza is one-of-a-kind. Spread across 31 restaurants across the city, the menu showcases the restaurants’ signature dishes only. So whether you fancy Indian, European or Thai, there’s something for everyone. One can opt either for a two or three-course meal, and they are open for lunch, dinner or both. Said Kripal Ammana Publisher & Managing Editor, Food Lovers Magazine, “Chefs for Charity is the perfect curtain raiser to Food Lovers’ Gourmet City, a celebration of the best signature dishes across 31 of the city’s finest restaurants. Food Lovers’ Gourmet City offers a range of cuisines – Indian, Italian, European, Spanish, Mediterranean, Asian, Japanese, Chinese and more – dished out by the top chefs of the city. And what’s more, this delectable gourmet experience is priced between Rs. 599/- to Rs. 1199/- for a three-course menu – to suit every budget.”

From Grazes’ signature menu, I opted for the Fig Salad that comprised spiced figs, mesclun and manchego slivers that was fresh, light and well seasoned. For the mains, I chose the John Dory “Neeps and tatties”, artichoke ‘barigoule’ and garlic foam. Crisp on the outside, and cooked to perfection inside, this John Dory sits on a bed of turnip and potato puree and is accompanied by aubergine, artichoke and zucchini, coupled with dollops of garlic foam on the side. This was an excellent dish, and is highly recommended. The choice for desserts included Lemon tart with champagne sabayon, and espresso/vanilla bean ice-cream. I went in for the espresso ice-cream that was served on a bed of almond dust.  Not overly sweet, and just the right hit of espresso, made this dessert enjoyable.
Another piece de resistance was the Yellow Pumpkin Soup with candied ginger and chives. Creamy yet light, sweet yet tangy, this soup hit all the right spots and how.

Donor passes are priced at Rs. 1500/- per person, inclusive of entry and all food & beverage. All proceeds from sale of donor passes go to Sneha Nilaya.

To visit the restaurant of your choice and look at the signature dishes on offer, click here.

Yahoo recommends the John Dory and the Yellow Pumpkin Soup.