Looks like Chef Vikas Khanna will be away from TV studio kitchens and back doing the real thing. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi sits down to dinner with top American CEOs at the Waldorf Astoria today, it’ll be an extravagant meal prepared by Chef Vikas Khanna of the Michelin star-winning Junoon. The all organic meal will draw from the Festivals of India, and will include Sandalwood Saffron Sherbet, Pomegranate Sangria With Tandoori Pineapple, Paneer Ravioli, Thandai Chicken, Mizoram Black Rice Khichdi, Saffron Sheermal, Mango-Ginger Soup and Coconut Rice Creme Brulee.
In fact, the Festivals of India is the theme of his latest book, Utsav, a jaw-droppingly extravagant mega production. Here’s the lowdown on the tome that inspired the NaMo dinner in NYC:
Image courtesy: filmibeat.com
What it’s about
Titled Utsav, Chef Vikas Khanna’s book is ‘a culinary epic if Indian festivals’. It’s an effort to document the rich cultural heritage of India through its festivals and rituals. The book covers some 70-plus festivals across India and includes 1,000 recipes.
The writing is in gold
Some of the writing in the book is in pure gold. This, according to the chef who hails from the city of the Golden Temple, Amritsar, is because that is the colour of India – of its soil, crops, jewellery and celebrations. The book also includes a poem which uses the word ‘gold’ in every line.
Image courtesy: Twitter.com
It doesn’t come cheap
The limited edition is going to be priced at Rs 8 lakh. And Vikas Khanna expects the price to go up to Rs 50 lakhs at a Sotheby’s auction. The version for the open market will be less opulent, but will still cost Rs 15,000.
It’s a massive tome
The special edition of Utsav contains 1200 pages and weighs nearly 16 kilos. “It’s a coffee table book…It comes in a large box which I call the ‘cradle’,” Vikas Khanna has said.
Image courtesy: Twitter.com
Copies for world leaders
Vikas Khanna plans to get 12 special edition books signed by Narendra Modi and then hand them over to global leaders including the Queen of England and the President of the USA.
Inspired by Modi
Vikas Khanna told the DNA in an interview, “I am a true believer of destiny. I have never followed a format… until just a few years ago, I used to sell bathura-chole for kitty parties in Amritsar. Now, Mr Modi is heading the nation and building a global family around India, and Utsav… will be a part of it. I have been very inspired by his story, his humility and vision. I will hand-deliver the book to world leaders before Diwali and then release it for the world.”
