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If Café Mitra was already renowned as a foodie haven grace of owner Kunal Lama's deft culinary touches, the last few Wednesday evenings with Chef Mohit have been the icing on the cake. On these warm summer nights, guests have been treated to a four course set extravaganza of culinary delights.
It is always interesting to see a Nepali with global experience try to make an impact back in Nepal. Chef Mohit worked in London and Washington DC and earned fame as one who can make desserts that melt in your mouth. Back home, he has tried to bring the best of ingredients locally available in Kathmandu to concoct some excellent dishes. He starts shopping for organic on Saturday, plans his menu and works hard from Sunday to Wednesday, and with what results.
There are only two choices per course (and a vegetarian extra for the mains), but diners face tough choices. Gazpacho or Fennel and Potato soup? Eggplant, Beetroot and Yoghurt Mousse or Smoked Salmon and Red Snapper Terrine? Chicken Leg or Roast Pork? Once you make your decision, you can marvel at the clever use of local spices and ingredients. How about the use of cumin in the Eggplant et al mousse and the fresh mango salsa with the terrine? If that doesn't do it for you, the thyme cream in the truffle torte should!
Chef Marut Sikka, the great Indian food consultant, has adapted local items to bring about some of the best contemporary dishes in India. Now, thanks to Kunal and Mohit, Kathmandu seems to have found its own glocalized gastronomical niche. Chef Mohit is taking off next week, but the Wednesday sagas will be back.
Foodie beed