Exclusive Culinary Workshop of AXN Top Chef Dishes by Chef Abhijit Saha @ Godrej Nature’s Basket

I was recently invited to a cooking demonstration by renowned Chef Abhijit Saha where he recreated dishes from the cooking show AXN Top Chef. The event was sponsored by Godrej Nature’s Basket and the event was held at their premises.

Image courtesy : www.axn-india.com

Though I love food and cooking (latter to some extent!), I have never had the time to watch any cooking shows except for maybe occasional episodes of Masterchef. This invite got me curious about the show Top Chef and hence I landed doing the expected i.e. digging up a little about the show and its history. For those who are as ignorant as me I have put together a little info about the show incase you would be interested to give them a peek.

Top Chef is a reality show where 12 chefs from compete with each other on culinary challenges for the coveted title of Top Chef. This show is aired on the English entertainment channel AXN from Monday to Friday at 9.00 pm. Currently AXN will air the season 12 of ‘Top Chef: Boston’ and season 13 of ‘Top Chef: California’. These seasons will feature ace judges Richard Blais, Tom Colicchio, Gail Simmons, Hugh Acheson, Emeril Lagasse and well known celebrity host Padma Lakshmi.

“I feel very privileged that we have been able to do this show for so many years. Every season, we go to a different city across the country and are introduced to its food, people and community. As far as India is concerned, I love Indian food and eat it whenever I can. The Indian food platter is so diverse, every city has different ways of cooking and I am just learning about it.” – Judge Gail Simmons 

Coming back to the event, I did not except much of a crowd and was quite surprised at the number of people who turned up. I had to be suffice with the last few seats available though I was not late which thereby gave me less room to take some good shots and have a good view of Chef’s cooking.

Godrej Nature’s Basket is a gourmet grocery and fresh food store with a products from across the world.

I have a soft spot for this store as they stock some items which are impossible to find in regular stores across Bangalore such as Borges Fusilli Durum Wheat Pasta, Borges Extra Light Olive Oil and Hintz Cocoa Powder.

I do know a little bit about Chef Abhijit Saha as I have visited his restaurants Fava and Caperberry in UB City.

A smart move by the organisers to bring in this Chef who is known for this pleasant personality and of course culinary skills.

The dishes which were demonstrated by Chef Abhijit Saha were Macaroons with Guacamole’, ‘Quinoa Pasta and ‘Grilled Halibut with Mango slaw’. I thought these dishes were quite an interesting pick with ingredients like macaroons, quinoa and halibut being something different from the usual.

In a span of around 1.5 hours, the Chef managed to not only whip up these dishes but also engaging the audience and allowing us eager bloggers to click a few snaps. A very affable gentleman who keep a tight watch on the time and ensured the event ended as per schedule in spite of a delay to begin with.

“I think everyone should try out these recipes. It’s easier to make them than it looks” – Chef Abhijit Saha 

It was a pleasure not only to watch his cooking but also his way of presenting every dish. A well organized event which I hear would be happening in other cities across India in the coming days at Godrej Nature’s Basket.