Food brings us all together, and being able to take the time to truly appreciate the majesty of the art of cooking is a true luxury. Recently, The Chambers in the West End of Bangalore’s Taj hosted a haute gastronomic rendezvous. Award-winning chef Tara Bashmi has flown in from Bahrain to elevate the city’s taste experience with a six-course gourmet meal curated exclusively for connoisseurs of the finest gastronomic art.
Drawing on the zesty flavors native to Bahrain, the chef experimented with local flavours, creating, as promised, the perfect fusion of culture and flavour. A pioneer in modern Bahraini cuisine, her restaurant Fusions by Tala is a masterpiece of traditional dishes reimagined with a modern flair.
We started with sampling bahrain tikka Served with black lime, pickled dates, and king trumpet, it was the perfect way to start the evening. What’s remarkable is that in each delicacy, Tara has tried to retain the earthy essence of Bahraini flavors and package them into perfectly presented, thoroughly modern dishes. The European presentation influence was evident in the Swiss trained chef’s culinary artistry, which captivated us from the first bite.
“I want to bring my childhood memories of my father cooking and what we learned together to create a unique blend of tradition and innovation,” the chef said of his efforts to modernize Bahraini cuisine.
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Ravioli made with green onions and Parmesan sauce is known for its umami flavor. Next, we tasted the chef’s recommended delicacy, crab saluna layered with fermented tomatoes. At first bite, I could see why it reminded me of the chef’s childhood.
We also tried the dessert truffles, flavored with mulberry vinaigrette, brown lime, and Jerusalem artichoke. To describe this dish in the chef’s own words: “The soft texture of the truffle is like no other, it’s like a potato and a mushroom had a baby (just kidding).” Served with layers of sauce, charred eggplant, mint, and atlaf altib (Bahrain’s special medieval spice), the braniya is a perfect dance of flavors in every bite, reminding you why you should enjoy food. I’ll give it to you.
The evening ended with a delightful mango-infused dessert with white chocolate, smoked honey, and chamomile. A combination of materials that makes you feel nostalgic. It’s the perfect way to start a fun night.
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