Through her company Guestronomy, which is on a mission to “redefine the art and heart of hospitality”, Sareeka John has curated many delectable culinary experiences, including food pop-ups showcasing the richness of global flavours, and food and wine trails like ‘The Grape Escapade’ in Nashik and ‘Flavours of the Desert’ in Rajasthan. She was also one of the 100 jury members for the fourth edition of Conde Nast Traveller’s Top Restaurant Awards, which were announced on October 9. Here, she tells THE WEEK about what went into judging the restaurants, what are the current culinary trends, and how Indian restaurants weathered the pandemic.
Q/ How did you choose the restaurants?
A/ I had to vote for 10 restaurants across India—seven from my city/ south India, and three from anywhere else in the country. I had to rate each restaurant on food, service and ambience on a scale of one to five. Another criteria was that I should have dined at the restaurants within the past three months. They selected people from 13 cities across India who are food critics, influencers and tastemakers. I primarily selected restaurants from south India, particularly in Bengaluru and Chennai.
Q/ So which cities are ahead in the awards?
A/ Mumbai is a natural choice, with several acclaimed restaurants. Additionally, Bengaluru saw a notable presence, while Pondicherry and Goa emerged as sought-after food destinations.
Q/ Can you tell us about some culinary trends in the country?
Denne historien er fra October 22, 2023-utgaven av THE WEEK India.
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Denne historien er fra October 22, 2023-utgaven av THE WEEK India.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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A golden girl
One of India's most formidable beauties passed away earlier this month. The odd thing is she would absolutely hate this obituary; she hated being written about and avoided publicity for all of her nine decades. Indira Aswani was 93 when she died. But anyone who encountered her, even briefly, was in such awe of her grace and poise, and one could not but remember her forever.
The interest in wine is growing delightfully in India
The renowned British wine writer and television presenter Jancis Robinson, 74, recently came to Delhi and Mumbai to reacquaint herself with India's wine industry. This was the Robinson's fourth visit to India; the last one was seven years ago. On this trip, Robinson and her husband, restaurateur Nicholas Lander, were hosted by the Taj Hotels and Sonal Holland, India's only Master of Wine.
United in the states
Indian-Americans coming together under the Democratic umbrella could get Harris over the line in key battlegrounds
COVER DRIVE
Usage-driven motor insurance policies offer several benefits
GDP as the only measure of progress is illogical
Dasho Karma Ura, one of the world's leading happiness experts, has guided Bhutan's unique gross national happiness (GNH) project. He uses empirical data to show that money cannot buy happiness in all circumstances, rather it is family and health that have the strongest positive effect on happiness. Excerpts from an interview:
India is not a controlling big brother
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay considers India a benevolent elder sibling as the \"big brotherly attitude\" is happily missing from bilateral ties. He thinks the relationship shared by the two countries has become a model of friendship not just for the region, but for the entire world. \"India's attitude is definitely not of a big brother who is controlling and does not allow the little brother to blossom and grow,\" says Tobgay in an exclusive interview with THE WEEK.
Comrade with no foes
Lal Salaam, Comrade Yechury-you were quite a guy!
Pinning down saffron
In her first political bout, Vinesh Phogat rides on the anti-BJP sentiment across Haryana
MAKE IN MANIPUR
Home-made rockets and weapons from across the border are escalating the conflict
SAHEB LOSES STEAM
Coalition dynamics and poor electoral prospects continue to diminish Ajit Pawar's political stock
