We got chatting with our favourite industry stalwarts in the capital city to hear what 2016 was like and what they have planned up their sleeves for 2017. Navigating smoothly around the 2016-shocker a.k.a Demonetization or crystal-clear goals for the new year, this bunch is a delight to speak as our first interview for the new year.
We get rounds of steaming cuppas (for the record, Rakshay did say no) with celebrity Chef Ritu Dalmia, cocktail-king Rakshay Dhariwal, F&B Czar Zorawar Kalra, and dhansak-diva Anahita Dhondy.
Chef Ritu has Delhi eating out of her hand for over 13 years now, the unparalleled DIVA restaurants serve the sass that comes with their name, but not without a dollop of warmth on top.
Rakshay has single handedly shaken & stirred the capital into a bunch of cocktail converts. With stellar establishments like PCO, ATM, and the popular new kid on the block Ping’s Cafe Orient, Delhi can’t wait to see what he has up his sleeve next!
Zorawar Kalra, The man changing India’s culinary scene – and how. Concepts introduced by him become raging trends across the country, while the Massive Restaurants brands consistently dish out ace food & service experiences.
The Parsi dikri, Chef Anahita, has infused Delhi’s palate with authentic Irani fare. No more waiting for that Bombay trip to indulge in Vada Pao or Mawa Cake as she’s brought the quintessential Bombay Irani Cafe & Bar to us.
In one line, what’s 2016 been like for you?
Ritu: 2016 – a year with too many strange changes.
Rakshay: I understand the entire world is crying about Terrorism, Trump, Demonetization, Brexit, David Bowie, George Michael, Prince and now Princess Leia, but in my little world, 2016 wasn’t all that bad.
Zorawar: Will sum it up in one word instead: Fabulous.
Anahita: Exciting and challenging!
How did you spend the last weekend of 2016?
Ritu: Last weekend of 2016 was exactly like every last weekend for the last 22 years – in the restaurant.
Rakshay: Spent it relaxing, away from work, in Madrid.
Zorawar: With the plethora of events happening at almost all our restaurant concepts during New Year’s Eve, it was a luxury to spare some time for myself. Celebrated it with my wife at our restaurants in Delhi – the two Farzi Café’s in NCR and the recently launched restaurant – Pa Pa Ya at Select Citywalk, Saket.
Anahita: Quality time with friends and family.
Your last meal of 2016?
Ritu: A hot dog smeared with mustard, ketchup, and mayonnaise.
Rakshay: Lots of cured Jamon, Chorizo, and red wine.
Zorawar: Considering my love for Asian, particularly Japanese food, bidding adieu to 2016 whilst savouring Hamachi, served at Pa Pa Ya with a nice single malt was at the top of my list.
Anahita: Chip and dip with a glass of whiskey.
The first thing you ate in 2017?
Ritu: Breakfast on 2017- oat bran porridge – started with my bloody diet!
Rakshay: Not the first thing — but I’m super excited about dining at DiverXO in Madrid on the 5th of Jan.
Zorawar: An elaborate, home cooked meal with my family.
Anahita: Thai curry & rice, and cake!
What food/drink will you stay away from in 2017?
Ritu: Reduce carbs, give up coke zero/diet coke 100 percent and add more gin and champagne to my liquid diet.
Rakshay: I’m going to try and eliminate coffee (except the Mexican Tokai shooter).
Zorawar: I have been off carbs for a while, so that shall continue in the new year as well.
Anahita: Sugary foods!
Any resolutions for 2017?
Ritu: Need to lose 10 kilos, not for vanity’s sake but to feel more unhealthy.
Rakshay: Launch three new F&B brands this year.
Zorawar: Not quite; I believe in immediate action on ideas and thoughts that I feel have potential. Resolutions make you lethargic.
Anahita: Many actually, but it’s about what we follow throughout. So other than making a list of resolutions, I’ll just say that I want to keep working hard, finish writing my book, and get a little fit.
Despite being pegged as the bad guy of the decade, 2016 was none too shabby for Delhi F&B scene, and talking to this jolly bunch now has us excited about 2017. New concepts, new trends, new culinary techniques – here’s to an amazing new year!
