Feasting for a cause

A novel way to raise awareness for a cause, chefs from the city will offer a succulent meal spread over six-courses in order to raise awareness and funds for the mentally ill. Those participating in this initiative, include Viraf Patel, chef and partner of Cafe Zoe, where the dinner will take place, Jaydeep Mukherjee, Executive Chef of Indigo Delicatessens, Gresham Fernandes, Head chef at Smoke House Room and Pooja Dhingra, owner of Le 15 Pâtisserie. Proceeds from the event that takes place Monday night will go towards the Manav Foundation, a therapeutic rehabilitation centre for the mentally ill. Shivani Bhansali, organiser says, “Being personally involved with the cause, I wanted to give people a chance to help raise awareness and support the cause of mental illness through an engaging event that they could enjoy.”
   
The six-course meal comprises dishes such as a filling stew, an Agnolotti with roasted pumpkin, hazelnut and baby greens, Citrus Campari Sorbet, Gazpacho and a corn appetiser, and a Raspberry and Chocolate Macaroon cake for dessert. Chef Viraf says, “This initiative is different as it brings together four different and talented chefs  under one roof. While it’s predominantly a vegetarian menu, the main course does have a non-vegetarian option and all the chefs have agreed not to charge anything — so 100 per cent of the profits go to this cause.”

This is a good move says Pooja who’s in charge of desserts. “I’ve visited the Manav Foundation and feel that people are generally not open to discussing mental illness. Hence, I wanted to be a part of this event and support the cause. I think it will be exciting for customers too, as they will get to feast and will be donating to charity. People spend a lot on eating out anyway, so it’s good that it’s going towards a cause,” she adds.