Chef CC | Organic Chef | 310-908-4753
"Fresh From India" by Chef CC February 2006
‘Atilhi Devo Bhava’ is an ancient Sanskrit saying, which means, “A guest is equal to God” This ageless saying is one that most Indian people live by. When I discovered these words they struck me, resonating with my work and a personal chef along with being of service to my clients. Personally I’ve been studying different Indian foods and cooking rituals like the spice box which is very essential in Indian coking and is used to prepare many dishes like curries and marsalas. Also you can find locals grinding seeds and dried fruits to cook with as well.
A few days ago during my weekly class, which is based on the spiritual teachings of India, the conversation diverted from “thoughts become things” in our world, to myself and a friend opening a café together, to literally, before we knew it we had invaded my teacher’s kitchen. Well maybe not actually invaded her kitchen. It was more like she invited us. Since she herself is from India she brings with her one of the most amazing culinary art forms ever. This kitchen was like an artists studio filled with colors and textures all in placement ready to be sprinkled, grinded or tossed into the pot. She had beauties like dried pomegranate seeds, red clay rock salts and whole coriander.
Similar to my own cooking style, in India each meal is unique and created from the freshest ingredients. Many people in and from India actually grind fresh ingredients for each meal. This ritual is a beautiful celebration of the meal. I loved this idea for obvious reasons but mainly because it confirms my absolute passion for the energetic planning, assembly and the birth or a great meal. No amount of time is ever wasted in my opinion, when the end result is feeding the soul.
