A recipe for success

Our very own Domestic Diva, Silvena Rowe, has served me an amazing Arabic mezze with a European twist. The Oberoi Dubai’s dum pukht expert Chef Dirham (he wasn’t named after the currency, it means ‘happiness’) Haque has slaved over a cauliflower curry with cashew nuts and vegetable biryani, while Sanjeev Kapoor has tickled my taste buds with dal makhani.

Yes, I’ve been lucky enough to eat in the best restaurants and to meet some of the most famous chefs, and I’ve licked my lips after every encounter. But it doesn’t mean I can cook. While I might know that you need to marinate and slow-cook to create a great dum pukht, and that using zataar adds a kick to almost any dish, I have no idea how to rustle up anything more exciting than beans on toast. And even then, I sometimes burn it! So I, for one, won’t be lining up to appear on Season 3 of Foodshala, the hit reality food TV programme where contestants have to create their favourite dish for Sanjeev to judge. I don’t think my speciality cheese and pickle sandwich or scrambled eggs would get me through the audition, but I’m very excited that we are the media partner of this brilliant show once again.

We’ve managed to get Friday readers a VIP pass into the fast track of the auditions on February 8, and even better, a guarantee that one reader will be in the final 12 to appear. Just turn to page 36 for your VIP entry-pass voucher. Good luck! Until next week…