Dinner with Cousin Terry & Jason

Cafe Drake always loves to host family, and recently cousin Terry and fiance Jason popped over for a Bangalore-style dinner. After a day of monsoon downpours and theatrical lightning and thunder, nothing soothes as well as a cocktail, so with Mumbai Snack Mix we all tucked into Brit Empire redolent Gimlets. Made with gin. Of course.

A fiery first course of Chana Masala Soup (pureed chickpea soup with curry leaves, aromatic veggies and chiles) proved undaunting to our heat friendly guests. Dollops of cuke and shallot raita however helped to quell the flames. We greatly enhanced the first course with an earthy French red (courtesy of our guests) - Chateau Des Arrocs Graves 2006.

The main tonight was Wild Salmon topped with homemade Mint Curry Paste and baked in Banana Leaves, sided with Sweet Ginger Baby Green Peas and a basmati pilaf.

[Jardin de la Fruitiere 2007]

Fusion dining occurred shortly after - sheep's milk English cheddar alongside toasted whole wheat boule and Ginger-Mango Chutney. T, J and Cafe D washed it down with glasses of a semisecco Sicilian Marsala.

Demitasse of coffee and housemade espresso liqueur rounded out a most convivial evening of tasty libations, victuals and charming conversation.