The desi food joints of New York

With Samuel Kim (centre) and others in New York

August 13, New York: Today morning, I had a meeting with Dr Samuel Kim, Dean and Prof of English and Literature, Sookmyung University – a prominent higher educational centre in South Korea. I met him at the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA) office and discussed the various events which may be taken up for youths by WFUNA and his University. We also gave some thought to the possibility of organizing a training programme for the teachers.

After the meeting we went to the Indian restaurant Tulsi which I consider to be one of the best Indian modern food joints this part of the world. The restaurant is acclaimed for its clean, distinct flavours and tandoor-cooking and has a 55-seat dining room and 15-seat bar/lounge.

Tusli's Chef Hemant Mathur was there at our service and prepared some delicious Indian dishes for us, including the famed masala chai which is unique to Tulsi. I may mention that among the notables who have visited Tulsi are UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, Indra Nooyi (PepsiCo CEO), Salman Rushdie, Woody Allen and others.

Chef Hemant was very elated to see us. He told us that Tulsi had received a coveted one star Michelin Star status accorded by the Michelin Guide. Chefs around the world often see Michelin Star as the ultimate accolade.

Not only Tusli, but also two other upscale Indian restaurants in New York – Junoon and Tamarind Tribeca – have earned the coveted Michelin Star. I must say that the desi food joints are definitely on the upswing in New York City.

To night I say good bye to New York and fly back to Kolkata via Dubai.

ess bee