For those, who don't know, you actually study to work in the hospitality sector. And The Capital Hotel School in Pretoria is one of those establishments who have turned out some incredible individuals from their training. I was lucky enough to attend an exclusive 'Bollywood Inspired Dinner' at The Capital Hotel School and it was all in aid of the Tshwane Child Welfare.
Each table was one of the great cities in India & throughout the evening, our host for the night had told us a bit more about each city & why they had chosen it & why it was special, specifically with reference to the hospitality sector. I was happy to find myself seated at the Mumbai table alongside the MD of CHS, Ronel Bezuidenhout. What an incredible lady & we had the most amazing discussions over the course of the evening on everything from food & wine to travel.
The tables had been set & the decor was all India inspired. So it was only then that I was told that the students had to prepare this entire event from scratch. That involved the planning of every little detail that goes into an event. I promise you, there are some little things that you always tend to forget about. These students had everything done, and it was done to perfection. So well done to all of them.
And now. On to the dinner...
Amuse Bouche - Chilli Sweetcorn Soup
A lovely balance of the creamy & sweetness of the soup & finishing off the palate with a slight chilli aftertaste that warms up your mouth for a brief moment.
Starter - Hyderabadi Biryani, Chilli Mushrooms, Lamb Boti Kebabs, Aloo Gobi, Chana Flour Pancakes, Green Mango Chutney, Toasted Coconut, Tomato & Date Chutney.
A very busy plate, but plated well & the indivdual elements sure stood out. My favourite on this dish were the chilli mushrooms & the variety of chutney's that complimented the various spices on the plate.
Main - Butter Chicken, Spicy Fish Curry with Pilau Rice, Parsi Sali Boti, Dhal, Sambals, Beetroot & Ginger Chutney and Cucumber Raita.
I love spicy food. And the Butter Chicken was succulent & creamy & full of flavours and I paired it with the Beetroot & Ginger Chutney to balance out the flavours and it was delicious.
Dessert - Carrot Halwa, Rose Water & Coconut Cream with Pistachio Kheer.
My favourite part of the evening. This was probably the best Carrot Halwa that I have ever tasted. Smooth, yet still textured with some fine carrot strands, the sweetness was a great way to end off the dinner. The Rose Water & Coconut Cream, Pistachio Kheer, is something very much like a rice pudding, where the rose flavours are light & fresh that actually left the palate feeling fresh.
Check out The Capital Hotel School online here for more info.
