The call for a community meal: Creating extraordinary dishes at Madras Mandi

Lifestyle

By Fathima Ashraf

06/12/2023

South First was recently invited for a curated pop-up dinner Kootanchoru by Madras Mandi — a Chennai-based suppliers of fresh produce.

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The set-up for this curated dinner, marking the team’s three-year anniversary, was at Om Betta Farm, situated in Thirubeedi village which was a 70-km road trip.

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“Kootanchoru embodies a cherished childhood memory. The simple joy of sharing a meal crafted from a medley of ingredients,” shares Vikram R, Co-Founder, Madras Mandi.

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In its traditional sense of the word, Kootanchoru means a one-pot meal. But here, it meant ‘community dining’, where people from different places come together for a meal.

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Among the 15 selected guests, one could find bloggers, journalists, lawyers, accountants… an unlikely group.

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Every aspect of the event, from the decor to the smallest details of the meal, was carefully planned to showcase sustainability, abundance and creativity.

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“The aim of this course was to highlight that amazing food need not depend on an exotic recipe. Even simple ingredients can elevate a dish,” we were told.

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“The idea for our event sprouted from a desire to honour our core values on our third anniversary. Community, good quality, and the simple joys of local cuisine.” Vikram adds.

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