From a levitating dessert to colour changing drinks and transforming treats, We look at dishes where food and science have come together to plate something enchanting
In the words of Heston Blumenthal, “Science is a tool like the food processor and the oven.” And when we use it to its potential we are able to create what he believes is a multi-sensory cooking approach to any cuisine. It’s precisely this approach that chefs have dabbled with to give us some magical dishes. Here’s a lowdown on some of them.
1. Flaming pizza
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This pizza is literally set on fire before your eyes and that wild fire gives it a delicious smoky flavour. Sous chef Joel Murzello shares, “The USP of our flaming pizzas is that they are flamed with Jack Daniel’s, giving them a unique smoky flavour, and served on a wooden bat. They are flamed on the table which itself is a treat to watch. While the alcohol evaporates while flaming, it does enhance the flavour of this pizza.” Here’s one trial by fire that’s a treat for your tastebuds.
At: Verbena Brewpub and Skygarden, Kamala Mills, Lower Parel
2. Baked Alaska
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When lit on fire, delicate layers of ice cream, cake and meringue reveal themselves in all their glory. One delicious bite at a time.
At: Luna, The St Regis Mumbai, Lower Parel
3. Levitation Dessert
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We have Quantum Levitation to thank for this innovative dessert. Chef Saurabh Udinia, brand chef, Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra, explains why, “We have a setup at our kitchen which helps us to serve the Belgium chocolate truffle the same way as it is served in Belgium. The outer crust of the chocolate truffle should be chilled and gooey within. It is difficult to maintain the temperature of the chocolate truffle in Mumbai. Therefore, we decided to pass a little bit of the nitrogen fumes to the chocolate truffles for perfect results. The cold fumes coming out of the super-conductor help to keep the structure and maintains the temperature at the same time. Hence, this is the perfect combination of science and food presented in a unique way brought to you in the form of Quantum Levitation.”
At: Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra, BKC, Bandra (E)
4. Firepot Dessert
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Using the flambe technique you get a symphony of flavours on your plate. Once inflamed, it reveals a seasonal cheesecake inside a chocolate pot accompanied with flavoured meringue, almond crumble and gianduja ganache spread. The rum is set ablaze and then poured over the dessert to simply melt the chocolate pot to perfection. The sight of the liquid fire engulfing and mellowing the chocolate pot is pretty impressive. The flavours of the flambéed rum and Gianduja chocolate marry each other really well making it an explosive end to the meal.
At: Jeon, Sea Princess, Juhu
5. The Chameleon
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If you are looking for a magical, fun and dramatic cocktail, The Chameleon could be where your quest ends. This craft cocktail surprises you when it changes colour right in front of your eyes. Gaurish Rangnekar, partner and mixologist shares, “The Chameleon is made of butterfly pea tea infused gin, lime cordial and tonic water. The butterfly pea tea naturally changes it’s colour from blue to violet once your introduce any citric element. This makes it a fun, dramatic cocktail offering botanical and citrus flavours.”
At: Toast Bistro & Bar, Andheri (E)
6. Northern Lights
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The Northern Lights are a magical natural phenomenon that have captured our imaginations because of the vivid colours in the sky. The Northern Lights in a glass is a Halloween experiment that leaves you amazed. Head bartender Rahul Hedge recalls, “After a busy week with the Oktoberfest and Halloween, I was busy mixing drinks to experiment and create something new. During this process I ended up mixing white rum with pineapple juice and black currant, and the end results was the colour change from light green to pink. And since ’Tis is the season for it, I called it Northern Lights.”
The Daily Bar & Kitchen, Bandra (W)
7. The Big Bang Theory
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Farrokh Khambata’s prominent Pan-Asian restaurants, Joss and Umame let you experience the galaxy at your table with The Big Bang Theory. A pastry chef works his magic laying out a silicon mat, and then goes on to make edible stars, planets and asteroids. Using liquid nitrogen he creates The Big Bang Theory a dessert that you can literally eat off the table.
At: Joss in Santacruz and Umame, Churchgate
