Food Raconteur

Food Raconteur Food, Fusion, Tales. Fusion cuisine, Private dining, Private chef. Cooking Lessons and Workshops, Me

Sometimes, just chatting with someone for the first time is like flipping through their personality scrapbook. Classy, ...
11/07/2025

Sometimes, just chatting with someone for the first time is like flipping through their personality scrapbook.

Classy, elegant, perfectionist, artistic, gentle, warm, passionate, and undeniably intelligent—these qualities perfectly encapsulate Scarlett Foster the first time I spoke to her.

Once again I must mention that the power of references is truly magical; we had previously organized an event for Cynthia Martin, who graciously referred us to Scarlett.

Turns out , Scarlett envisioned an elegant dinner for her friends from New York and Washington, D.C., infused with a touch of New Orleans charm.

She meticulously planned every detail of the evening, and we were delighted to create a New Orleans-inspired menu in her beautiful hundred-year-old home in University City. The synergy between the house and Scarlett's personality was undeniable, as if the house was custom-made for her, or perhaps the other way around😄😄

I could easily write a hundred-pages about each item, the craftsmanship, the elegance, and the ambiance they conveyed. Emilee and I were genuinely amazed with how Scarlett managed to preserve the original character of her home.

So you see, the menu could not disappoint and we didn’t!👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

We laid out a beautiful spread made up of;

* Mini Crab Beignets with Remoulade Aioli

* Smoked Duck Crostini with Fig Jam and Thyme



[Followed by a 5 course menu]

* Corn and Leek Soup with Smoked Paprika Oil

* Seared Scallops with Saffron Beurre Blanc

* Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Tart

* Grilled Lamb Chops with Gumbo Jus

* Olive Oil Cake with Citrus Compote

Our wine suggestions were the cherry on top, the setup was stunning, and the weather? Absolutely delightful.

The guests were over the moon, and Scarlett? She was the maestro of wines and china, lifting the evening to cloud nine. The beignets, lamb, and Emilee's divine olive oil cake were the stuff of legends.

What an absolutely delightful memory! Thanks, Scarlett, for letting us be part of it. So glad you and your guests had a blast. Big shoutout to Emilee for that legendary olive oil lemon cake! 🌟

Sri Lankan Kukul Mas Curry is a symphony of flavors, blending rich, spicy, and aromatic notes into a traditional chicken...
11/05/2025

Sri Lankan Kukul Mas Curry is a symphony of flavors, blending rich, spicy, and aromatic notes into a traditional chicken dish that’s the stuff of culinary dreams! With spices dry-roasted to perfection and coconut milk providing a creamy hug, this dish is a flavor bomb.

Kukul Mas means "chicken meat" in Sinhalese, and its saucy partner, "kari (or curry)," hails from the Tamil term for sauce. The star of this show? A homemade, dry-roasted curry powder that brings a smoky, earthy vibe, making other curries green with envy.

This curry juggles the fiery kick of chilies and black pepper, all while soothing your taste buds with coconut milk and adding a tangy punch from tomatoes or tamarind paste. It's a beloved staple in Sri Lankan cuisine, served piping hot with trusty sidekicks like rice, roti, or string hoppers.

Beyond being a household favorite, Kukul Mas Curry is the ultimate comfort food and a hospitality hero, always stealing the spotlight at family gatherings and celebrations.

11/03/2025

GET READY FOR A TASTY SNEAK PEEK OF NOVEMBER'S DELICIOUS ESCAPADES AND MORE WITH FOOD RACONTEUR!!🍽🍽🍽🍽

DON'T MISS OUR SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT DECEMBER 11TH,2025 👀👀👀

What a fantastic way to kick off this month! I am incredibly grateful for this recognition, ! It is truly an honor to b...
11/01/2025

What a fantastic way to kick off this month!

I am incredibly grateful for this recognition, ! It is truly an honor to be included among such distinguished gentlemen.

My dream has always been to wake up each morning and strive to make a difference, no matter how small.
It has been a long journey, but the rewards of hard work are always so gratifying.

This isn’t the conclusion; the path ahead is endless, and my journey is just beginning!

None of this would be achievable without the remarkable individuals who make it all possible every single day!

You all know who you are—thank you for everything you do to create moments like this.

Also a big shout out to !Thank you!

Potjiekos is the culinary wizardry of South Africa! Picture a magical cauldron—well, a cast-iron, three-legged pot calle...
10/30/2025

Potjiekos is the culinary wizardry of South Africa! Picture a magical cauldron—well, a cast-iron, three-legged pot called a potjie—filled with layers of tasty treasures. This Dutch oven marvel made its way to South Africa with 17th-century Dutch settlers, evolving from a hanging pot to a proud tripod for woodsy cookouts during the Great Trek.

This isn't your typical stew—oh no! It's a layered masterpiece, with meat holding court at the base, followed by a veggie parade and a starch top-hat. No stirring allowed, letting flavors mingle and get cozy, resulting in a uniquely textured delight.

Traditional potjiekos stars venison, beef, or other meats, with a veggie cast of carrots, cauliflower, pumpkin, and onions. Starches like rice and potatoes join the party, seasoned by South Africa's rich spice history.

Potjiekos is not just a dish; it’s a social shindig! Gatherings revolve around this simmering pot, uniting folks in a tapestry of tales and laughter as the flavors meld. The fire's kept low and lazy, with coals nestled around the pot's legs.

Back in the day, during the Great Trek, pioneers would fuel the pot with whatever they could scrounge—twisted grass, dried animal dung, you name it! Today, some cooks keep it old-school with charcoal, which burns hot and steady, perfect for this slow-cook symphony!

























One of the joys of having long-term clients is that, over time, you attend so many of their events that they begin to fe...
10/28/2025

One of the joys of having long-term clients is that, over time, you attend so many of their events that they begin to feel more like family than just clients.Over the years, these gatherings become cherished occasions where you not only witness but also actively participate in the milestones and celebrations of their lives.

Another delightful aspect is witnessing this family grow and thrive right before your eyes, which is truly a heartwarming experience.

Every event at Naina's place embodies this feeling, especially with the children!This time around it was for her son Yaqub's birthday—a joyous celebration filled with laughter and excitement.! It’s amazing to see how they grow; I can hardly believe that I once knew him as a baby, and now he’s a charming young boy!

Even though we were a little hard pressed, we knew we had to make this date work, especially since we couldn’t say no to one of our most cherished clients.😉

Thanks to our incredible team members, Rasmy and Emilee, we successfully delivered special treats for the birthday party.

* Beef Empanada
* Chicken Pinwheel
* Mac and Cheese bites
* Mini pizza Bruschetta
* Chicken/cheese croquettes

As the day came to a close, surrounded by laughter and joy, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for these enduring relationships. They remind us that in the end, it's the connections we build and nurture that truly enrich our lives.

Thank you so much for having us Naina…as always it was such a lovely event! And once again, have a great year ahead, Yaqub!🥳🥳🥳

Meet the yam root, your skin’s bestie and a hormonal balancing buddy*! Packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory po...
10/26/2025

Meet the yam root, your skin’s bestie and a hormonal balancing buddy*!

Packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory powers, it’s like a spa day in a tuber. These goodies can soothe your skin and help it fend off those pesky wrinkles and dryness. The yam’s starch and fiber are like a cozy blanket, wrapping your skin in moisture.

But wait, there’s more! The diosgenin in wild yam might even tone down hyperpigmentation, working wonders on pesky spots like melasma. However, before you start dancing with yam dreams for hormone-related issues, remember—while diosgenin is a handy precursor, our bodies can’t turn it into hormones like estrogen or progesterone. So, yam’s not your one-stop hormone shop, but it might just lend a hand in a lab.

*not occurring naturally.


























Bunny chow is the ultimate spicy surprise package! Imagine a loaf of bread with its insides scooped out and filled with ...
10/24/2025

Bunny chow is the ultimate spicy surprise package! Imagine a loaf of bread with its insides scooped out and filled with fiery South African curry, making it the perfect sneaky takeout meal.

This delicious invention hails from the 1940s in Durban, thanks to the Indian community, possibly whipping it up for sugar cane workers who needed a handy, portable lunch. Legend has it, they cleverly used bread as a container to keep the curry warm and travel-ready.

The name "bunny" likely nods to the Bania community, while "chow" is just South African for "grub." And here's the scoop: despite the name, there's no rabbit involved! From veggie delights like beans and potatoes to meaty marvels like mutton, chicken, and lamb, each bread bowl is a curry-filled wonderland.

Eating it is an art: tear off pieces of the bread to scoop up the curry, and devour the "virgin" bread, the part you dug out, for ultimate dipping satisfaction. Bunny chow comes in sizes ranging from "quarter" (kota) to half or full loaves, so whether you're a little peckish or ravenously hungry, there's a bunny waiting for you!

It’s always a handful of friends who stay for life and I think that is a brilliant reason to celebrate not just these in...
10/22/2025

It’s always a handful of friends who stay for life and I think that is a brilliant reason to celebrate not just these individuals but also the beautiful relationship that each shares!

When Dez reached out to us, I guess she too was in the same frame of mind😁😁😁

She wanted to express her gratitude to her friend for taking such wonderful care of them, and what better way to do that than with a delightful customized dinner?

As avid travelers, they enjoyed a global fusion menu, especially one with a hint of Indian flair. After some back-and-forth discussions, they crafted the perfect experience for their guests.

Dez, being a vegetarian, preferred a plant-based option, so they ensured the menu was inclusive of her dietary preferences.

The Menu:
[Course 1]
* Clam Chowder
* Masala Potato Chowder ( With Coconut Milk)
[Course 2]
* Tuna Tartare
* Symphony Tartare

[Course 3]
* Kp Parotta With Minced Meat, Eggs, With Flavorful Salna
* Kp Parotta With Egg

[Course 4]
* Pan-Seared Masala Duck Light Coconut Curry And Idiyappam (String Hoppers)
* Masala Lamb Chops
* Paneer Steak With Light Coconut Curry And Idiyappam

[Course 5]
* Tiramisu With Gold Dust
* Tropical Brulee

The evening was filled with laughter and warmth as they cherished the stories and flavors shared during the meal. Despite the last-minute arrangements, everything turned out beautifully. The presence of their four adorable dogs was the perfect icing on the cake!

If you thought the evening wasn’t lovely enough, these gorgeous babies somehow managed to add more joy and laughter to the evening and everyone there 😄😄🐶🐶🐶🐶

Thank you for such a lovely evening,Dez! And once again, thank you for your kind words.

"Ashok was absolutely amazing. He catered to our last minute wishes with such ease and professionalism. He designed a fun 5 course tasting fusion menu for 4 of us within a matter of a few days. The food was phenomenal and I’m blown away by hearing about his travels and experience. Ashok also catered to my vegetarian diet while still preparing protein for everyone else. We’re excited to book with him again!”
-Dez!

Koeksisters, the South African sweet treat with a twist, literally! Named from the Dutch "koek" meaning cake, these deli...
10/20/2025

Koeksisters, the South African sweet treat with a twist, literally! Named from the Dutch "koek" meaning cake, these delightful pastries are fried, braided masterpieces that take a plunge into ice-cold syrup, creating a crunchy shell with a syrupy surprise inside. For that signature bite, the syrup should be really chilly —some say cooling the syrup overnight is best!

These tasty treats boast a blend of Dutch and Malay/Indonesian doughnut heritage, and they're a go-to for Afrikaner fundraisers.

Meanwhile, the Cape Malay cousin, the koesister, goes for a rounder look, often rolled in coconut and spiced with the likes of ginger and cardamom.

Here's the kicker: "koeksister" cheekily translates to "cake sizzler," and there's a fun legend about two sisters braiding their dough to mirror their plaited locks. Whether it's the Afrikaans or Cape Malay version, koeksisters are a crispy, syrupy shout-out to heritage and home!

10/18/2025

Yam root might just be your new best friend for tackling cholesterol and reigning in blood sugar levels, thanks to its fiber and power-packed compounds like diosgenin and dioscoretine. While animal studies are promising, more detective work is needed to crack the mystery in humans.

Turns out, yam compounds like diosgenin are like little cholesterol ninjas, potentially lowering both overall cholesterol and the villainous LDL cholesterol. Meanwhile, the elephant foot yam brings a sidekick, omega-3 fatty acids, to pump up our heroic HDL cholesterol. Plus, the fiber in yams plays bouncer, slowing fat absorption in the gut and helping to keep LDL and triglycerides in check.

And when it comes to blood sugar, yams are like the tortoise in the glycemic race, releasing sugar slowly and avoiding those pesky sugar spikes. With their fiber-rich goodness, they make sugar digestion take the scenic route.

But hey, while yams are healthy superheroes, they’re still carbohydrates. So, if you’re watching your sugar, nibble on them with care

























Every home holds a story,they say. It gets into the bones of that home, they say. And I for one believe it to be absolut...
10/16/2025

Every home holds a story,they say. It gets into the bones of that home, they say. And I for one believe it to be absolutely true.

Some homes radiate natural warmth—filled with the essence of people, joy, and contentment. We are exceptional gatherers of those delightful vibes and well-wishes😄😄😄

Three years ago, we celebrated Eric and Lindsay's father's birthday and had a fantastic time. So imagine our delight when recently, Eric, an amazing son, reached out to commemorate his mother's birthday.

Joyce is a truly lovable woman, exuding poise, grace, and elegance. It didn’t take us more than a few seconds to say that we were IN!

Unfortunately, Lindsay, the daughter, couldn't attend this time around but coincidentally, it was also Eric's daughter's birthday—Talk about a double celebration! 👏🏽

We planned an elegant dinner for an elegant lady, finalizing a delightful menu paired with exquisite wines.

[Amuse-Bouche]
* Heirloom Tomato Tartlet
Wine Pairing: Champagne Or Brut Cava

[Appetizer]
* Fig And Prosciutto Salad
Wine Pairing: Dry Or Off-Dry Riesling Or Gewürztraminer

[Seafood Course]
* Seared Scallop With Cauliflower Purée
Wine Pairing: White Burgundy (Chardonnay)

[Beef Course]
* Filet Mignon With Red Wine Jus
Wine Pairing: Cabernet Sauvignon Or Bordeaux Blend

[Dessert]
* Lavender Crème Brûlée
Wine Pairing: Late Harvest Viognier Or Sauternes

Joyce and her entire family adored it, continuously praising the dishes and the stories we shared.

We also had our new star, Maddie, assisting us during the event. A heartfelt thank you to Eric, Joyce, and the whole family!

After the event, even though I had a whole night of driving back home ahead of me, for once it didn’t feel tedious.

The day and the company was so great that the whole ride back was about me reflecting on the memories and the joyous vibes that this lovely occasion had bought, filling my journey with smiles!😄

Always thankful!🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

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