Namita Nayyar
You are a self-taught chef, who has been conducting cooking workshops across India. Were you sure you wanted to pursue this as a career? 5 things that define a passionate chef?
Natasha Celmi
No, I was originally a food entrepreneur. I founded an Italian gelato company called ‘Mama Mia Gelato’ and grew it into a chain of gelato stores across India. Hence, pursuing this as a career was never a thought.
5 things that define a passionate chef are:
1. You must enjoy eating more than cooking.
2. Feeding others should give you satisfaction.
3. The ability to work under high pressure.
4. Enjoying the process of empowering others, teaching & sharing one’s knowledge.
5. Staying on your feet for a long time! You must be physically fit & mentally strong to do it all.
Namita Nayyar
Throw some light on the Mama Mia chain of gelato outlets in Bengaluru and Kolkata? Also, you launched the new book “Fast, Fresh and Flavourful ”, share an insight about the book and recipes it carries?
Natasha Celmi
Mama Mia! Gelato started way back in 2005, I was 22 years old straight out of college. I learnt the art of making gelato in Italy & came back and started my first shop in Kolkata. Being the first to introduce the concept of gelato in India we received a great response & one thing led to another.
In 2013, I sold the chain of pan India stores to move on to my next chapter in life. The brand is still going strong under the current owners and I’m proud to see my ‘baby’ sustain itself for so long.
Fast Fresh Flavourful is my debut book which has recently bagged the Gourmand International Cookbook Award 2020.
The book is a guide for you to make fuss-free meals with international flavours. It will become your go-to reference for easy cooking. Whether you’re a novice or a pro in the kitchen, there is a lot you will pick up. From basic cooking techniques, substitution tricks and utilizing leftovers to optimize your time in the kitchen.
I show you how to recreate global dishes to please your family, including fussy kids! Recipes are meant to be changed, and with the help of simple concepts, you will be reinventing them in your own way. Meal Plans, grocery lists & dietary adaptations take this book way beyond your regular ‘cookbook’.
The book comprises of recipes from different regions of the world. Get a taste of Asia from satay and pad thai to Singaporean laksa. Head west to the Middle East with incredible mezze platters and then to the Italian kitchen where I share my family recipes from Southern Italy. Top it off with some spicy Mexican, fresh salads, wholesome Buddha bowls and of course, bits of sweetness.
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