Simplicity Coimbatore ,The frugal gourmet
People who have read Enid Blyton stories as children will be able to identify with my articles which talk of quaint country sides, whimsical details and other enchanting sights.
Well I had another one of those special Enid Blyton fairytale moments when I walked into Sharmila Dharmapalan’s lovely home. Set on the edge of a wooded valley overlooking the beautiful Nilgiris ,a steep drive way which we preferred to descend by foot, leads to the house with a grey stone facade which is framed by delicate creepers dotted with pink button roses.It is delightfully eye catching.
For a moment it made me forget why I was there ! This pretty setting is where our host Sharmila caters to a five course home cooked meal for visitors. Her venture is called ,”The Frugal gourmet” and it is situated off the beaten path at picturesque Lovedale. My friend and food enthusiast Divya had mentioned about eating at The Frugal Gourmet several times but I had somehow not been fortunate enough to make a visit in the years before.
I was so pleased to be able to make a reservation for lunch this year because it’s always been fully booked in the past. Several friends of mine had eaten here on many an occasion and always came back praising the food and the experience. So when we went up the hills this year for some R & R , a special meal like this sounded just perfect.
So ,off we went (my mother and I) with a plan to meet some friends who were also excited at the idea of a cosy , private luncheon. At Sharmila’s the seating capacity is for not more than 8 people. As she cooks and serves the food herself, Sharmila likes to offer individual attention to her diners without compromising on the quality .
When folks call to make a reservation, she offers 3 choices of protein and takes into consideration individual preferences and dietary needs. In her own words Sharmila says, “a love of the simple yet elegance of European food “ coupled with the wide range of fresh produce that is available in the Nilgiris ,has been the motivational factor behind offering this unique dining experience.
When I talk about eating here, it’s much more than the food. As one walks in the peppy music at a restrained volume is already a mood lifter. Then comes the visual feast. Patterned chinaware of all shapes and sized adorn the walls. A little nook with a lamp, a wonderful vintage looking side board, carefully hand painted wall murals (by Sharmila) and soft colours that range from creams, yellows and blues are scattered across the room.Like a parched traveller reaching for his water we took it all in.
The heavy downpour outside added to the romantic setting and we were so pleased to be a part of this lovely experience together. Since Sharmila’s focus is on local and seasonal produce,the first course was a creamy drumstick soup with peas and other greens.The aroma was truly enticing and we finished it in a trice. Next came a stuffed Moroccan flat bread. It was warm and delicious. Our menu was beautifully hand written on a card which also carried art work done by the talented cook herself. One could tell just how passionate she was towards what she did.
Then came the chicken with black rice for me and my mother; veal with couscous for our friends.Everything was perfectly seasoned, well portioned and thoughtfully presented.The meats were well cooked and tasty.The Moroccan meal offered a variety of flavours and textures. A small lavender infused palate cleanser left the taste buds tingling for the next course.The dessert was a mango and passion fruit cream with a side of sweet pastry stuffed with dates and a matcha stained honeycomb. The fruit cream was sweet whereas the honeycomb had been taken to the point where it had dark caramel undertones which complimented the sweet mango brilliantly. The date stuffing was delicious although the pastry was a bit chewy and not crisp.
In between our courses we engaged in a bit of light hearted banter with Sharmila as she moved noiselessly clearing the table and prepping for the next course. She came across as a quiet and unassuming person who prefers to have her food do the talking. She accepts praise with modesty and is happy when guests enjoy their meal.
The final course is when she offers a variety of teas which is a satisfactory end to a hearty meal. After spending many years alongside her husband as tea planters,there’s obviously a great deal of practice and expertise in making her brews. She speaks with enthusiasm about the smokey first flush Darjeeling which tempts me to give it a try. The brew comes in a dainty white and powder blue fine china tea cup and the rose and cardamom is served for the others covered in brilliant blue cups patterned with attractive Asian images. We sit back , sip ,look around , sip ,stare out of the window, sip again and smile.
Yes !… we smiled a lot while dining at The Frugal gourmet and that’s more than enough a reason to want to go back soon!
By reservation only (lunch and high tea available)
Contact ,The Frugal gourmet at :8610586092
E mail : [email protected]
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