Some afternoons always stay with you. Not because of what was served to you but because of what you felt. It was on a one such summer afternoon here at Le Meridian that a select gathering saw the coming together of two of the best of culinary world to celebrate Indian cuisine.
The Portuguese Pour — Chef DK’s Tasting Series, an invitation-only event, saw renowned Chef Davinder Kumar collaborate with Coração Do Vale, ultra-premium extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) sourced directly from the sun-drenched olive groves of Baixo Alentejo, Portugal, for an afternoon of refined flavours and culinary storytelling.
A veteran of five decades, Chef DK showcased the extraordinary versatility of Coração Do Vale, which is being marketed in India by Leads Brand Connect. Demonstrating how a world-class olive oil can bridge the traditions of European fine dining with the bold, familiar flavours of India, the renowned Chef introduced food connoisseurs to a culinary dialogue.
A select gathering started with a small cake cutting ceremony with the cake in the shape of Coração do Vale’s bottle. The Chef then gave live demonstrations of four signature recipes conceived exclusively for the occasion:
• Tomato & Raw Mango Carpaccio with Kalamata Dust, EVOO & Shaved Parmesan
• Charred Sweet Potato Chaat, Bajra Crisp, Imli Jaggery & EVOO Reduction
• Pan Seared Sole with Mint, Caper & EVOO Tapenade
• Rustic Carrot & Cinnamon Cake
The lunch spread saw guests being welcomed with crostini and olive focaccia with EVOO alongside roasted makhana. The meal opened with a Broccoli Almond Soup with EVOO Pesto Crostini before moving to mains that spanned Pan Seared Fish with Mint Caper & EVOO Tapenade, Murg Tikka Lazeez, Paneer Khaas, Pasta Aglio e Olio, and Dum Subz Biryani.
The experience culminated with a dessert spread of Tiramisu, Mango Flan, Phirni, and Ice Cream — rounded off with a signature mocktail infused with olive oil, a first-of-its-kind experience for many guests at the table.
Commenting on the occasion, Richa Khandewal, Managing Director, Leads Brand Connect said, “I am happy to celebrate the best in Indian culinary masterpiece and excellence of Portugal’s finest EVOO. What sets Coração Do Vale apart is not merely its provenance, but its personality. It was a perfect balance for Chef Davinder Kumar’s culinary excellence. We couldn’t have expected a better debut for Coração Do Vale in India than the kitchen of a legend like Chef DK. This tasting series is the beginning of a long and flavourful chapter in India’s premium culinary story.”
Coração do Vale is crafted from a unique blend of indigenous olive varieties such as Arbequina, Arbosana, Cobrançosa, Picual, Cordovil, Verdeal, and Galega. The fine combination of distinctive fruity and balanced profile makes Coração Do Vale a true gourmet experience that appeals to refined palates and also has low acidity. As an early harvest, cold-extracted olive oil, it is specifically produced to retain high levels of natural antioxidants like polyphenols.