Family togetherness during Diwali is an integral aspect of the festivities, and it is a tradition that carries immense importance for those who observe it. Moreover, in recent years, a delightful and growing trend of celebrating Diwali in restaurants has added a unique flavor to this festival.
Sopwell House, along with Vivek Singh’s critically acclaimed restaurant, The Cinnamon Club, have come together to host a Diwali celebration like no other in the stunning Georgian hotel in St Albans, Hertfordshire on Friday, 10th November.
Speaking to Asian Voice, the hotel’s Executive Head Chef Gopi Chandran about the exclusive Diwali Ball.
Can you please elaborate on the Diwali ball that you are hosting?
This is our very first Diwali ball, and it's a realisation of a long-held vision to create a vibrant gathering for people to enjoy before they embark on their home celebrations. The event promises to be a fantastic evening, open to individuals of all backgrounds and religions, including Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and people from any faith. It's all about coming together and celebrating the spirit of Diwali as a diverse community.
Collaborating closely with Vivek Singh at the Cinnamon Club, we’ve designed a three-course menu with the intention of providing our guests with a memorable culinary experience, followed by a captivating firework display and lively late-night celebrations lasting until 12 in the night. Diwali is all about celebration, and that's precisely what we aimed to capture in our menu.
Our approach to menu planning was to blend traditional elements, such as the ever-popular chicken tikka, with more diverse and unique offerings. For instance, we've included a dish of 24-hour-simmered black lentils, as well as a variety of vegan options. This combination of flavours pays homage to tradition while also embracing innovation and diversity.
How has it been collaborating with Chef Vivek Singh and Cinnamon Club for this ball?
Our collaboration with Chef Vivek, has been truly fantastic and an absolute honour. In our interactions, we've had the privilege of engaging in thoughtful discussions about various flavours and how to infuse the essence of Diwali into our dishes. While working with a culinary luminary, we strived to keep our approach simple yet tasteful.
How do you select dishes and ingredients that capture the spirit and flavours of Diwali, while also catering to the preferences of your guests?
Many often associate Diwali primarily with the Hindu faith, but it's crucial to recognize that it is celebrated across the world and among various faiths. Having resided in London since 1998, I've had the privilege of hosting numerous Diwali parties. In fact, I have more European people coming to my Diwali celebration at home than our desi people.
On the same lines, our menus are a reflection of traditional flavours with a modern twist. We've been mindful of the cultural shifts in people's diets, with an increasing emphasis on plant-based choices, and as a response to this, we've included a range of vegan options. Traditionally, Diwali in India is characterised by a prevalence of vegetarian and vegan dishes, and we've placed a significant focus on these aspects as well. This approach ensures that our menu caters to both the traditional and evolving preferences of our diverse clientele.
How do you envision your ball promoting a sense of togetherness and celebration among the attendees?
While we believe that Diwali, at its core, is a celebration of togetherness, and this begins with the food, we've also arranged for an incredible DJ, Amit from Divine Music, who will infuse the evening with high-energy party vibes and, of course, some captivating dhol beats. Adding to the vibrancy and colour of the event, there will be dazzling lighting arrangements that promise to make the ball a truly immersive experience. To encourage social interaction and new connections, we're also introducing shared tables, providing a fun and interactive element to the celebration.