MASTER at WORK

Easter is a prime time to experience one of Atul Kochhar’s restaurants in Buckinghamshire - and there’s a chance to learn from the acclaimed chef too

Renowned for being one of the first British-based Indian chefs to receive a Michelin star, chef Atul Kochhar has a portfolio of outstanding modern Indian restaurants in London, Buckinghamshire and Kent, plus a bespoke catering company, Amod Events.

In Buckinghamshire, Atul’s award-winning restaurants include Sindhu, Vaasu, Hawkyns and Riwaz, all of which will be serving Easter menus to remember this year. “Easter is a very important time at my restaurants,” says Atul. “Not only is it a time for family and friends to come together and eat incredible food, it’s also a signifier of the arrival of spring, which brings such great seasonal produce. It gives the chefs a great chance to truly show o the best of British produce in innovative, exciting ways.”

At the Macdonald Compleat Angler Hotel in Marlow, Sindhu pays homage to Atul’s love of Southern India, with traditional Indian cuisine showcased in a contemporary way, using the finest British-sourced ingredients. For Easter, the restaurant will serve a three-course set menu for £29.95, featuring choices such as grilled freshwater prawn with coriander, chilli and vinegar; fiery chicken 65 fried with chilli and curry leaf; pan-seared sea bass with root vegetables and tomato tamarind sauce; and naturally sweet alphonso mango cheesecake to finish. Also in Marlow, Vaasu captures Atul’s spirit and passion for India, with menus taking inspiration from his intrepid travels. Quality British ingredients are also heavily showcased. Vaasu’s Easter o ering will comprise a three-course set menu for £35pp with choices such as crispy fried cauliflower with tomato and jaggery relish; smoked lamb loin with stu ed morels and Rogan jus; or panfried monk tail with masala fries and moilee sauce; finished with indulgent chocolate and orange crème brûlée for dessert.

At The Crown Inn in Old Amersham, Hawkyns has a simple approach that’s executed with great attention to detail. Vibrant dishes boast incredible flavours, textures and outstanding produce mainly sourced from the UK. The Easter lunch menu at Hawkyns will include either two courses or three courses for £16.50/£21.50, with highlights set to include include classic tandoori chicken with kachumbar and makhani sauce; Lake District lamb rump with kohlrabi and spinach textures; and mango parfait with pistachio brittle and raspberry coulis.

The newest addition to the group, Riwaz, opened last year in the market town of Beaconsfield. Here a traditional fine dining menu is served alongside incomparable set and tasting menus, including a sumptuous three-course Easter menu for £25. Guests will be able to choose from the likes of lamb seekh kebab with bell peppers, onion and mint sauce; baby jackfruit biryani with burani raita; lobster tail with prawn, seabass, mussels and Alleppey sauce; and desserts such as Montblanc and chocolate rasmalai with pistachio. Atul will host masterclasses at both Hawkyns and Riwaz. The masterclass at Hawkyns will take place on 16 April, while the Riwaz masterclass will take place on 11 June. Both are priced at £180pp, with Atul set to share an interactive demonstration on his interpretation of modern Indian cuisine, cooking his signature dishes and guiding guests through the recipes, concluding with a three-course lunch and glass of wine, also including a signed copy of Atul’s Curry Everyday book to take home.

On the masterclasses, Atul says: “These masterclasses will be my first since lockdown and I can’t wait to cook for guests, sharing insights into my signature dishes and sharing cooking tips. I hope participants will learn plenty of new skills and feel inspired to cook exquisite Indian food at home.” atulkochhar.com