When #CookForSyria campaign was launched across Europe to raise funds to help children affected by civil war in the West Asian country, chef Suresh Pillai was more than happy to do his bit. Then working with Hoppers in London, Suresh, however, didn’t realise he was being part of something that went on to become a successful global gastronomic crusade.
Taking inspiration from his European experience, Suresh now attempts to bring together chefs, homemakers and essentially “anyone who loves good food” for the cause of helping the flood-affected in the State with #CookForKerala.
“The idea is to raise funds through the community of chefs and food lovers in support of those aggrieved by the recent floods. It’s not a one-off event but a series of coordinated get-togethers for the next one year or so,” says Suresh, now a corporate chef with Raviz group.
Called ‘supper clubs’ in Europe, the idea helps chefs or home-makers invite their friends or families or even outsiders for meals or theme dinners for reasonable charges. The proceeds are donated to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund.
Suresh says though the idea for introducing #CookForKerala as part of a larger culinary culture to connect people through food had been in his mind for a while, he felt this would be an opportune time to make it “something humanitarian” too. “As it’s a medium-term project, #CookForKerala will also help in rehabilitation efforts for the flood-affected in the months to come,” says Suresh, adding that anybody can contribute by simply opting to join a “homely” supper club instead of frequenting a restaurant.
He says #CookForKerala will also help in “bringing forward closet chefs” as there’s no real investment required to organise a supper club.
“I believe, down the line, this will also help home-makers earn a living as it’s helps entwine one’s vocation with avocation. The best part is that it can be carried out anywhere, in any village with the minimal of resources,” says Suresh. Restaurants like Hoppers and Kricket in London, Chutnify in Berlin, Dosa Deli in London, Curry Tales in Mumbai and noted chefs like Sameer Taneja from London, Hari Nayak from New York, Anand George from Cardiff have all expressed their willingness to chip in. Hoppers has already announced a “vegetarian sadhya feast” on September 2 in support of #CookForKerala.
Suresh, whose gastronomic journeys have taken him far and wide, says probably one reason for this global solidarity is the popularity of Kerala cuisine in many countries. “This may be a surprise to Malayalis living in the State, but I have seen many restaurants listing a separate ‘Kerala cuisine’ section in their menus along with ‘Indian cuisine’”, he says with a laugh.
