Restaurateur Vishnu Satheesh believes that the antidote to the modern-day hazard of food adulteration is embracing a ‘back to nature’ philosophy. “We are what we eat. But it’s also imaginable that in a fast-moving world, we don’t have much choice in what we buy. But certainly one way we can do our bit is by eschewing plastic,” he says.
Walking the talk, Vishnu, who runs High Range Takeaway located along the Kuravankonam-Ambalamukku road, offers a token 10% discount on orders for customers who bring their own containers to grab takeaways from his joint. “We kicked off this green initiative about a year ago. Initially, many customers were embarrassed about bringing their own steel containers but still came forward thanks to the concession. Soon, they realised they were accumulating less plastic waste in their house,” says Vishnu, a native of Rajakkad in Idukki, adding that the takeaway’s name is a nod to his hometown.
Vishnu says it was his cousin, Binu P Raman, a techie working in the city, who suggested the idea. “We do a bit of farming in our hometown and know how harmful plastic can be for the environment. Binu suggested the initiative as an experiment and we were encouraged by the good response. Many customers told us that they did not have to worry about disposal,” says Vishnu, who previously worked in the Hotel Management sector.
High Range’s biriyanis are wrapped in plantain leaves and other parcels come in aluminium foil pouches. “For bulk orders for any events, we offer disposable bamboo plates,” says Vishnu. Though chiefly a takeaway outlet, the nondescript High Range also has a small dining area to accommodate a few customers.
With a thrust on “Central Travancore cuisine”, the specialities include pork dishes such as fry, roast, peralan and vinthaloo, while duck roast and perattu are also popular. “Our High Range special is idiyirachi. Some of the spices, such as cardamom, clove and kokum, that go into our masala are sourced from our own farms in Idukki,” he points out.
High Range, open from 12 pm to 10.30 pm, also has a variety of in-house pickles such as beef, fish, dates and lemon for sale that come in glass bottles. “We use apple cider vinegar in our pickles,” adds Vishnu.
