Passage to India, a Pop Up Restaurant at Ritz Carlton Coconut Groves with Executive Chef Ramesh Kaduru

I had the privilege, recently,  to partner with The Ritz Carlton Coconut Groves in creating, successfully, an Elegant & Authentic Indian Themed  Pop Up Restaurant at their Signature Restaurant, Biscaya.

I learnt right away, from the start, that the reputation of the “Ritz Carlton “brand  is no accident… but the results of a Great Business & Customer Service Philosophy they live by at every step of the way. I experienced it, first hand, behind the scenes,  working with such …a Great Team of professionals of the Ritz Carlton Coconut Groves, …from the Wonderful Tatiana Lora, the Public Relations Manager of the Ritz Carlton Coconut Groves & Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne, …The Talented & Creative Executive Chef Ramesh Kaduru,  …Matthew the F&B Manager & his Team, …to The General Manager of the Ritz Carlton Jacqueline with the Super Genuine Smile & the Best Attitude ( a Rare Gem Woman in a Male Dominated Position as Hotel General Manager )

Back to the pop up restaurant,

I am not a food writer but a food Passionate Lover, so it was natural for me to positively connect with the Ritz Carlton Coconut Groves Team and jump on board of their ” Passage to India” Project

One thing is for sure,

this is OBVIOUSLY not your typical Neighborhood Indian Restaurant …..EXCEPT for the  PRICES …..which are very much affordable  with many Entrees under $18.

The Executive Chef Ramesh Kaduru & his Team did REALLY A FANTASTIC JOB in MASTERING what the Indian Cuisine is all about and offering it in a Creative & Accessible Way…..

The Passage To India Pop up restaurant is scheduled for 1 Month only,  from OCT 3rd to NOV 3rd, Thursday to Sunday. Entertainment: Tabla & Sitar Musicians, Bollywood Dancer based on the day you go

Hopefully, it is successful ( $$$ ) enough to strech it a bit longer longer.

Such a Quality Indian Cuisine offering by the Riz carlton & Chef Ramesh Kaduru is really a great addition to South Florida International Cuisine Scene

Cheers!!

Few Pictures Below of the Preview Night,

Live Camels greeting the Guests at The Opening Preview Night

Cocktail Time at The Lobby, an Over Size Peacock Jeweled Vase as a Focal Point

The Passage to India, …Literally 🙂

Pictures of the Dishes & the Chef , below from Newtimes Miami

the Menu

Appetizers

Mini Vegetable Anardana Samosas, Tamarind chutney

Indian style Mini Flat bread, coriander chutney

Pani Poori Shooters

Mixed Vegetable Pakora, Mint chutney

Grilled masala papadams

Chaat masala

Masala Dosa served with coconut chutney and Samabar

Kanchipuram Idli served with Ginger chutney and Sambhar

Chicken Tikka

Seekh kebab (minced lamb and chicken kebab)

Amritsar Machala fingers (Indian style fish fingers) with a duo of Mint Chutney, Onion chutney

Soups

Yellow Turmeric spiked Lentil soup, crispy papadam

Tandoori marinated cilantro chicken Barley soup

Salads

Onions, green pepper, tomato, cucumber and cilantro salad

Garlic Flat Naan bread, spinach, frise salad, cumin, cilantro champagne vinaigrette

Main Course

Vegetarian options
Everything served with cumin scented rice

Aloo Choole
Potato, chick peas stew

Malai kofta curry
Succulent deep fried potato and cheese dumplings in a rich almond gravy

Bhindi Masala
Indian Stir fried okra with onions

Panner tikka masala
An Indian classic of cottage cheese in a tomato based gravy

Dal Makhani
A rich Indian Lentil preparation of slow cooked black lentils and kidney beans

Non-Vegetarian Options

Lamb Rogan Josh
A traditional Kashmiri preparation of meat cooked with browned onions, Kashmiri chilies and yoghurt based sauce

Chicken tikka masala
Marinated cubes of chicken cooked on a charcoal grill and served with a creamy tomato sauce

Masala Shrimp
Masala marinated Shrimp, Tomato and Onion Gravy

Mixed Biryani
Marinated lamb, Chicken and shrimp slowly cooked in Basmati rice with variety of vegetables

Rice
Hyderabadi Vegetable Biryan
Green peas pulav

Breads

Tawa Paratha
Stuffed tawa paratha
Naan
Garlic naan
Roti5

Desserts

Gulab Jamoon and Vanilla Icecrem
Warm dumplings in a rose scented syrup served with vanilla Ice cream

Ras Malai
Chilled cottage cheese dumplings in a saffron flavored milk

Pista Kulfi
Frozen Indian ice cream with pistachio

Kheer
Vermicelli pudding

Miami Heat Chris Bosh Moroccan Themed Birthday Party Bash

“Dare to be Different …” Chris Bosh said in how it came about, the idea of his Moroccan Themed Birthday Party Bash idea, while he was vacationing with his family in Paris and by meeting some Moroccan Friends.

As a long time Fan of the Miami Heats, it was no surprise that we felt privileged, proud, exited to be chosen to decorate the venue, Briza on the Bay in Miami Bay Side Area into a “Morocco Meets South Beach” settings.

We provided Authentic Moroccan Caidal Tents, Furniture, Lamps & Lanterns, Draping and all the Moroccan Decor & Accents Elements.

In addition to the Authentic Moroccan Themed Decor, we provided as well all the Moroccan Themed Entertainment, Belly Dancers, Fire Breathers, Greeters and of course the highlight of the evening: The live Camels that greeted the guests, Not any Camels but Jacob and the Live-Tweeting Camel named Henri ( Pronouced On’REE) with many followers already.

Kudos to Jackie ooh events whom we partnered with in this successful Moroccan Themed Party , Dance South Florida & Belly Motions

Below a Sample of The Miami Heat Chris Bosh Moroccan Themed Birthday Party. more to come

Chris Bosh & Adrienne in the Authentic Moroccan Caidal Tent celebrating his 29th Birthday

Everyone is waiting their turn to pose, chat & report about Henri the Camel & his Cousin Jacob at the Moroccan Themed Birthday Party

Moroccan Themed Birthday Party of Chris Bosh
Chris Bosh Height, 6′ 11″ (2.11 m)

Jim Weber CBS News Chatting with Henri The Camel at The Moroccan Themed Birthday Party of Chris Bosh. Disappointed Jim, not being able to get out of Henri the Camel to predict the winner of the NBA Championship

 

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The 41st International Polonaise Ball goes Bollywood

A  Tribute to the Polish – Indian Relations & Friends

The International Polonaise Ball is organized by the American Institute of Polish Culture under the auspices of the Ambassador of Poland. This annual event is held in Miami, Florida and serves as a fundraiser for the Institute. Each year the Ball honors Poland, her culture, and her people and pays tribute to Poland’s friendship with different nations.

This Year, 2013, i was honored to work with  Mrs. Blanka A. Rosenstiel, the founder of the American Institute of Polish Culture (AIPC)  & Mrs Beata in honoring the long cooperation between Poland and India and the contributions each have made to the other’s history and growth in culture and education

…..You guessed it,

Our part was to artistically & modestly to  incorporate the Indian Theme with the Polonaise.

Below is sample of the event

Click here for more sample pictures

A Moroccan Theme Party at the St Regis Bal Harbour Resort

A Moroccan theme Party at The St Regis Bal Harbour Miami in the Astor Ballroom

The new icon in the US east cost,  the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort lived up to its Top Notch Reputation. A bit of googling and you will quickly find that almost every one is amazed by the Excellence of the property and the service. Many struggle finding the right words in sharing their personal experience.

The St. Regis always had a superior reputation worldwide, so it is really no surprise and should be expected from the St. Regis to deliver on their promises, period. And They Do.

My experience was behind the scenes as we were hired to design a Moroccan theme Party at  the Resort.  Almost every single week of the year we are privileged to design events in various venues. And the St. Regis did stand out. I don’t remember the last time i experienced from a venue and their staff  this level of  professionalism, positive energy, The instantaneous & transparent Communication, Easy Load in Load out…. and a Genuine Smile on everyone we encountered.

In Terms of Decor,  It was a bit of challenge that we gladly embraced and succeeded that is to create an Elegant Moroccan Theme Party – with a very Modest Budget – ( yes a small budget ) over a Modern Minimalistic Interior design Canvas of  the St. Regis Astor Ballroom

Below a sample of the event

Hallway & Entrance: We simply added Few Contemporary Silver Lanterns

Entrance & Hallway

In the Cocktail area: We accessorize it with few carpet a Mix of  Moroccan Contemporary Lamps & Lanterns in Silver & Rustic. Linens were from the Hotel ( No Budget) but really nice

Moroccan Theme Party Decor Ideas on the Budget

It is the Dining Room where pronounced boldly the Moroccan Theme.

I loved The Signature Wall Mirror that help magnify the Lighting and the Moroccan Accents & Elements Throughout

Astor Ballroom of the St Regis Bal Harbour in a Moroccan Theme by Caidal Events

Moroccan Jewish Henna Wedding- Berberisca- at Beit David Highland Lakes Shul

Congratulations to all the Vendors that we partner with in the success of the Elegant Berberisca of Esther & David, Creating an Authentic & Elegant Moroccan Experience

Few Pictures below of the Henna Wedding

Moroccan Henna Wedding Tent and Lounges

 

Authentic Moroccan Decor by – you guess it- Caidal Events.

Planning & Production, By Lisi, & Sally from Forever Events

Lighting by PSID Group

Flowers by Petal Productions

DJ by David Bitton

Moroccan Theme Party Ideas: Live Camels as Greeters

Live Camels, one of  the greatest and cost effective way to greet and WOW your guests in any Moroccan or  the Arabian theme party

best Greeters an intimate Moroccan theme birthday party at the beautiful Moorings Village in Islamoroada, FL

Live Camels in Moroccan Arabian Theme Parties

Live Camels at a Moroccan theme corporate event in Trump Doral Resort

Live Camels at a Moroccan theme corporate event in Boca Raton Resort

For renting Live Camels for your Next Moroccan, Arabian Theme Party call Caidal Events at 305-888-8599 or email your inquiry to CaidalEvents at Gmail dot com

http://www.CaidalEvents.com

Sample collage of Moroccan Theme Entertainment

Moroccan Theme Corporate Party at Thomas Kramer Residence, TK 5 Star Island

Moroccan Theme Corporate Party at the Thomas Kramer 5 Star Island

 

Moroccan Theme Corporate Party at the Thomas Kramer 5 Star Island

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Moroccan Jewish Henna Wedding, Berberisca.

Moroccan Jewish Henna Wedding, Berberisca, Crowne Plaza Hollywood

Moroccan Jewish Henna Wedding, Berberisca, Crowne Plaza Hollywood ,

 

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Moroccan Theme Centerpieces Ideas for Social, Private or Corporate Events

A simple recipe for beautiful Moroccan Theme Wedding Centerpieces or for any other occasion

Ingredients:

– Authentic Moroccan Props & Decor, such Moroccan lanterns, Moroccan Brass Tray, Moroccan Vases, Moroccan Teapots, Moroccan candelabra, Moroccan mirrors, Moroccan Tea glasses as votive, Moroccan Ceramic Plates &  Bowls, Moroccan Painted wood low raisers, etc

– Flowers, rose Petals, etc

–  Talent & Artistic flair of the person creating the Moroccan Center piece.

At any budget level, you will be able to set the theme

Below few sample of  our recent Moroccan themecenter pieces

Moroccan Theme Center pieces decor ideas

Moroccan Theme Center pieces decor ideas

Moroccan Theme Centerpieces decor ideas for Wedding, social and Corporate

Moroccan Theme Center pieces decor ideas

Moroccan Theme Center pieces decor ideas

Moroccan Theme Center pieces decor ideas

Moroccan Theme Centerpieces decor ideas for Wedding, social and Corporate

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