I attended the 3nd annual Tampa Bay International Curry Festival held on October 3rd & 4th.
Day 1 was held at the Marriott, guests were required to get all fancy to attend this grand tasting of various curries, suds, wine and spirits from all over the world specially paired for curries. The event was hosted by Drs. Kiran & Pallavai Patel Foundation for Global Understanding and Drs. Sadhana & Ram Ramcharran – Georgetown Wesleyan University.
There were a variety of Chef’s including Chef Jason Peru (yes he writes all the recipes for YUM). That night he made two different types of curried dishes – Tofu and mushroom in a cashew nut and yogurt and a scallops in a white chocolate curry sauce. The guests were in love with it. I was happy I met Chef Roshni who in 2009 was awarded Chopped Champion on the hit Food Network show Chopped. I had different opportunities to chat with her, including a trip to the kitchen earlier in the day where I helped with the prepping. Chef Roshini told me I need to get some chef hands because I was holding the warm dishes with cloths as oppose to her, who was just grabbing it. lol. Chef Suman was in the kitchen prepping as well, it was enlightening to see them in their element. That night all the chefs were awarded and the emcee was veteran radio host Todd Schmitt. Drs. Sadhana & Ram Ramcharran launched two beers that tasted really good!
The next day the Festival took place at Vinoy Park, St. Petersburg, what a beautiful park its right next to the water. The weather was perfect for such event, families turned out for some fun and curry. Dj Roy of Bacchanal Radio/Nitelime Movements entertained the crowd and Allan Gopie was the emcee. Apart from the variety of booths, a competition was held.
Both nights I chilled with friends from near and far, including meeting one of my loyal listeners Amanda. Overall I had loads of fun.
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