An
invite by FBAI for an exclusive Washington Apples high tea meet at St. Regis hotel on 38th floor
is something that nobody can refuse, specially not me.
I
was running late, but reached in time to attend the live demo of ‘Puebla
Avocado Tartare’ by Chef Himanshu Taneja.
This
was followed by a talk by Keith Sunderlal – India Representative of the
Washington Apple Commission who spoke of health benefits of Washington Apples.
Rebecca Lyons, International Marketing Director of the Washington Apple
Commission (she flew all the way down from Washington USA). She spoke widely about different apples that are
grown in the orchards on western belt of US and how they are harvested. She
said “The apples don’t just fall off the tree like mangoes, or other such
fruits, but they have to be hand-plucked, every single piece.” Did you know
that 50% of apples are from US and 30% of Washington Apples are exported?
Whoever
said “One apple a day keeps doctor away” knew the nutrient value of this fruit.
It contains vitamins, minerals and fibres. It reduces the risk of Alzheimer and
Parkinson’s disease., it controls blood sugar level, it is useful for treating anaemia, helps prevent cancer, facilitates digestion, the list is endless.
A
dessert is a must, so we had another demo of ‘Seb Ka Chenna Payesh’
Apples,
apples everywhere, as far as eyes-sight could stretch. I was attracted immediately to
those shiny brass pots at the end of the room, a panipuri station and was completely
bowled over by crunchy, spicy Puri stuffed with apples and vodka…yes, I loved
it.
It
was spicy but very tasty, had just two
then walked over to the apple drink station of sweet and sour apple juice.
Alhambra,
the banquet room on the 38th floor of the hotel St. Regis had a big spread of
savories and sweets, all made of one main ingredient- Washington apples. There
were pies, quiches, savories, mustard broccoli quiche, Granny Smith, clove with
cottage cheese sandwich, the apple jelebi, sweets, drinks and more
Did
you know that apple float in water because 25% of their volume is air.
It
was nice interacting with other food bloggers and got into conversation with
interesting ones, some spoke of their travels and some of food photography and
some simply about food blogging. We sat
by the window, 38 floors up and has bird’s eye view of Mumbai city where rich
and poor live side by side, both dependent on each other for finding a better
shade of comfort.
It
was an lovely afternoon spend with like minded people all who loved Washington
apples.
Enjoyable
event indeed! Thank you FBAI for lovely afternoon.
