The circumstances under which the 6th UpperCrust Show opened were simply extraordinary. The tragic terror siege of Bombay had ended just four days before and the feeling in our city was far from normal, it was in fact weighed down with a heavy heart. Yet, at UpperCrust we knew we just had to go ahead with the Show, there was no doubt about it. Cancelling it would have been the easiest way out. Making it happen, a positive step forward. A statement that we will not be cowed down, we will not give in or give up. We were not about to let the terrorists get the better of us. We just has to show our support to the hospitality industry which had been targeted. Fortunately, the over 80 exhibitors who had booked the booths at the UpperCrust Show supported the same thought and evinced confidence in us. Barring two, every client gave us the thumbs up and the Show was on its way.

The UpperCrust Show is a food and beverage trade fair that many participants look forward to. It’s something they prepare and plan for months in advance. There are of course many well-known and established brands which participate at our Show. But there are new entrants as well. Young students out of catering colleges and management schools trying to gain a foothold in the food industry, test marketing, trying to get a break, looking for customers, distributors. It is the meeting ground for buyers and sellers, businessmen from the industry and personnel from the world of hospitality from Bombay, Poona and other major cities of India. Important visitors are also the end users – UpperCrust readers and home makers from all over Greater Bombay.

On the morning of the the opening of the Show the air of excitement at the courtyard of the WTC, the venue for the inauguration, was most palpable. The charming atmosphere, with music playing, sunlight pouring in through the trees, with food stalls around the periphery getting ready to serve eager visitors, the steady flow of guests all lent to the enthusiasm that was building up for the arrival of the chief guest, John Abraham. The heartthrob of the nation was about to reach anytime. What makes John a real superstar, in our opinion, is that he is a rather grounded star. And with the same discipline and humility that generally drives his entire personality, he had left his home in Bandra well in time to reach the WTC at the appointed minute, 10.40 am.

When John Abraham strode into the courtyard on the dot, dark glasses on his handsome face, muscles rippling even through his blue shirt, clad in tight low jeans, he looked rugged and dashing. His dimpled smiles and mischievous eyes drew gasps from the audience. His friendliness was refreshing. The photographers went berserk and television cameras whirred away. Quite a media favourite, it was obvious.

Without much ado, Imam Siddique introduced and invited Farzana Behram Contractor, editor, publisher and the woman behind what is unarguably India’s biggest food and wine event to say a few words, start the proceedings, set the ball rolling. Farzana Contractor made a short and emotional speech, which took into account the fact that this was the first public event after the dark days and strangely it involved so many from the very industry that was targeted. She said, the Bombay spirit, in spite of the immense badgering in recent times was still intact and in fact even more strengthened with an additional element infused into it, a new fighting spirit. Saying no power on earth can destroy or take away that which the heart and mind sets itself to do, she requested everyone to close their eyes, be seated or standing as they were and send a message of peace to the Universe, for there is nothing greater than peace and love, humanity and compassion.

There was a beautiful hush, following which, Farzana Contractor in her customary natural and cheerful disposition invited John Abraham to come light the lamp and tell everyone what was it that he ate to look as good as he did, adding lightheartedly that Outlook in it’s latest issue while announcing the UpperCrust Show addressed him as human cheesecake… yum.

For his part, John talked about what food means to him and actually described his eating pattern, saying breakfast for him was the most important meal. He went ahead to inform what he ate, what his gym regime was like. We actually caught sight of some youngsters, who had no doubt bunked college to come see their role model, making hasty notes on paper napkins lying around. They hung on to every word of his with bated breath.

Tariq Ansari of Mid-day, who lent great support to the UpperCrust Show was also invited to light the lamp and like-wise Dr L.H. Hiranandani the octogenarian who made it a point to come for the opening in spite of failing health, specially in memory of Behram Contractor, Busybee who he so admired and loved. Farzana Contractor was most touched by his presence and was happy to receive the flowers he brought, some beautiful orchids!

It was not an easy task to get John out of the courtyard and into the Expo Centre, where he was to cut the ribbon to pronounce the UpperCrust Show open!  There were hundreds waiting for him upstairs and he was so besieged for autographs it was unbelievable. But what was more unbelievable is that John was willing to oblige. With great patience he was signing away, chatting, waving, even replying witty answers to fans who were asking him all kinds of questions, offering him flowers, wanting quick photographs with him. There is something about UpperCrust Show that makes all our chief guests go all soft and accommodating. Last year Amitabh Bachchan was just amazing, guests were in raptures about him, a couple of years ago Salman Khan had people going mad with his friendly ways and in our first year Asha Bhosle sat chatting in the courtyard with sundry visitors, exchanging recipes, eating hot puran polis and even returning the next day to watch Chef Qureshi cook Dum Pukht Biryani, Asha tai said she wanted to learn to cook like him!

Well, John Abraham spent over an hour going through the Expo Centre and he was happy to take his time. Food has that effect on most of us. He was curious to see what was in the booths, while he politely refused to try the sinful chocolates, he was hugely interested in the health food products. At Shake Hands The Pet Shop, John got a tag made for Poshto, his girlfriend Bipasha’s pet Chihuahua. Very sweet.

John Abraham was a perfect gentleman and Chief Guest. He showed patience and friendliness, interest and care. He left having pleased visitors and exhibitors alike, winning many hearts. Thank you John, was our pleasure to have you inaugurate the 6th UpperCrust Show.

The buzz  at the World Trade Centre had begun in full earnest. The alleys between the rows and rows of booths had already filled with visitors jostling for space. And it was only the first morning of the three day festival. The Expo centre was a culinary shoppers delight. The booths were varied and beautifully designed. The exhibitors take considerable trouble to construct them asthetically. Hafeez Contractor, the renowned architect who was judging the best three booths had a tough time deciding the winners. He zeroed in on United Spirits, Diageo and RR Oomerbhoy, as 1st, 2nd and 3rd best designed booths.

Down at the courtyard the action was in full swing. The die hard foodies were already at their favourite food stalls. Jaffer Bhai’s biryani and baida roti were going like or perhaps better than hot cakes, Prahlad Kakkar in a white straw hat was stirring up a riot at his cart, aptly named Sadak Chap. He was frying Cambay prawns in a huge wok and tossing them in a special brand of Prahlad Masala. Chings Chinese sauces were being tasted and the bottles were disappearing off the shelves, gelatos were cooling parched throats.

Gypsy Corner had super Maharashtrian fare and our vote for the best dressed waiters went to them. Saffron kurtas, white pyjamas and Gandhi topis. The young lady responsible, Aditi who also happens to be hotelier Vithal Kamat’s new daughter-in-law, should take a bow for introducing zunka bhakar to the hoi poloi, who had never tasted the famous street food on which half of Bombay survives.

While the food stalls were doing roaring business. Chef Toshikazo Kato of Four Seasons Hotel had begun the first cookery demo of the season. It was Japanese food and with his expertise he took the very serious learners through the art of rustling up sushi rolls. It is not as complex as it looks, the most important aspect in Japanese cuisine is acquiring the proper ingredients. Chef Kato’s Foie Gras Chawanmushi was a huge hit, as also the Cucumber Avacado Crispy Maki Roll. It was a delightful symphony of avocado, cucumber and nori seaweed, the sticky rice just perfect.

Chef Mark Wilson of Intercontinental, The Lalit came next. He  presented Baluchi food which was prepared by specialist Chef Mohd. Shokey. It might appear that Baluchi food is similar to Mughlai, but it is not so. The flavour is distinctively different and the Pasliyon Ka Salan which Chef Shokey cooked in a heavy bottomed copper handi had us licking our fingers, wishing it was not a tasting portion we got! Of course there was more he cooked, but for that you may turn to the recipe pages at the back.

When TV presenter Kunal Vijaykar donned the UpperCrust apron to start his session, there were questions immediately fired at him. Everyone wanted to know more about the food sojourns he makes all over India. Kunal in his witty manner interacted with the participants, laughing, talking and cooking at the same time. Earlier he had confessed to our editor that wherever he went, however remote a part of India, people would tell him Farzana Contractor had already been there! Yes, sure. UpperCrust Destination, where indepth coverage of a city or town is published, is a very, very, popular section of the magazine.

Well, Kunal cooked two dishes from the Pathare Prabhu repertoire, Suka Mutton and Kolambiche Khadkadla, topped with oodles of sense of humour.

When Chef Surendra Mohan of The Leela demonstrated Indian cuisine, we learnt things about our own cuisine that we did not earlier know. Some of the Indian food has evolved with the empires that had ruled in our country. From Aryuvedic food in Harappa to the popularity of roasted food, mainly mutton in the time when the Mughal Empire flourished to the curries that the British popularized, Indian food has traversed a long journey.

Everyone gathered there agreed Chef Surendra Mohan’s Bhurani Raita was a tad different from how we generally make it. The difference was due to the garlic paste and cream added to yoghurt. The Nali Chop Ka Pulao combined mutton and Basmati rice slow cooked in a vessel on coal fire. No pressure cooker, no gas burner. The taste tells the rest of the story. Words cannot do it justice.

For Subzi Galawati Kebab turn to recipe pages, it did not taste like vegetable kebabs at all, a miracle.

When Siddharth Kak came on the scene for the last demo of the season, there was a lot of excitement. We had heard and known of Kashmiri wazwan, but Kashmiri Pandit cuisine was new. Donning a Kashmiri fez cap, Siddharth in great form got into the act. He explained the nuances of this cuisine while his neice Sneh Kasba and Sunil Mattoo of Kong Poush started to cook. Matsh, finely chopped mutton shaped, into small meatballs in red hot gravy. Dum Aloo and Chaman Qaliya, paneer cubes cooked in a milk and turmeric. Very unusual. Thank you Siddharth and Sneh for enlightening us and you too Sunil Mattoo, specially for the thoughtful thank you gift you presented to us – Kashmiri zaffran.

While Chef Eli Zedaka and Chef Guy Itzhaki of Felafel, both Jewish could not make it back to India from Isreal, they did send their chef with a basket full of  felafals for us to taste. And Chef Latanzi of Oberoi who was also scheduled to demonstrate some Italian food had, understandably, gone home to Italy with his wife and six month old baby, for some relief. He will soon be back at Vetro one of the finest Italian restaurants in town.

Asha Khatau filled in the slot very well by cooking some quick snacks from her book, Epicure’s Appetisers Mocktails & Cocktails, which was launched at The Show by Farzana Contractor and mentally challenged students of  Sadhana Academy.

Another book which also made its debut at The UpperCrust Show was Garnsh Indian Curries by Saba Gaziyani. Saba also demonstrated some garnishings assisted by her son Altamash, a talented young lad.

Not to be outdone by demos in the courtyard, the demos, talks and workshops at the Expo Centre were bringing the roof down. Shiamak Davar was in his element, regaling the audience with stories from his life a perfect balance between, food, dance and spirituality. A question regarding the Bollywood star he likes to choreograph the most, got an instant answer “Madhuri Dixit!” The audience was treated to some of his dance techniques through two very agile dancers from Shiamak’s troupe.

Anil Malik, the GM of ITC Grand Maratha addressed the audience on Hotel Management – both theoretical and the practical aspects of running a hotel. Young students aspiring to join the hospitality industry were seen hanging on his sleeve after his talk, picking his brain. Very patiently and with great courtesy, Anil Malik a well-respected executive in the industry, enlightened each of them. The true sign of a successful hotelier.

Asher Berry of Amore talked about gelato making and nutritionist Naini Setalvad literally had people eating pistachios out of her hand while she extolled the virtues of eating this healthy nut. On the other hand there was Shonaalii Sabherwal, chef, counsellor, Macrobiotic Diet specialist guiding the listeners to a new way of eating which has hooked all of America presently.

The two most crowded demos were the ones conducted by Eric Lobo and Chef Anil Rohira who had come all the way from New York to specially create magic with chocolate.

Eric was conducting a liqueur making workshop. Most of us just pick up Bailey’s Irish Cream at Duty Free shops, Eric knows how to make it at home and he was sharing his secrets. And there were tasting portions going around amidst a mini riot.

Chef Anil Rohira, what can we say about him? That he was being hailed as a sweet darling? That the women present and 99% of the audience at his show were women, adored him. His knowledge, his expertise, his candid talks peppered with wit and humour were all welcomed. Of course the fact that he had two large trays filled with three kinds of tiny chocolate for tasting had everyone floored! That he sent packing, the dishy Aditya Bal of NDTV Good Times to serve it to them was even more appreciated. Chef Rohira created a wonderful chocolate display using edible colour. Was not easy, with so much of a crowd and body heat around, the chocolate was melting!

After this last demo, the great moment everyone was waiting for had arrived. The grand finale, the great grape crushing! The huge vat was already placed in position, right in the middle of the courtyard. The pulsating music was booming away. Kids and teenagers, young adults and the young at heart had all made their way to the vat. Imam Siddique the compere was at his best. Dressed in a happy, flowery shirt he got people singing. There were those who unabashedly took the mike and sang unity songs, as well as meaningful ones like, chodo kal ki batein, kal ki baat purani... When Malishka the Red FM Radio Jockey, the guest of honour came along, the crowd loved it even more. Malishka too sang a song and soon after Farzana Contractor, in UpperCrust Show tradition stepped into the vat full of 2,000 kilos of grapes,  leading the way for Malishka. It was frenzy unleashed. Fortunately Imam regulated the flow of grape stompers and no, the vat didn’t give way. But something else did. The lump in the throat that we were all carrying around subconsciously. In a most spontaneous act, someone began singing, Heal the World and everyone joined in, unanimously. It was beautiful. And then Iman jumped up on a high table and began, Jana Gana Mana… everyone  stopped whatever they were doing and solemnly sang along, from their hearts. We live in a great country and we must look after it.

All too soon the three days seemed to have gone by and nobody could tell us where.  All that they were telling us was, “Thank you, thank you and thank you.”

Well, we’d like to thank you too. For coming out in full strength and for appreciating our effort. Until next year. Same time, same place.

UpperCrust Palate Art
UpperCrust Palate Art saw Samir Mondal paint live at the 6th UpperCrust Show. It is an initiative which began last year when the very enterprising Farzana Contractor decided she wanted to revive the art form of Still Life, which she finds, “So pleasing to the eye.” The lamp was lit by the vivacious Chief Guest Perizaad Zorabian and Ebraheem Jetha of Manav’s Marvel - Art & Sculpture, presenters of this unique art event. In her welcome address Farzana Contractor recalled the beautiful painting which hung on the canteen wall at her college, St. Xaviers. “It was such an appropriate one, with fish, some fruits and vegetables in a platter, I used to love it. Since even before that I used to admire Still Life paintings and was in fact myself a weekend painter back in school. I used to paint fruits and flowers, light houses and landscapes. The canvases are lying on the loft at my parents house!”

When Samir Mondal started his workshop there was an immediate hush, the clinking champagne glasses and tantalizing hor-de-oeuvres from Joss, were temporarily forgotten. Mondal was in his element, he started from the initial drawing, going on to add water colour to paper with delicacy and graceful strokes, explaining at each step what he was doing, why and how. The audience, comprising the crème de la crème of society, was most appreciative, they were watching the canvas come alive on a large screen, right in front of their eyes. This was the first time in Bombay that an elegant ‘art class’ was happening.

Two hours later when Samir Mondal put his signature on the painting and held it up, there was a big applause. It was a masterpiece. Happy, red cherries lay scattered by a brown urn holding some orchids. A wonderful example of Still Life, just what was expected in a fusion of palate and palette, a synergy of food, wine and the good life, a depiction of what India’s premier magazine, UpperCrust is all about.

Bouquets Galore

We, at Meghsons have recieved tremendous feedback and orders are coming in non-stop.

The chocolate centerpiece demonstration was my first in India and definitely a memorable one. Arriving on site, I was so well received and helped by volunteers of the show, all my needs were taken care of to set the stage for the demonstration.

It always is very fulfilling professionally when you are presenting to a full house. I was touched by the enthusiasm of the people. The response and interaction was overwhelming. It far exceeded my expectations.

I did get a chance to walk the Show and interact with some of the vendors, the range of vendors was definitely impressive and all of them were very motivated to be there. The possibility to sample some of the finest food and wines makes the Show irrestible. The grape crushing later that evening definitely seemed like a lot of fun.

The Show definitely has grown to be a must for all food and wine enthusiasts. I am glad I was part of it.

All the very best for 2009, look forward to the Show next year.

We were fortunate to have launched our BeerMachine at your Show, the visitors came from such an elite class of Mumbai. We recieved many genuine inquiries and I personally believe that it’s only because of the goodwill of UpperCrust. It was almost like reading the visitor’s face and thought; “Product has to be good because it’s at Uppercrust Show!”

Thanks Farzana, thanks Rozina, thanks UpperCrust. And Cheers!