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Zee Zest Launches Pop-A-Lore, A Sensorial Experience Of India’s Culinary Brilliance

A series of culinary adventures that feature topnotch food blended with stories, the first edition of Pop-A-Lore throws the spotlight on Avinash Martins, a chef whose experience spans from Michelin-starred restaurants across the globe to leading brands in India.

From recipes crafted by renowned chefs to vibrant culinary journeys that explore the diverse flavours of the world, Zee Zest has always been at the forefront of creating immersive experiences that resonate with its audiences on a deeper level. And to further foster this connection, we are introducing our latest endeavour – Pop-A-Lore – where each month, renowned chefs will present signature dishes, share stories, offering insights into the ingredients, cultural influences, and more. 

The first edition of Pop-A-Lore features Avinash Martins, a chef whose experience spans from Michelin-starred restaurants across the globe to the Oberoi, Delhi. At present, Martins runs Cavatina in Goa, his venture where he unravels the various culinary secrets from the Saraswat and Portuguese communities in order to present his perspective on a plate. A big believer of “source locally”, his aspirations lie in taking Goan food to the rest of the world. 

True to his core philosophy and goals, chef Martins, who always  shines a spotlight on the unsung heroes of Goan cuisine by sharing their stories and craftsmanship,will be presenting a 14-course menu that will feature dishes such as The Poder Story (pao de queso, fig onion jam, kalchi kodi), The Farmer’s Story (beetroot and hazelnut crème brûlée, seeded cracker), Augustine’s Wonders of the Sea (seafood xec xec bisque), The Coconut Orchards of Goa (tender coconut carpaccio, solkadi, aamras, LTT, fried quinoa), Weaving Magic (locally-inspired Spanakopita, red amaranth, cashew butter), The Cabidel Inspiration (smoked duck, gochujang cabidel and jaggery treacle) and The Forests of Netravalli (potato rösti nest with pulled chicken, garlic aioli), among others. 

The popup will be held at Neuma, the glamorous restaurant owned by filmmaker Karan Johar in South Mumbai, and Pop-A-Lore’s venue partner. 

But what's truly unique about this inaugural edition of Pop-A-Lore is that 7 of the 14 courses from the 14 will feature an accompanying video piece from the show Food Fable and Family, which also features Martins. The show, which debuts on Zee Zest on July 19, will have the chef talk about the artisans of Goa and how his collaboration with them inspires his cuisines. 

Join us and experience an unusual and immersive adventure into the culinary wonders of Goa. 

Where: Neuma, Colaba Mumbai 

When: 7.30pm-10pm (limited seating), July 19 and 20 

How much: INR 4,500 plus taxes per person 

Tickets: Available on Zomato

Photo: Featured Brand