On 20thMarch, Bistro Vadouvan, the riverside restaurant in Putney, will be teaming up with Michelin-starred Éric Chavot for the launch of their new ‘Paris Meets Pondicherry’ series. Having learned his trade under the tutelage of Chef Chavot, Bistro Vadouvan’s Head Chef Durga Misra will be joined in the kitchen by his former mentor and dear friend, to launch a menu inspired by two cities that encapsulate the style of Durga’s cooking.
Durga’s appreciation for classical French fine dining first saw him in the kitchens of Pascal Proyart’s One-O-One in Knightsbridge, but it was at The Capital Hotel where he met Chef Chavot, reaffiriming his passion for French cuisine. In 2017 Durga launched his first restaurant, Bistro Vadouvan, with a menu that combines his classic French training and expertise with his understanding of spices, drawing from his Indian heritage and extensive travelling across the Middle East. A city that best reflects this style of cooking is India’s coastal city, Pondicherry, where the cuisine is influenced by the city’s large French community and whose cuisine is an expression of the Bistro Vadouvan ethos of ‘French meets spice.’
To kick off the evening, the bar team will be shaking up Bistro Vadouvan’s signature cocktail Bistro Sour made using whisky and curry leaves infused beer syrup. Guests will have a choice of two dishes for each course, starting with a beetroot croquette, flavoured with cinnamon and bay, alongside a salad of avocado and mint; or a beef tartar (an ode to Chavot’s decadent ‘beef tartar imperial’ at Bob Bob Ricard) with smoked aubergine, preserved lemon and toasted almonds. For main course guests can enjoy gurnard, cooked with fresh lime, coconut and green chilli and served to the table in a banana leaf. To finish, Durga has created a saffron and cardamom poached pear, with vanilla mascarpone cream. To accompany the food, an extensive wine list is available and a selection of champagne, for those celebrating.
Bistro Vadouvan is situated on Putney Wharf with picturesque views overlooking the Thames and Putney bridge. Outdoor seating on the river makes it perfect backdrop for alfresco dining. The homely, wooded interior is filled with natural light during the day and warm, pendant lighting sets the mood at night.
“The idea of a menu that takes influence from the two cites of Paris and Pondicherry perfectly sums up our cooking at Bistro Vadouvan, French dishes and techniques with a touch of spice” says Misra. “I remember when Durga first stepped into my kitchen many years ago as an eager fresh-faced chef. I can’t wait to be joining him to dish up a menu that really showcases the style and creativity that makes Bistro Vadouvan’s food what it is today” adds Chavot.