MUMBAI: Buck up for a gastronomical session as the New York based Michelin starred chef and restaurateur Vikas Khanna gets ready to take you on an adventure. The chef, in the third instalment of FOX Traveller’s Twist of Taste, would explore India’s vast coastline to hunt for the best curries and coastal dishes along the sandy beaches of Udvada, Ratnagiri, Goa, Mangalore, Udupi, Manipal, Kochi and Pondicherry, visiting places, meeting people and giving his signature touch to the local flavours. Aptly titled Twist of Taste: Coastal Curries will go on air from 20 Jaunuary, every Monday and Tuesday 9.30 pm.
During his trip, Vikas will meet home cooks, chefs, farmers, fishermen, bakers, merchants, restaurateurs and chocolatiers and watch them as they share with him their food, traditions and the story of their journeys.
FOX International Channels vice president, marketing Debarpita Banerjee says, “Food is a popular subject, a popular topic, and we plan to maximise the topic’s already wise reach with the new season of Twist of Taste, which itself is a flagship show for FOX Traveller. The audiences have loved the concept and we are excited to partner with Vikas Khanna in the third season of the show. ‘Twist of Taste: Coastal Curries’ reiterates our promise to bring more exciting and quality local content to the Indian audiences- that showcases travel and food in a whole new, sumptuous and exciting manner. Vikas is not just an excellent chef, but also a very aware and livewire traveller; he is a naturally instinctive cook, a ‘son of the soil’.”
The earlier two seasons of the show had the internationally renowned chef Vineet Bhatia as the host. However Banerjee says that this time around the chef’s time were not matching with the show’s schedule. Coincidentally, Vikas was more than happy to step in the shoes of Vineet.
“One of the main reasons he came on board was the fact that he wanted to explore the country he left years ago,” says Banerjee and continues, “and the various types of cuisines the country has to offer and we are confident that his energy and expertise will weave magic with taste buds.”
The chef, on his part exclaims, “I’m delighted to be a part of this exciting show. Through the show Twist of Taste, I have had a chance to explore India’s vast coastline and experiment with its cuisine. The people have been very warm in welcoming me into their kitchens and sharing their delicious recipes; I truly feel enriched with newer experiences!”
Given the raw nature of the program, the channel is aiming to tap 18+ audiences. Considering food is one of the easiest products to market, Banerjee says, “To market Twist of Taste, we have promoted heavily on various networks. From collaborating with Tata Sky’s Active Cooking to a digital social media spread out, we have tried to market it as much as a show which already has a good reach should be marketed.”
Inspired by all the delicious, timeless food and the riveting stories of people, Vikas visits the Twist of Taste kitchen to give it his own fascinating signature twist. From Caramelised Cucumber Cake to Shrimp Poha Biryani to Udupi Sambar Jar Cakes, Twist of Taste is bound to be a true culinary adventure.
