experiment #69 - Cobaya Rancho Patel with Chef Niven Patel

Honestly, we weren't sure what would happen when we decided to do a dinner down in Homestead, where Chef Niven Patel – who is very close to opening his restaurant, Ghee, in Downtown Dadeland – has his backyard farm. We were even less sure when Niven told us he wanted to do 80 seats – could we get that many people to make the pilgrimage down south?

As it turns out, we not only had a full house, we set a record for the number of requests. It was a much bigger group than we usually do, but I'm really glad we got to share this event with so many people, as it was a special one – a beautiful night to sit under the stars and sample Niven's inspired, farm-to-table Indian cooking.

Here's what he made for us. You can see pictures in this Cobaya Rancho Patel flickr set, and stay tuned for recaps.

Welcome Cocktail

ghee wiz sake | basil infused mango juice | clove and coriander simple syrup

Passed

backyard pakora | taro leaf | sweet onion

Florida shrimp toast | charred scallion | sesame

chickpea roll up | black mustard  | cilantro

First

roasted chicken samosa | peanut chutney | pickled garlic | green papaya

beet cured cobia | grapefruit | puffed rice | avocado | pickled turmeric

tandoor roasted broccoli | marinated peppers | sweet onions

roasted green millet | red onion | heirloom tomato | sev | cilantro chutney

Blackpoint Brewery Golden Ale, Miami Florida

Second

dry aged ribeye | eggplant | heirloom tomato sauce

lamb kofta | fenugreek | plumped raisins | cashews

baby cucumber | green mango | radish | chaat masala

black eyed pea basmati | lentils | curry leaf

grain naan

MIA Brewing Cmpany Neon White IPA, Miami Florida

Dessert

purple yam puran puri | cardamom | Florida strawberries | almonds

Black Velvet, strawberry chocolate stout, Rose Regale sparkling wine

A big thank to you Chef Niven, to all his family and crew at Rancho Patel, to Edukos for the beverage pairings and Island Sky Water for the atmospherically harvested water, and an especially big thank you to all of the guinea pigs who drove all the way down to Homestead to participate in this event. Everything we do is only made possible by your support - thanks.