Launch of Masterchef Sanjeev Kapoor's Restaurant 'Sura Vie by tyc' in Punjabi Bagh

I was awestruck!! I couldn't believe my luck!! In my mail were two invites to meet two of my favorite people - Madhuri Dixit and Sanjeev Kapoor - both megastars in their respective field.

Madhuri Dixit was in Delhi to launch Brooke Bond's new flavour of Darjeeling tea - Taj Mahal. Grown up in an era where Madhuri Dixit's was considered an icon for her acting skills, I was immensely thrilled at the prospect of meeting her in person. 

The second mail was an invite to attend the launch of Masterchef Sanjeev Kapoor's new restaurant 'Sura Vie by tyc' in Punjabi Bagh. India's most celebrated Chef Sanjeev Kapoor needs no introduction. A household name, renowned Celebrity chef, entrepreneur, host of the extremely popular TV cookery show 'Khana Khazana' (which I believe is the longest running show of its kind in Asia and was telecast non-stop on TV for more than 17 years), author of many best selling cookbooks, National Award winner for 'Best Chef of the Year 2008', recipient of Best Executive chef of India Award by H & FS and the Mercury Gold Award at Geneva by IFCA besides many other accolades adding to his fame. He is also the mastermind behind the conception of India's first 24X7 Food Lifestyle channel 'Food Food', a treasure trove of inspiring recipes telecast on TV throughout the day, an amazing concept for food lovers like me.

Infact, my journey into the world of cooking actually began thanks to the great chef. As a newlywed in 1993, I was totally new to the world of cooking. That was the time Sanjeev Kapoor's cookery show Khaza Khazana had just started airing on TV. His charming personality and easy narrative style made him instantly connect with the audience young and old alike, keeping us totally glued to his show and diligently following his recipes to the last word (his dish Shaam -Savera which was spinach and cottage dumplings in tomato gravy, still

ingrained in my mind after all this years). Sanjeev Kapoor's style of presentation made the hardest of recipes look like fun, instilling in you the confidence that yes, even the most novice of us can cook. 

Reading carefully, I realized that unfortunately both the invites were for the same day!! Not fair at all!! Considering the distances and the time taken to travel in Delhi, as much as I would have loved to, it was impossible for me to attend both the events. So a decision had to be made.

There are no prizes for guessing what I chose - did I decide to meet the beautiful Madhuri Dixit or went ahead to meet the person who inspired in me the passion for cooking? 

Guessed right!! Without a second thought, I decided to follow my heart and attend Chef Sanjeev Kapoor's event, because, after all cooking is what I am passionate about too.

With the grand success of the first restaurant in Connaught place, Master Sanjeev Kappor unveiled the second Sura Vie by Tyc (tyc stands for The Yellow Chilli group, incase you haven't figured it out) to delight the palates of the people of West Delhi. The name of the restaurant Sura Vie rightfully is a combination of the words Sur (meaning a musical note in Sanskrit) and Vie (french for life). The menu which has been handcrafted by the Masterchef himself, is a fine compilation of international cuisines and fusion food. Tucked in the posh locality of West Delhi, Punjabi Bagh, Sura Vie is a family restaurant which, according to Chef Saurabh has a little something to delight everyone's palate whether it be North Indian, Chinese, Thai or Italian cuisine. It also seems to be very popular for holding kitty parties.

I was amongst the first to reach the restaurant. I know what you are thinking. No, it wasn't my eagerness to meet the chef which was entirely the reason. Delhi had just received it first pre-monsoons showers and though it brought a big relief from the sweltering heat, everyone knows what happens when it rains in Delhi. Total chaos on the roads and huge traffic jams had everyone else running late.  

At the launch of this franchise outlet, Chef Sanjeev Kapoor said, “I am delighted to be in West Delhi to launch the Sura Vie by Tyc concept. We always do a lot of research on the menu and deliver exactly what our patrons want. Sura Vie is a perfect destination for the people who love fusion food. It has a variety of about four cuisines from across the globe". He also said that “I am overjoyed to set up Sura Vie in West Delhi as I have spent my childhood days in this area and I wanted to open one of my restaurants here. I always wanted to tap this region of Delhi and I am extremely grateful to have finally one of the restaurants here. Sura Vie is a perfect destination for the people who love fusion food. It has a variety of about four cuisines from across the globe.” 

Also on the occasion, Franchisee owner of Sura Vie by tyc- Mr. Navneet Gupta said, “It is a great honor to be an owner of the restaurant which is under the umbrella of Chef Sanjeev Kapoor. I have been into this industry from about two decades and I am excited to add Sura Vie too in my kitty. I wanted to open an Indian restaurant to diversify & liked chef’s recipes, tastes & presentation. I am so happy fulfilling this obligation today.”

At the restaurant, we got to savour some delicious snacks and refreshing mocktails. Each snack served was distinctive in taste and presented creatively. Unfortunately as the event started pretty late due to Chef Sanjeev Kapoor's flight being delayed due to bad weather, the thought of driving back alone to Gurgaon at night prompted me to leave early. I couldn't stay back for dinner, even though the lavish spread looked extremely tempting. 

But I leave you here with a few mouthwatering visuals of the food served that day to feast your eyes on. After a sample tasting of the outstanding cocktails, atleast I will surely be going back to sample their main course.

Chandi kaliyan- mild flavored chicken tikkas with wealth of cheese and lemon butter with warming spices and fresh basil.

Sukha murgh siyamirch - cheese and yogurt marinated boneless chicken cooked on dum with peppercorn and loads of fresh coriander

Sura vie nachos -served with jack montrey cheese,refried beans and pico de galo

Fish Curry Patta - crunchy crumb fried fish nuggets with a touch of South Indian flavors and crunchy curry leaves.

Shabnam ke moti.

Prawn sticks - shrimps rolled in spice crumbs, pan fried and served with smoked mustard sauce.