The Gathering Returns to Mumbai with a Spectacular Fusion of Food and Art
This weekend, Mumbai's historic Mukesh Mills in Colaba will transform into a vibrant hub of creativity. The Gathering festival makes its much-anticipated second edition debut. It promises an immersive experience that masterfully blends culinary arts with fashion and design.
An Event Designed to Connect People
Founder and festival director Sushmita Sarmah explains the core vision. "Many things in today's world fragment us," she states. "We lack spaces where people from different social circles can genuinely connect. This festival aims to encourage those meaningful interactions." The event directly addresses this need by creating a unique communal atmosphere.
Star-Studded Culinary Line-Up Presents Innovative Menus
The festival boasts an impressive roster of culinary talent. Kolkata's celebrated 'momo queen' Doma Wang teams up with her daughter, Sachiko Seth. Together, they will present a special five-course menu. This offering draws inspiration from Wang's childhood memories in her father's Kalimpong noodle factory.
Seth, who runs Popo's restaurant in Kolkata, describes their approach. "We are presenting a modern interpretation of Tibetan cuisine," she reveals. Their innovative dishes include:
- Laphing (traditionally cold mung bean noodles) served with fresh scallops.
- A rich tartare made with dried yak, smoked pork lard, and churpi.
- Ema datshi featuring grilled peppers stuffed with mushroom and rice.
Seth emphasizes their commitment to authentic ingredients. "We sourced the smoked pork from Dimapur and the dried yak from Bombila in Arunachal Pradesh," she informs.
Where Fashion Meets Food on the Plate
Chef Niyati Rao takes a distinctly creative path. She finds inspiration in her mother's wardrobe, specifically her collection of beautiful sarees. For this event, Rao collaborates with the renowned fashion brand Abraham & Thakore.
"Each course draws from a specific textile tradition," Rao explains. "We express these traditions through ingredients native to similar geographical regions." Her menu features a khadi-inspired warm grain bread course. It comes with hand-churned buffalo butter and nolen gur (date palm jaggery). For dessert, she crafts a delicate creation infused with milk, rose, beetroot, almond, and orange blossom. This sweet dish pays homage to Lucknow's rich chikankari embroidery legacy.
A Venue Transformed by Art and Design
The dining space itself becomes part of the experience. Architect and designer Udit Mittal will install captivating works. His installations explore themes of material memory. They will cleverly transform the venue, evoking the nostalgic feel of a traditional noodle shop using bamboo cane.
More Than Just a Meal: Workshops, Talks, and Music
The Gathering offers far more than exceptional food. Attendees can enjoy a full schedule of engaging activities:
- Interactive workshops led by experts.
- Thought-provoking literary talks.
- Live music performances to set the mood.
- A hidden speakeasy-style cocktail bar for crafted drinks.
The festival runs from January 16th to 18th at Mukesh Mills, Colaba, Mumbai. Tickets are available for purchase on the District by Zomato platform.
Winter Flavours Bloom Across Mumbai and Bengaluru
As the winter season settles in, other restaurants across India are also celebrating seasonal harvests and regional specialties.
In Mumbai's Kala Ghoda, Folk restaurant presents chef Jasleen Marwah's winter menu. It highlights comforting regional dishes like slow-cooked Ladakhi chutagi soup and Bihari litti chokha.
Meanwhile, Silver Train in Lower Parel offers a royal harvest feast. This special menu revives dishes from erstwhile royal kitchens, featuring items like panakam drink and a grand thali with seasonal specialties.
In Bengaluru, the new restaurant Lohri celebrates the Punjabi harvest festival. Their menu is packed with regional winter delights. Patrons can enjoy Sarson da Gosht, Khoya Mutter Makhana, and classic desserts like gajrela.
