Diwali Festival of Lights

The Hindu festival of Diwali is a four-day celebration throughout India with feasting and the lighting of small oil lamps in honor of the goddess of good fortune. People from all age groups participate–lighting earthen ‘diyas’ (lamps), decorating the houses, setting off firecrackers, and inviting friends and family to their homes to share a sumptuous feast. The Festival of Lights is celebrated around the world in many different cultures where the lights or lamps signify victory of good over the evil within every human being.

Those fortunate enough to celebrate the holiday at the James Beard House enjoyed an illuminating meal prepared by the talented chefs behind Dévi: Suvir Saran, Hemant Mathur and pastry chef Surbhi Sahni.

All New Yorkers in the know, welcome the recent news of the reopening of restaurant Devi, the place to go for authentic home cooking with authentic flavors, aromatics, condiments
and inspirations from homes of the diverse regions of India. Check out  the rave review by Gael Green of New York Magazine.

For our special evening the menu included one hit after the other:



Hors d’Oeuvre

Potato and Pea Samosas with Tamarind-Date Chutney

Masala Chicken Wings

Shammi Kebabs > Lamb and Chickpea Lentil Cakes with Mint-Yogurt Chutney

Crab, Shrimp, and Salmon Cakes with Pickled Green Chile Mayonnaise

Raats Family Wines Original Chenin Blanc 2006
Mulderbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé 2006


Dinner

Spinach Chaat with Crispy Spinach Leaves, Black Chickpeas, Chickpea Noodles, and Spiced Yogurt Sauce
Buitenverwachting Riesling 2006

Shrimp, Calamari, and Sweet Pepper Fritto Misto with Curry Leaf-Scented Tomato Sauce
The Foundry Viognier 2006

Bombay-Style Koliwada Halibut with Lettuce, Radishes, Tomatoes, Scallions, and Naan Croutons
Tokara Chardonnay 2005

Goat Cheese and Garam Masala Pesto-Stuffed Chicken with Saffron, Currant, and Spice-Scented Rice Pilaf
De Toren Z 2004

Emperor’s Morsel Shahi Tukra > Indian Bread Pudding with Cardamom Cream and Candied Almonds
Klein Constantia Vin de Constance 2001


Dining with the Devi team was an experience in itself. It was the first time I saw people sharing food in the kitchen at  the James Beard House family style. The chefs truly embraced this communal experience, offering up plates to everyone as they entered; as I am sure they would do in their homes. Suri was the perfect host, stopping by everyone’s table to chat and talk about each dish;  he even asked me if I had tried the food while I was in the kitchen shooting–all ready to plate a special dish for me. The food was delicious and Devi’s desserts are incredible! Next time you are in NY, treat yourself to a truly wonderful experience.


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Devi
8 East 18th Street
between Broadway & 5th Avenue
212-691-1300

http://www.devinyc.com