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Published on November 4, 2007

People are already gearing up for Loy Krathong, but a few weeks before, they shouldn't forget Diwali, the Indian Festival of Lights.

For this occasion, the Conrad folks, along with the Indian community, are planning something completely different. Imagine Diwali Bollywood style with guest DJs Varin and Sukhin. Imagine lots of prizes, including a pair of roundtrip tickets to Krabi and Bangalore by Nok Air; dinner vouchers on the Chao Phya Cruise; a home fountain decorative piece from Davinci; and dining vouchers for Conrad outlets.

More to the point, imagine a set menu designed by Italianate Chef de Cuisine Riccardo Pacifici. Yes, the dishes are Italian but with hints of an Indian influence.

"Oh, call it Italian-Indian fusion," Chef Pacifici smiles. For this one evening, you'll be able to taste this chef's cleverness. The lentil soup is flavoured very lightly with cardamom, and as a bow to tandoor cuisine, he's used the oven to turn his tagliolini crunchy.

The hearty braised lamb shank ragout is accompanied by pappardelle infused with saffron and chilli. The roasted red snapper comes with a Madras curry sauce, very mild by both Thai and Indian standards, but with pinenuts and pappadams.

For dessert, you can enjoy three creme brulees, one flavoured with cinnamon, one with cardamom and one with pandan.

Chef Pacifici has created another menu for vegetarians, featuring tempura of zucchini flowers stuffed with ricotta, served with greens, pappadams and Madras curry sauce. Just be sure to state your preferences when you book your tickets. Should you wish to skip the dinner and attend just the drawing, the ticket is Bt800 (including two drinks and one shot at the lucky draw). You really shouldn't miss Chef Pacifici's creations, though. Tickets for the four-course dinner, including one drink and two shots at the lucky draw are Bt1,480.

Laurie Rosenthal

The Nation