Amidst world-famous theme parks, dining in Orlando has become a primary attraction. The City Beautiful was ranked number 13 in The New York Times “52 Places to Go in 2015,” and its chefs took home four 2015 James Beard House semifinalist nominations. It’s officially true that #OrlandoDoesntSuck. Contributing to the change in pace is American Gymkhana, a modern Indian concept, who will present the Flavor Farm Series on Friday, April 3, 2015. The new restaurant will host four-time James Beard-nominated Chef Hari Pulapaka of Cress in DeLand, to cook alongside its Executive Chef Aarthi Sampath.
The evening serves up a unique dynamic, where two chefs celebrate their Indian culture through five courses using Central Florida ingredients juxtaposed with Indian spices.Guests can choose from two pricing options; $110 includes a five-course tasting menu, wine or cocktail pairings, and the mini cocktail hour or $75, which excludes the wine or cocktail pairings.
Adding to the mix, award-winning mixologists Hemant Pathak and Jenneffer Pulapaka, will create wine and cocktail pairings in American Gymkhana’s cocktail lounge. Pathak, a celebrated mixologist from India, has been recognized across the globe at events, such as the Bacardi Legacy Cocktail Competition and the Diageo World Class Global Competition.
Tickets for the evening can be purchased online here.
ABOUT AARTHI SAMPATH: Chef Aarthi Sampath is a native of Mumbai, India who journeyed to New York City after five years with the prestigious Taj Group in India. She was afforded an internship at Junoon, the highly acclaimed, four-time Michelin-starred restaurant. Sampath worked under the tutelage of ChefVikas Khanna, who she credits as having influenced her vision to include that “modern element” to her dishes. In 2014, Chef Aarthi accepted the offer to helm the kitchen at American Gymkhana, sister restaurant of Junoon.
ABOUT CHEF HARI PULAPAKA: Chef Hari Pulapaka, is a native of Mumbai, India and is the executive chef and co-owner of the highly acclaimed Cress Restaurant in DeLand, Fla. A champion of local and sustainable ingredients, Pulapaka participated in the James Beard House’s first Chefs Bootcamp Policy and Change. He’s also a four-time James Beard semifinalist and a two-time nominee for Food & Wine Magazine’s The People’s Best New Chef.
- WHEN: Friday April 3, 2015, First seating: 6:30 p.m., Second seating: 8:30 p.m.
- WHERE: American Gymkhana
Photo Credits: brunch photos – Spork, all other photos – American Gymkhana
