Let's face it. We all need a Lady Whistledown (Bridgerton reference in case you're living under a rock) who would tell us EXACTLY what celebrities, influencers, founders, movers and shakers have in their little black book. So, we took on the challenge and chatted with Bangalore-based Chef Kavan Kuttappa. If you have lived in Bangalore long enough you'd know of the (unfortunately) now-closed The Permit Room and the inventive food that was served there. Chef Kavan Kuttappa was the man behind some of our favourite dishes such as NRI Idlis, Puliogare Poppers, Highway Pandi Curry, and Cubbon Park Salad there. Chef Kavan who's an alumnus of Culinary Institute of America has worked in top establishments such as Eleven Madison Park and Momofuku in New York and of course Olive Beach in Bangalore. Right now, he does the hugely popular ramen pop-up in Bangalore under his brand Naru. Between hand massaging noodles and serving up bowls, Kavan in his own words tells us his favourite things in no particular order.
A Few Of Chef Kavan Kuttappa's Favourite Things
Luxardo Maraschino Cherries
These are actual maraschino cherries and they are the gold standard for desserts and cocktails. It's imported directly from Italy, so you are getting the real deal. Nothing comes close. Also, you can use just the syrup for a multitude of drinks, and save the cherries for dessert!
Japanese Ramen Bowl
Take it from me when I say Nicobar has some good ramen bowls. This one here is the actual real deal when it comes to the proportion and size of ramen bowls that you get in Japan. In fact, this bowl is imported from Japan! And this is a very popular design too.
Royce Nama Chocolate
I've eaten chocolate all over the world but these are the first chocolates I had that made me feel like I tasted cocoa for the first time! Cannot get enough of them!
Tom Ford Perfume
I do like fragrances and this one is my personal favourite and something that I recommend to most of my friends. I know this works well because I always get a bunch of compliments when I am wearing this.
Air Jordan 1
As a sneakerhead, I'm always on the lookout for new drops but then there's nothing that beats the classic legend. This pair of Retro Air Jordan 1 in Dark Mocha is a timeless design that never goes out of style.
HMT Kohinoor
Fascinated by watches and of course HMT has a legacy story, a brand from Namma Ooru! Actually an HMT Kohinoor is my go to but its out of stock and difficult to get but found on Etsy.
Persol Shades
First pair of great sunglasses that I owned and lost to the sea, waiting to get my hands on a replacement!
BIC Lighter
Handy and always lights on the first try! I always end up buying a bunch of them at one go because all my lighters are stolen by friends all the time!
Japanese Chef's Knife
I own a rich collection is knives and when I recently discovered this brand's knives, I fell in love with knives all over again. Take it from when I say you need to have a Japanese Gyuto (chef's knife) in your knife collection.
Cotton Tees
You can mostly always spot me in a solid colour cotton tee. It works in Bangalore all year long! Capsul does a lot of streetwear brands that I love and Lord Nermal has tees like these in such unique colours. This one is Clay.
