Christmas challenge

Owner of Graffiti, one of the most popular Indian restaurants in New York, Jehangir Mehta had become a household name when he emerged as a finalist of the popular American television show "The Next Iron Chef 2009.” He was in Bombay in end 2011 when invited to give a guest appearance on Masterchef India.

Jehangir Mehta: on TV programs

During his 30-hour shooting schedule, he challenged the contestants to make a Christmas dessert. "Hopefully shows like these will change people’s mindset about taking up cooking as a viable career option,” Mehta was quoted in The Indian Express of December 3, 2011. Over the years he has participated in many US television programs including "Martha” and "Food Network.”

The latest additions to the menu offered at Graffiti are Cumin eggplant buns and Thyme fennel relish, according to his website www.jehangirmehta. com That "the Indian palate has evolved so much over the last few years” was a pleasant surprise for the Bombay born and educated Mehta who has made his home in New York since 1994. Determined to visit a few restaurants before returning to USA, the 40-year-old commented, "If I were to open a restaurant in India, I think the time to do it is now… (But) it will depend entirely on the right partnership.” Incidentally, his fellow contestant and Japanese chef Masaharu Morimoto has started two outposts of Wasabi in India.

The enterprising chef is also the author of a cookbook Mantra: The Rules of Indulgence published by Harper-Collins and has launched an event management company (see "Graffiti speciality,” Zoroastrians Abroad, Parsiana, January 21, 2010).