Cookery School

A mainstay of the capital since 1996, the multi award-winning La Porte des Indes offers a unique style of Indian cooking inspired by the French Creole cuisine of Pondichéry and other former French trading posts in Southern India. Renowned executive chef Mehernosh Mody spent several months in the region researching traditional dishes and persuading the locals to part with closely guarded family recipes. The result is a matchless culinary experience and one which this iconic establishment is now offering clients the chance to share.

On the final Friday of every month, Mehernosh hosts an umissable master class during which he will show students how to recreate La Porte des Indes’ fabulous dishes at home.

Ideal as a gift, as a corporate event or indeed for anyone interested in cooking, the proceedings begin with a welcome drink and a tour of the kitchens. Mehernosh then reveals how he reinterpreted traditional recipes to create much loved La Porte signature fare like Cassoulet de Fruits de Mer, a rich seafood stew simmered in 'vindai' spices, and Poulet Rouge, shredded chicken marinated in yoghurt and red spices served in a creamy sauce.

There will then be an opportunity to watch the master and his team at work – and the chance to sample the finished results! Suggestions will also be given on the best food and wine pairing options.

Along the way, Mehernosh will offer indispensable advice and tips on the huge array of herbs and spices that are the mainstay of Indian cooking, including how to source, prepare and store them.

At the conclusion of this most fascinating and informative of tutorials, guests will be invited to enjoy the delights of La Porte des Indes' lunch menu, comfortable in the knowledge that they will soon be conjuring up such delicacies themselves!

Timings are from 12pm until 1.30pm with a 3 course lunch from 1.30pm onwards. The price is £45 per person to include VAT. Guests will also receive a signed copy of the best-selling La Porte des Indes cookbook, a complimentary spice mix and a certificate of participation.

The next class will take place on Friday 30th March 2012.