Chow Down with Chowdhury: Punjabi CFFC Host Gireesh
We promised a look at more Chi Fan for Charity table hosts, so here we go. Gireesh Chowdhury is the owner of Punjabi Indian Restaurant and will also be hosting the table at his restaurant. Read on as he tells us about brainwashing and the secret dishes he’ll be cooking...
What is your history with Chi Fan for Charity?
This will be the second year running that I shall be taking part in CFFC. Last year we donated 20 seats from the restaurant; plus I personally sponsored 6,500 RMB for the event, as well as sponsoring a prize from the restaurant for the raffle. I also took up yearly sponsorships for children at Bethel’s orphanage.
What motivated you to join in on Chi Fan for Charity this year?
Haha! I think I would need to be brainwashed to NOT take part in CFFC. After taking part last year, and seeing the positive response of people who might not usually take part in charity events, I realized it’s worth it. And after meeting with the people who run projects like New Hope Foundation and Bethel, and seeing how these help children, only a heartless person would not take part in it!
What are the most important reasons to support the Starfish Project and the Little Flowers Project?
The Little Flowers Project, similar to New Hope last year, is helping disabled babies to survive, which is one of the noblest causes I can think of. And the Starfish Project allows many exploited women to take back control of their lives, and I hope they shall spread what they have learnt to others.
Have you had any experiences working with exploited women or disabled orphans that make your involvement in this year's CFFC especially personal?
I have supported various children’s charities, like “The Pratham Movement”, “Red Cross”, UNICEF, New Hope Foundation, and have personally been a part of Bethel for almost 2 years now. I love reading the little newsletters which Bethel sends out. I personally never managed to make a trip to any of the orphanages, since I feel that after just one meeting with the children, I shall stop all my work/business, and become a full time volunteer there. So I figured it’s better to stay at a distance and help in any way I can!
There are so many restaurants taking part - why should diners choose to sit at your table to support Chi Fan for Charity?
Hehe, you mean, besides the fact that I shall be personally cooking an awesome dinner at my own restaurant, with secret dishes which don’t exist yet and will be made only for this extravagant night? And of course, paired wines and champagne!
If you could go to any restaurant for CFFC 2012 which would it be?
I wanted to go to Barolo last year, and this year as well; since Barolo is one of my favorite (if not the most favorite) restaurant in Beijing (sometimes I think I favor it even more than my own!); but since I cook the CFFC meals, I cannot leave the restaurant. I am jealous that I won’t get to find out what extravagant dishes Chef Luca will create for this event!
Sometimes people find charity events stuffy and pretentious. What would you tell these people about Chi Fan for Charity?
Many people think, “Why should they spend a huge amount on a meal? How much of this money actually goes to the people who need it?” What these skeptics don’t realize is that the restaurants which are sponsoring these events don’t keep anything. Everything is donated, and it’s a chance to help others while at the same time enjoying a great meal and having a nice time with your friends, old and new.
A seat at Punjabi’s table for Chi Fan for Charity (Nov 10) costs RMB 700 per person and includes a five-course meal with paired wines, champagne and dessert wine. As with all CFFC restaurants, purchase of one seat includes entry to the after-party at Hatsune beginning at 10pm. Click here to reserve a seat.
Photo: Courtesy of Gireesh Chowdhury
