NEW YORK (TIP): Master Chef Sanjeev Kapoor and renowned Indian-American actor Manu Narayan hosted the Varli Culinary Awards in Manhattan on November 15. The inaugural awards are a revolutionary concept that honors the best culinary skills amongst varied categories related to Indian cuisine. Varli Singh, the brand owner, is a prominent member in the field of world cuisine and has been consistently promoting Indian cuisine internationally. “We really wanted to recognize and applaud the contributions and amazing achievements of Indian chefs, restaurateurs, and key influencers on the international culinary stage,” Singh said in a statement to the press at the event. Celebrated Chef Sanjeev Kapoor also extended his appreciation for the event.

“This is a wonderful platform to promote our Indian cuisine on a world stage. But most of all, this is a great opportunity to bring in the best chefs of Indian cuisine under one roof and celebrate our food together,” said Mr. Kapoor. Bollywood actor Chandrachur Singh, Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri and many other celebrity chefs, attended the exclusive black-tie event. Chef Jehangir Mehta judged the event along with popular UAE food critic Gaurav Tandon. The other panel of judges included culinary experts such as Vikas Khanna, Rajesh Bhardwaj and Hari Nayak. The award function also had a sample tasting of incredible Indian cuisine and delicious cocktails made by some of the best restaurants in the Tri-state area. “Guests will experience a classy and entertaining affair filled with celebrity personalities, delicious tastings, and of course drinks!” Varli Singh added. The event also introduced a new line of kitchenware called ‘Varliware’ which was much welcomed by the international attendees, as most are starved of traditional Indian cooking utensils.

The award categories and winners from the event are:Varli Appreciate Award
Sarina Amin – Diku Bhai – Hemant Mathur – Rajesh Bhardwaj – Avtar Walia – Sanjeev Kapoor

Varli Cook Off Contestants
Preet Singh – Reshma Bathija – Sonny Chatrath – Jyoti Singh – Roni Mazumdar – Niru Kumria (Runner up) – Saira Malhotra (Winner)

Best Mixologist
Raju Somerpet

Best Food Critic, UAE
Gaurav Tandon

Best Dessert & Pastry – Presented by Mithaas
Sweet Silk – Confections by Shefalee Patel

Best Restaurant, UAE – Presented by Nanking Restaurant Group
Signature by Sanjeev Kapoor, Dubai

Influential Women in the Restaurant Scene
Rohini Dey, Vermilion restaurants

Best Dessert & Pastry Chef
Jehangir Mehta, Grafitti & Mehtaphor

Best Chef 2012
Vikas Khanna, Junoon

Rising Star Chef – Presented by Junoon
Shravan Shetty, Urban Spice

Lifetime Achievement – Restaurateur
Avtar Walia, Tamarind restaurants

Lifetime Achievement – Chef
Sanjeev Kapoor

Best Chef, India
Sabyasachi Gorai

Best Restaurant, India
Indian Accent, New Delhi

Best Restaurant, Toronto
Amaya

Best Restaurant, Washington, DC
Indique Heights

Best Fast Food
Mithaas

Best Restaurant Upstate, NY
Jaipore

Best Restaurant, Connecticut
Thali

Best Restaurant, Long Island
Mint

Best Restaurant, New Jersey
Palace of Asia

People’s Choice – Best Restaurant New York City
Bukhara Grill

Critic’s Choice – Best Restaurant New York City
Junoon

Movers & Shakers
Rakesh Agarwal – Shaun Mehtani – Sneh Mehtani – Nitin Vyas – Shiva Natrajan – Avtar Walia – Kamal Arora – Rajesh Bhardwaj – KN Vinod – Surfy Rahman – Gary Sikka – Prasad Chirnomula – Munish Narula