Q&AIn Fine Taste: Rado’s ‘Elements Of Time’ Served With Flair
The Watch Guide covers a ‘natural’ affair between food and watches, as haute horlogerie inspired fine gastronomy—executed to perfection by chef, Vicky Ratnani, in a unique interpretation of Rado’s elements
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Known for their innovations in styles and materials, Swiss watch manufacturer, Rado unveiled its latest collection at a grand soirée in Chandigarh on the 20th of July. The revolutionary Lengnau-based brand whipped up an event that certainly left a pleasant after-taste among attendees. Highlighting the spirit of the presentation of the evening—revolving around the ‘Elements of nature’—a friend of the brand, Chef Vicky Ratnani conceptualised an exceptional menu. Staying true to the brand’s philosophy, ‘if we can imagine it, we can make it’, guests were ushered into an ambience that was an amalgamation of the history, design philosophy and nature that have inspired Rado’s latest collection. On display were stunning watches from the HyperChrome, DiaMaster, True Thinline and Tradition families that commanded complete attention at the do. We had a little tête-à-tête with Vicky Ratnani, the man behind the creative menu that elevated all sensory feelings.
As one of the most iconic and experiential chefs in the culinary space, how would you articulate your creative association with Rado?
The whole Rado collection is about the elements of time. Time is one thing you can’t fool and if you don’t respect time, either you’re left behind or miss the bus. The connection between time and cooking is deep. Cooking is about precision, it is all about the timing—if you cook too much, you ruin the dish and if you undercook it, it is not palatable.
How have you married your creative cooking skills and imagination with Rado’s innovative 2018 novelties that are inspired by nature?
I’ve tried to marry avant-garde cooking and a reflection of time by incorporating ancient cooking methods and striking a combination of the old and the new world. Converting that ideology on the plate, part of the menu is a unique Raan technique—a family style of slow cooking, resulting in a dish inspired by ancient grains but cooked like risotto.
Bronze and earthy brown are raging trends, beautifully captured by Rado in its latest collection. Was there a hint of that in your menu?
The entire ethos, philosophy and concept of the menu is about comfort and technique, right from the first course—the soup, which has a sentimental connection as it is considered a dish with which guests are welcomes. Laced with creamy almonds, saffron and parmesan, it had a warm undertone.
Rado offsets elements, yet perfectly balanced. How did that nuance translate to your cooking?
From a chef’s point of view, the second course is based on the fruits of the earth, which create a multidimensional dish, full of vibrant colours and a diverse taste. It was created solely using organic local produce—inspired by Rado’s organic time collection. The Mithai (sweet) Shop was an apt way to end the course making for a 360-degree experience, adding to the different elements.
Explore in-depth how Rado has shown mastery in their craft, with their 2018 collection.