Ivan Saldanha-Shet

Sydney, Oct 11: An enterprising, dedicated Mangalurean lady living in Australia, Lavina Mendonsa, nee' Coelho, lovingly called 'Lavi' by family and friends, grew up in old South Kanara. After much thought, work and very systematically analyzing Indian cooking over many years, she is now all set to launch her book, 'Deliciously Indian' toward the end of October in Sydney, Australia.

Down under, she is better known as 'Catherine', her second name, to her colleagues and friends where she lives with her husband Ivan and son Niel since mid-1980s. Her prowess in the unique Mangalurean and Indian cooking and food, spurred by her large social circle, has motivated the bringing out of this complete book containing 230 pages for all food lovers world over. It is indeed fortunate to give you here a preview into this tremendous book, authored for future generations to savour better and healthier food.

Lavina Mendonca learned early cookery skills in traditional form from her mother as was the normal practice. Even when she was very young, she recalls, her mother would invite her into the kitchen. She mentions that her mother once said to her, ”The way to people's hearts is through their bellies and a husband will be tied to your apron strings by the food you dish up for him.” Indian food was influenced by the colonization of the French, British, Dutch, Portuguese, Arabs, Chinese and Persian traders. Indeed, the Portuguese ruled Goa for 400 years and during this time they made significant contributions to the food culture. You can experience all this through this book.

Famous Cookery tome 'Randhpi'

It is worth mentioning that Lavina Catherine nee' Coelho is the grand-niece of Isidore John Coelho (1878-1968), the author of the famous legendary cookbook by which Mangalureans swear, ‘The Chef’ ('Randhpi' in Konkani). Isidore Coelho is the brother of Lavina's grandfather, Marian Coelho. Lavina's early remembrance goes back to her mother and grandmother referring to an old copy of this ancient cooking bible, the original copy that the great personality presented to her parents personally on their wedding day. She, with a glitter in the eye, adds, "The original copy of which was given to me by my mother when I came to Australia, although now in tatters, holds a place of pride in my house as the sacred book is now over 75 years old."

Further, Lavina generously adds, "My forthcoming book 'Deliciously Indian', is a practical compilation of traditional Mangalurean recipes, dishes from other regions of India that I learnt to cook in Australia - from starters, snacks and soups to main meals that cater to meat and fish lovers and vegetarians. There are recipes for rice, breads, salads, chutneys, pickles, desserts and even a section for spice powders. These recipes have been trialled to perfection and come from the kitchens of Coelho and Mendonca families. I dream that you will enjoy cooking and eating the delicious recipes that fill each page of this book with true love and also will create connections within families and between people, as it has done for us.

More information will follow post-release of the book. It is always my dream that these recipes stay alive for many future generations to come. I dream that no matter where you are in the world, you will at once feel a sense of home each time you cook a recipe from this book. My best wishes too. Indeed this book ‘Deliciously Indian’, (ISBN-9780648530800) will make delicious dreams of sentimental nostalgia for generations, a reality for millions.”