What’s at steak?

Friends and colleagues describe Jyothish Varghese as an avid music lover, a die-hard movie buff, a talented cricketer and a loyal friend.

But ask Jyothish where his passion lies and he will reply: “The hat that I wear with the utmost pride is that of Chef de Partie at the Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain”.
A popular face at Mövenpick’s Sizzling Steak Night every Thursday, 27-year old Jyothish, right, has already spent seven years delivering one lip-smacking delicacy after another for some of the leading hotel chains like the Taj and ITDC Groups in India and, of course, our very own Mövenpick in Bahrain.
A specialist in Asian and Continental cuisines, he is currently bowled over by the concept of live cooking that the Mövenpick wholeheartedly promotes at it’s fine dining restaurant Silk’s.
“Live cooking is a fascinating concept that has led to our theme nights becoming an absolute rage amongst true connoisseurs of fine dining in Bahrain.
“Live cooking is like doing theatre … you just get one chance and one has to get it right in front of the guests.
“The diner stands right in front of you watching your every move as you cook his dinner to suit his specific taste. Without an opportunity to sample the finished product, the chef has to get the right blend of taste and presentation and that too within a strict timeframe.
“We do a minimum of 100-or-more live orders on every theme night. It’s challenging and exciting at the same time.
“As opposed to taking down an order from the waiter inside the kitchen and being totally detached from the dining area, here the guest communicates directly with you.
“The upside is that the compliments are direct too and are a true reward for any chef.”
Silk’s offers a variety of steaks like tenderloin, T bone, sirloin and more. “
There’s also a buffet with the choicest kebabs, koftas and international delicacies on every steak night,” Jyothish added.
Whilst sharing his own favourite steak recipe, Jyothish underlines: “Nothing can make up for the advantage of starting with the best and freshest ingredients. The secret is to buy fresh meat, not frozen, and to cook it immediately after cutting. What’s more, the steak is grilled on live hot coals giving it an added flavour.”
But what is the secret behind the well-rounded flavour that Mövenpick’s steaks have? Jyothish quipped: “We soak the meat briefly in a special marination which holds the moisture right in, not letting it escape - thus leaving a fresh, tender and mouth-melting steak on the plate.”
Question: So what is the special marination then?
Answer: “That is the secret to the well rounded flavour.”
A tasty tease if ever there was one!