Chef Kiran Verma, who seems to never stop smiling, was grinning with extra verve during Recipe for Success' "The Flavors of India" dinner party in the River Oaks home of Bobbie and John Nau. For not only did the hostess dress up her garden with tented Indian party flair but guests fully embraced the theme, many dressing in saris and modern Indian dress.
Liz and Andy Stepanian, the Nau's daughter and son-in-law, joined in co-chairing the dinner evening and all three hosts (John Nau away on business) dressed to the nines, Bollywood style.
Verma had flown in from India only the day before the fundraiser but in plenty of time to oversee preparation of a truly delicious array of Indian street food. She might have called it street food but everyone agreed that these samplings were definitely dinner table quality. Consider the bison meatballs, pani poori shots, paneer samosas and the Tandoori quail legs, to name a few of the offerings. For sweets, the tables were filled with selections of mango mousse, saffron panna cotta, spiced chocolate truffles and cardamom short bread cookies.
Indian musicians performed background music while guests picked up their samplings beneath tents decorated in colorful Indian silks.
Among those savoring this special evening were Recipe for Success founder Gracie Cavnar and husband Bob, Kathy and Marty Goossen, Omana and Sam Abraham, Laura and Brad McWilliams, Sofia Adrogué and Sten Gustafson, Bonnie Campbell, Lesha Elsenbrook and Laura Goodrum.
Bobbie Nau, from left, Kiran Verma and Andy and Liz Stepanian.
