Entertaining
Impress Dinner Party Guests With This Bengali-Inspired Meal
Published on May 17, 2019
You might think Calgary restaurateurs — partners in life and work — Maya Gohill and Cody Willis have a distinct advantage when it comes to throwing a seemingly effortless dinner party. Cody, a trained chef, is a partner in three of Calgary’s buzziest restaurants — Native Tongues Taqueria, Two Penny and Calcutta Cricket Club — and Maya, an artist and partner in CCC, designed its dreamy, Wes Anderson-inspired space. The power duo emanates relaxed confidence, but don’t be fooled: they know that experienced hosts leave nothing to chance.
Maya and Cody’s bright kitchen offers plenty of workspace for food prep. “When I was younger, I didn’t take an interest in cooking Indian food,” says Maya. “But now I feel pride in it — it’s a special thing.”
In their kitchen at home, they take a similar divide-and-conquer approach. “It’s fun,” says Maya. “He’ll cook the main and I’ll make the salad, but we’re doing it together.” Cody adds: “For me, it’s all got to be fresh. I go to the market, see what’s good and go from there.”
A statement wall defines Maya and Cody’s dining room
The couple’s hallway is filled with eclectic artwork and objects that beg to be discussed.
Their living room showcases a quirky mix of retro furniture and highly personal accent pieces.
They’ll throw two or three big parties every year, but the couple more often hosts smaller, relaxed get-togethers. “The key is to keep it easy,” says Cody. “I’d rather cook many tried and true recipes than one elaborate dish.”
Special ingredients like kaffir lime leaves and edible dried rose petals are key to creating authentic Indian recipes.
This lime and cardamom sipper sets just the right tone for the evening.
Get the recipe for Big Batch Rangpur Rickey Cocktail.
The combination of salty paneer, crunchy vegetables and creamy dressing makes this side dish a winner.
Get the recipe for Peas And Fried Paneer Salad.
A blend of spices gives these bites complex flavor.
Get the recipe for Grilled Lamb Kebabs With Mint Raita.
“The herbs give it a freshness,” says Maya about her mother’s recipe. “It’s just delicious!”
Get the recipe for Zarrein’s Shrimp Curry With Fragrant Rice.
Finish your feast with the sophisticated flavors of a cold, spiced dessert.
Get the recipe for Cardamom Panna Cotta.
Colin Way
House & Home April 2019
Produced by Emma Reddington and Eshun Mott