Check the slideshow above It is always interesting and fun to dine with someone who is passionate about the most fascinating thing on earth – Food! And what more could I ask for when I shared the table with a glamorous television actor, Rishina Kandhari, for dinner on at the luxurious Grand Sarovar Premiere’s 24-hour coffee shop, 180 Degrees, in Goregaon. We admired the festive look of the place with kandeels, silk drapes and a hostess dressed up in true Nawabi garb not to forget the delectable goodies which waited to tempt us with their flavor and taste. Chef Rehman and his khansamas from the Mecca of Nawabi cuisine floored us with a surge of hors d’oeuvres culled from the royal kitchens of Lucknow – lipsmacking tandoor item of Dhungara Murg Tikka, Mahi Kalimirch Haramasala...hmmm aromatic and zesty.... and Dal ke Shammi from live tawa. Just like Awadh cuisine that has panache of its own, I was impressed by my guest who was classy and knowledgeable. Rishina was the first guest I had who called for red wine and sipped on it elegantly, while elucidating, “Red wine goes with meat dishes and non-veg food. I love Red Devil, a heady concoction of 11 spirits, at Manchester Untied Cafe.” She is a pro when it comes to culinary matters and enjoys innovating with food. “I am fond of cooking, entertain friends and prepare yummy dishes when I am at home. The last time I did was Aankh Micholi wrap up party at my house where I tried my hand over Thai curry and rice and Orange Mood for dessert.” Tequila Chicken tops the list of her innumerable gastronomic experiments. Wow Rishina, methinks I will drop in at your place for my next column! Ultimately will this lady become a restaurateur? “No,” she smiles, “not a restaurateur. A food consultant is not a bad idea. I would love to be a part of a cookery show as a host or participant.” In the meanwhile she is busy shooting for Uttaran on Colors Channel. “It is the flashback of Raghuvendra Rathore’s (Gaurav Chopraa) first wife who is very ambitious,” she says. Her passions include dancing and theatre and she can sing nicely too. If all goes well, you will soon find Rishina’s single album on the shelves of music stores. Films too are on her agenda and if a good offer comes her way, she will be emoting on the silver screen. An ‘on your face person’, the mother of a cute girl hates hypocritical people. The Awadhi gastronomic expedition continued with the main course of Murgh Awadhi Korma, tender Paye ki Nihari, Gilafi kulcha followed by Ghosht Pulao Khasgi and Taheri Pulao with garlicky Lahsunni Palak Paneer and richly garnished Dal Sultani. After a sumptuous dinner of Nawabi relish combining a mélange of flavorsome spices and dum cooking, we bid goodnight to the dynamic GM and our host, Ajoy Balakrishnan. Rapid fire Q’s with Rishina Kandhari Foodie… I am a big time foodie. Fav cuisine… Italian. Junk food… A big No No. Sweet dish… Ras Malai. Can confidently cook… Almost anything. Single or dating… Married. Are you a shopaholic… YES! Brand conscious… I am brand conscious but I shop for non-branded items as well. A cheesy pick-up line you encountered.... My name is _____ and I am not gay, will you be interested in my number now? Quite hilarious na. Low point of your life… When I met with an accident If not an actor… Only an actor....am born to perform. Reality shows... Jhalak Dikkhla Jaa and Khatron ke Khiladi. Fave Bollywood actors… Kareena Kapoor and Aamir Khan. Pet peeve… I hate hypocritical people. Gizmo freak I love gadgets and have all the latest ones. Your fitness mantra I exercise regularly to stay fit. Beauty secret... Cleansing, toning and moisturizing twice a day is a must to keep your skin healthy. One thing that no one knows about you.... I am a fighter and can bounce back from any situation.