Neela Paniz

As a child growing up in Bombay, Neela Paniz, was drawn to the fragrant kitchen aromas conjured by their family's skillful cook, Chandan. His traditional Indian cooking inspired her love of this warm and cultured food which she has elevated with her own original style through the use of ingredients from the United States to create light, clear flavors for her bright and innovative dishes.

In 1985, Paniz defied the stereotypes of rich, heavy Indian dishes with her restaurants in Los Angeles: Chutney’s Indian fast food, and the hugely successful Bombay Cafe. Her book, The Bombay Cafe Cookbook, published in 1998, put her on the national map as one of the leading voices of contemporary Indian cuisine.

Neela’s opened in April 2009 in Napa and soon thereafter was awarded a three star rating by Michael Bauer of the San Francisco Chronicle, which she sold in 2012 to pursue writing, teaching and consulting. The New Indian Slow Cooker, her latest book will be published in September 2014.

Paniz was declared champion on Chopped, a Food TV show. The episode entitled “Duck for dinner” aired on December 13, 2011.

ABOUT NEELA’S INDIAN CUISINE

Characterized by its sophisticated and subtle use of spices and vegetables, the food of India is considered to be one of the most diverse and exciting cuisines in the world. In Indian homes, marketing is done daily, primarily at the farmers’ markets. The produce is never more than a day old and the chickens are plucked to order. In most meals, meat is used as a supplementary ingredient while combinations of lentils and rice provide complete proteins. Paniz has trademarked her style as contemporary and continues to blend the inherent flavors of the ancient Indian cuisine with the modern styles.