Thursday, March 17 @ 6:30 pm REGISTER

Conversation and Parsi Cuisine Demo with Authors Sujata Massey and Niloufer Mavalvala.

Navroze Mubarak!

Navroze or “New Day” in Farsi (Parsi) marks the first day of the spring equinox for the northern hemisphere, which falls on March 20/21 each year. It reminds us that the cold is coming to an end, and it’s time to cleanse our homes that have remained closed over the wintry days – a new year to start afresh. The occasion is celebrated with friends, families, and neighbors, sharing what we are fortunate enough to have with others. (Mubarak means congratulations.)

On March 17, we bring you a specially curated and deliciously crafted evening where we discuss the richly detailed and intricately plotted Perveen Mistry mystery series with Author Sujata Massey. Sujata’s immensely popular book The Widows of Malabar Hill seamlessly weaves together historical, political and social layers–suffocating colonialism, societal systems more concerned with appearance than equity, racial and gender disparities. Through Perveen Mistry, Sujata brings to life Bombay in the 1920’s and captures the fine details of Parsi culture. 

“Graceful prose and mastery of period detail . . . [The Bombay Prince] propels a rich story of female empowerment during a pivotal era.” -Kirkus Reviews

A favorite with our book groups, Perveen Mistry, the spunky, sari-clad lawyer, tackles mysteries with wit and a shrewd intelligence. Reviewing The Bombay Prince, Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Rose Code says, “Perveen’s investigation into the mysterious death of a young university student coincides with the imperial visit of the future Edward VIII, and the resulting trail of breadcrumbs through royal receptions, street riots, squalid jails, and lavish hotels makes for a deliciously satisfying read!”

In conversation with Sujata is Parsi culinary expert and author Niloufer Mavalvala. Niloufer has written two lavishly illustrated cookbooks with a treasure trove of authentic Parsi recipes. The Art of Parsi Cooking: Reviving an Ancient Cuisine and The World of Parsi Cooking: Food Across Borders are great for beginners as well as experienced cooks. 

Niloufer was born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan and her love for food combined with extensive world travel from a young age inspired her to experiment with world cuisines. She has written articles published in a variety of magazines, journals, and newspapers, and she has been a guest chef at Le Cordon Bleu in London and on the television show for The Cooks Cook in New Hampshire and, more recently, on Voice of Canada.

Niloufer warmly invites us into her home and kitchen as she demonstrates her favorite quick-n-easy recipe and details the unique history and culture of the Parsi community.

The Haftseen table is a symbolic tribute to the seven creations of the universe; fire, water, air, earth, metal, and the plant and animal kingdoms. It thanks the universe for what we have and pray for continuity in the days to come. It is called Haftsheen or Haftseen, where seven items that start with the sound ‘S’ or ‘Sh’ are placed on the table alongside other symbols. 

Join us for Mysteries and Spices on Thursday, March 17 @ 6:30 pm. REGISTER