Dimsuming with Viraf Patel at Ping Pong

Check the slideshow above Being an avid viewer of Ek Boond Ishq on Life OK, I had become a fan of the lead pair – Viraf Patel aka Mrityunjay Shekawat and Chavvi Pandey aka Tara, not to forget the versatile Vishwajit Pradhan - Rudra Pratap or Kalavati as he comes by, whom I have already featured in my column. After following up with the lead actors for an appointment, I finally managed to nail the dashing Viraf who promptly agreed to meet me over dinner after his return from his hometown in Pune and sweetly kept his word. Oriental was his preferred cuisine, ‘so be it’ I said, not before arguing about zeroing in on a Parsi eatery to which he said jokingly “I cook the best Parsi dishes this side of the City”. I knew I was going to have a blast with this guy over my fave time pass – eating – which incidentally is also is his! When I told him I loved his long-haired and bearded look in the beginning of the show, Viraf was quick to reveal, “Actually Mrityunjay is the most distant from my inherent persona. I am grateful to co-producer (besides BBC) and creative director Saba for allowing me to explore a zone I have never been in.” He credits his loving brothers Minocher and Farhad as the wind underneath his wings. Just like the twists and turns of Ek Boond Ishq we also liked the brand new international chain of dimsum restaurant’s bouncy name Ping Pong, its underplayed, monochromatic interiors, dramatic lighting and twisted cocktails with delicious dimsums. Mirah Hospitality is responsible for bringing this hugely popular London-based dimsum restaurant brand to Mumbai and I had a self-confessed true-blue Parsi to try out their array of specialities. By that I meant one who is game to try out any non-veg dish. More revelations by the actor when it came to food, “I have unwittingly eaten crispy fried grasshoppers and other insects while at Bangkok.” “I hate menu cards. Just bring whatever is special here and we go with the flow,” says the ex-sailor, actor and anchor who detests being slotted for fixed patterns, “just flow like the river” is his motto who loves when people break rules. Dennis Chelai Wu, the Asst. General Manager, made sure that our plates were constantly replenished with little steamed parcels of deliciousness, fried or grilled, as they would like them to be referred as. Spicy Chilli Squid and Vietnamese rice paper Prawn Roll served with fish sauce, lettuce and mint was savoured by Viraf with equal elan as we did the vegetarian Spring Roll, Crispy Asparagus and the grilled Spinach & Mushroom dumpling with spicy mango sauce. Presentations were tempting and so were the dimsums with translucent casings holding scrumptious fillings in them. Seafood Shu Mai (dumplings packed with fish cake) sat smugly with chilli sauce, Lemon Chicken glazed happily while Crispy Prawn Ball put on a frilly show – all relished by our oriental food buff Viraf! In between we also dug into veg and chicken buns. And what exactly interests the courteous and well-mannered actor? “I get a high from story-telling, conversations, observing people – watch the world go by and music.” He has an uncanny knack of convincing friends to buy gizmos though he himself is a safe player. I had an enjoyable evening at the chic restaurant Ping Pong with good food and the animated company of handsome Viraf Phiroz Patel coupled with his unique sense of humour. Check out the actor’s blog on 10 Things Women Should Know About Men and you will know what I mean! Sweet surrender came in the sinful form of Molten Cake with chocolaty insides, Steamed Banana Cake and Chinese fluffy Ginger Cake. Their Chinese teas are a must-have - vibrant and a visual treat - the waiter places a glass with something that resembles a big seed at the bottom and pours piping hot water to 3/4th the volume, asks us to wait for a few minutes before we sip on the tea. And lo! After 5 minutes, the seed-like thing comes into form right up to the water level revealing jasmine flowers, saffron strands and different herbs exuding the flavour of the tea you ordered. Though he refused to tell me the name of the person he is dating, I will take him out for dinner again if he promises to get up close and personal (meaning exposing his personal life). A fine evening with a fine actor sums up my dinner date with Viraf Patel at Mirah Hospitality’s Ping Pong at BKC! Rapid Fire Qs with Viraf: Foodie... fave cuisine.... fast/junk food Total foodie! Oriental! KFC’s grilled chicken. Do you cook? Mom allowed me to make Maggi. What do you shop for? Besides sex, alcohol and drugs, I shop for everything else (naughty naughty!). Reality show? Khatron ke Khiladi. Fitness mantra... Gymming.. Diet regimen... Good health is a result to good sleep, food and plenty of water. Success to you is... Contentment! Single or dating? Guess... Gizmos... Make other buy it. Your idea of fun. . Eating! Dream destination... Anywhere with beaches and hills. Pet peeve... Maliciousness. If not an actor... Nautical scientist. A cheesy pick-up you have used.... Do you think I need one? Do you have any pets? I am everyone’s pet! I am alone..Please adopt me. One thing nobody knows about you.... I like when people break rules.