Chef Nandini Austin

Dear Guest,

You are here for a reason. There are no accidents in life. Something intuitively has drawn you to my profile. Are you looking to open your mind, mouth and palate to new spicy flavors and mouthwatering recipes? If so, you have come to the right place..... Delicious Mauritius

I’m a Nandini Natasha Austin, a spicy, vibrant, culinary artist, health hedonist and spice Junkie’ who creates dishes flavorful inspired by the intoxicating power of spice. Certified in Ayurveda, a culinary artist and storyteller, I have always had a love affair with food. It began during my childhood in London where I grew up in an multicultural household to British immigrants parents. I was lucky enough to spent many summer holidays in Mauritius (my parent's homeland and a paradise island in the Indian Ocean). It was here where my passion for food began. I can still remember the mouth watering spicy odors, wafting from the my Nani's kitchen as I watched in awe as she cooked the most delicious wholesome yet delicious foods, made with magical spices, herbs and chilies. Back then I thought she was some kind of good witch with her long black hair tied neatly into a bun. I'd marvel at her throwing spices into a black cauldron that hissed and crackled. I know now that she was simply living an Ayurveda Lifestyle. Enjoying only the fruits and vegetables from her garden, off the grid, till the ripe old age of 96!

As I grew older my my desire to taste new global and fusion foods became insatiable, Luckily my corporate career in the boutique lifestyle hotel industry afforded me the luxury to visit far flung countries and experience diverse cultures, music, dance, exotic cuisines and fragrant spices.

But years, later after falling in love, getting married to New York Mixologist Yusef Austin Founder of The Cocktail Architect a mixology, events and artisan syrups company and becoming a mother, that life no longer fit anymore. The hospitality industry was and still is 'brutal', especially you have young kids, and something bigger was calling and so I said 'au revoir' to that vocation and ventured intuitively into the Wellness industry working for the David Lynch Foundation where the gift of Transcendental meditation reminded me of my Dharma ( purpose) to create, edutain, inspire and encourage a more mindful way of cooking, eating, drinking and celebrating life. And to embrace the notion that we are accountable for our health, how we treat ourselves, this planet, and each others.

I innately went full circle back to my ancestral roots and became certified in the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda - the Indian Science of Life and Longevity that views food as medicine and a spice drawer as valuable as a medicine cabinet.

' How you feel on the outside begins with how good you feel on the inside.'

Today up in the Catskill mountains, I now spend my time documenting my life through the lens of food, drink, Ayurveda and hospitality. I serve up flavorful recipes made from wholesome ingredients, sustainable sources, nourishing herbs, and use spices have a positive influence on mind, body, and health. And with a Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality, I love authentically connecting with others over a plate of homemade deliciously spicy food." so host pop-up dinners, cater in-private parties, teach cooking classes all over the Hudson Valley .

I serve up fusion dishes inspired by Mauritian cuisine which is a unique blend of Indian, French, Chinese, and African flavors. From its delicious street-food culture to its five-star chef-driven hotels, this small island located in the Indian Ocean near Madagascar is unrivaled in its hospitality.

But you don’t need to make the long journey there to experience a taste of Mauritius and even if you did there is no way you can see, taste, and do all you want in one visit, so—instead, allow me to seduce you with its cuisines.culture and spices in the comfort of your kitchen!

'Spice is my vice, my drug of choice.'

Cheers Nandini