Raghavi Jhanjee brings you a report on how The Gourmet Club of Agra is changing the city’s apetite
From not being health conscious to turning into a successful nutritionist and entrepreneur, Renuka Dang has come a long way. A dedicated doctor and a Naturopath Dang today, is one of the most sought after nutritionist in Agra.
One of her many achievements is the National Health Award that Dang won at the 5th National Health Awards 2018. When she started her club — The Gourmet Club of Agra — it sparked a revolution amongst the cooking enthusiasts of the City of Taj.
Being a nutritionist wasn’t always Dang’s calling. It all started when she became health conscious and became interested in knowing more. Growing up keeping in mind Sushmita Sen as her role model, Dang was spellbound by Sen’s self-conduct and her emphasis on nutrition and good health.
Dang tells you how she didn’t believe in giving out prescriptions. “A change in lifestyle and food habits is the most important thing to achieve good health. One should not be dependent on medicines, they don’t help one in the long run,” she says.
During her OPD one day, Dang was struck with the idea of starting a club.
“When I would counsel my clients to eat healthy food, the most burning question would be: ‘How to cook it’. I remember I had asked someone to eat avocado. And her instant reaction was how to cook it or if I would ask someone to eat quinoa they would ask me how to cook it. So I ended up sharing these recipes. I kept repeating the recipes verbally. They would ask me for more food options and recipes,” Dang shares who with a foodie friend, called the general managers of all hotels in Agra. They teamed up and the idea of the Gourmet Club of Agra came into being.
Monika Luthra, one of the members of the club aka The Fusion Queen of Gourmet says: “Gourmet is the biggest platform for me. I was a home-chef. The club has given me an identity.
“I used to cook all kinds of cuisines and experiment with food, but I lacked confidence back then. I feel home-chefs don’t get the recognition like established chefs do. Now I am feel proud when chefs compliment me on my cooking skills. Renuka (Dang) has been a pillar of strength for me. She has helped me in boosting my confidence and gave me opportunities. She encouraged me every step of the way and also corrected me whenever I was going wrong. Whatever I am now, the credit goes to her,” Luthra tells you.
Richa Ralli, another club enthusiast tells you how she was never into cooking.When The Gourmet Club came, I developed a keen interest in food and now cooking is my passion. The club has empowered not only me but all the other members as well.”
She tells you how her journey with the club became. “It all started when she got a contract to cater for around 35-40 people . With the club’s support she managed the order from her home kitchen.
Since the club’s inception, many an article have been written and Dang expresses her happiness when she talks about the club’s publications. “It was not about me, it was about the club,” she tells you.
She also tells you that the club’s it is not surprsing that the club has received such overwhelming response from the city. “It was expected. When I was interacting with the women I knew that a problem existed. I realised that the club was the solution,” Dang tells you. From picnics to workshops, each member is happy to attend the events and the club never diverted from food. Our vision was clear from day-1 and all the members are keen foodies, sharing a common interest.
“I believe that opportunity does not come knocking but presents itself. When I had this thought of starting a club I didn’t look back, just grabbed the opportunity and made it into a reality,” Dang says.