Dining at Desroches.

Sandeep Semwal is our Desroches pastry chef from India. We chatted about dining at Desroches... 

The main difference between cooking on and island instead of in a city is the limitation of ingredients. While some of the fresh produce is grown on Desroches, most of the food and supplies are shipped in. 

“When it comes to the selection of ingredients, you have to work with what you have. This makes you an inventive cook, as often replacements need to be used for menu ideas.”

The menu plan (which is redone every 3 months and adapted for special occasions or for dietary requirements of certain groups) is based on what is already on the island and what has been ordered. Every week deliveries arrive from Dubai, Australia, and Mahe. 

Even though there are limitations, Sandeep aims to serve anything and everything to his guests. “Whatever they want, whenever they want it” is his motto in serving his guests. He’ll try his best to meet the needs of every appetite. 

If there are no strawberries (due to damage or freshness after shipping) he’ll substitute with blue berries. “When you live on an island, you learn how to make an alternate plan. You try to get as close to what the guest wants, if their exact choice isn’t an option. In those rare cases, I try to add a little something extra special to the dish.”

Even with the limitations, the variety available is huge. The dining options include: buffet, set menus, Al a Carte, vegetarian or kids menus and room service.

Sandeep would choose taste over presentation, although with pastry work, presentation, plating and taste are all equally important to him. “The creative flare is a vital ingredient in any meal preparation.”

Although he is a top pastry chef, Sandeep doesn’t have a sweet tooth. Instead he prefers hot savory dishes. “I add up to 5 island grown chili’s to my personal meals and I’m on top of the moon. I’ve never seen chili’s as perfect anywhere else in the world.” If you like it hot, be sure to ask for some fresh chilies to accompany your meal!  

True to Desroches Island ethos, Sandeep says that he is happy if the guests are happy and he will gladly go the extra mile to create the ultimate dining experience for them. From private dinners, picnics, live cooking presentations, honeymooners beach dinners under the stars – the culinary memories made are lasting ones. 

Watch this space, as we’ll be sharing some of the islands favorite recipes with you and will be giving you some tips to re-create the Desroches dining experience at home!