Mint Restaurant In Lee, Massachusetts: Meet The Chef
WRITTEN BY 5 REASONS TO VISIT® EDITORIAL STAFF
PUBLISHED OCTOBER 2022 • 4 min read
5 Reasons to Visit® sat down with Executive Chef Manoj Raveendrannair of MINT in Lee, Massachusetts.
Executive Chef Manoj Raveendrannair of MINT in Lee, Massachusetts
Where did you grow up, and where have you traveled to that has helped inspire and shape your cooking philosophy?
I was born and raised in the costal Indian State of Kerala and largely credit my culinary success to my roots. I graduated from the Institute of Hotel Management at Oriental College in Wayanad, Kerala and gained experience at the Kerala's prestigious Leela group of hotels. I then went to work on the carnival cruise line and got exposed to different new cuisines. In 2010 I moved to the beautiful Berkshires of Massachusetts, started working at MINT, and held the position of Executive Chef and went on to become the co-owner with Pramod Warriar. My inspiration is to share the love of food, culture of India and simultaneously preparing traditional and regional cuisine of India. My passion is to offer a great dining experience to satisfy all aspect of fine Indian cuisine.
MINT in Lee, Massachusetts
Tell our readers an interesting fact or two about yourself.
My belief is that cooking is an art, science and discipline of preparing and presenting food.
Tell us about your absolute favorite food and why readers should try it if they haven’t already.
Bagari Jinga, Chicken Amwala, Bhamia Koota, Meen Moilee, and Palak Kofta. These are the most popular dishes at MINT and our guests love them.
MINT in Lee, Massachusetts
What are three ingredients that you simply couldn’t live without?
Ginger, garlic, cilantro and garam masala (blend of different spices).
We love the art behind plating. What do you love about designing the perfect dish?
A perfectly designed dish can upgrade your meal and satisfy immensely. Creativity and skill are very important factors and it makes the experience of dining more than just eating and enjoying.
Tell us about one of the most creative dishes you’ve created?
Shahi Murgh Adraki (it’s a ginger chicken cooked with basil, mushrooms in a mild cashew cream sauce). The reason to try is for the texture, taste, and the flavor is excellent.
MINT in Lee, Massachusetts
Share your most recent awards and accreditations with us!
I have appeared on the famous RHODY SHOW in television, and MINT was awarded best international cuisine in 2019 by Berkshire Eagle and awarded a Certificate of Excellence by TripAdvisor a few times.
What are some of the latest trends you’re seeing in top restaurants across the globe?
Going digital, minimizing waste and creating flavors from the ingredients themselves, and streamlining the menu to focus on serving delicious food.
MINT in Lee, Massachusetts
