When he looks at ads in magazines that shout out discounted trips to the other end of the world, Vicky Ratnani can't help holding back a smile. For photographer Dabboo Ratnani's brother - who has enjoyed a seafaring life as a chef all the way from Nord Kappe at Norway to Sydney and exotic Far Eastern locales - admits he's travelling his way through cultures and places through his palate.

"I've lived a life that's a chef's dream," he grins. "Imagine shucking fresh oysters from the sea at a morning market in Australia and guzzling lagers with it, or walking through over a 100 varieties of fruit at the colourful La Boqueria market in Spain as part of that job," he admits. Work took him on board the leading luxury liners of the world - Queen Elizabeth 2 and Queen Mary 2 and Vicky is credited with starting the only modern Indian bistro on a luxury liner ever. "It was fun as there were no limits to the extravagance," he recalls.

And he has served the best on board too, from his idol Lenny Kravitz to actor Gene Hackman and his wife, musician Rod Stewart, Donald Trump, Bo Derek, Oprah Winfrey, the Duchess of York and the Queen too! "I loved cooking for her (the Queen)," he recalls, "and making chicken korma for Nelson Mandela; Indian food is so big abroad."

But what also make for an album of memories are Vicky's own culinary discoveries. "I have had delicious crocodile meat in Darwin, as well as ostrich and snake," he pauses to sip on some wine. "And my favourite place is the Grand Bazaar in Turkey. the aromas, colours, depth, textures and variety of food available is almost soul-stirring there."

A decision to head home to Mumbai, wife and daughter in tow, and 'give back' the knowledge and skill has had him join an old friend at Aurus, Juhu. "You know, I'd rather be a chef here than in the West; it's the beginning of a huge explosion here - foodwise," he smiles. t_ismat@dnaindia.netMaster Chef: Vicky Ratnani

Ismat Tahseen DNA