On Friday, April 11th, 2008, the Choate India Association hosted its annual India Dinner in Ruutz-Rees commons. From 6:30 to 8:00 PM, about 130 students and faculty attended the annual meal. Some stayed for the entire event, while many others decided to just drop by for a bite to eat while they figured out their Friday night plans. The dimmed lighting, the soft Indian music, and the yellow material that adorned the tables all produced a formal, yet comfortable and fun, atmosphere.
The delicious food catered by Haveli restaurant in Middletown, CT, was served buffet-style. Havelli is part of the restaurant group that includes Darbar in Branford, often cited by critics as the New Haven area’s best Indian restaurant.
Guests lined up to feast upon dishes such as Chicken Tikka Masala, Navratan Korma (mixed vegetables), Naan (flatbread), and Gulaab Jamun for dessert. The co-presidents of the Choate India Association, Ashwini Kadaba ’08 and Monisha Sachdev ’08, decided that the profits from this event would benefit a program called “Asha for Education,” which helps underprivileged children in India receive educational opportunities to which they would otherwise not have access.
For some, the dinner was a chance to eat food associated with home and family while at school. One of the members of CIA, Trishala Khandheria ’11, commented, “It is so good to have authentic Indian food after so long.”
For others, the dinner simply marks a chance to eat great food and a welcome change from the dining hall routine. Helen Guo ’11 said, “The food is amazing. I’ve been looking forward to this dinner and it lived up to my expectations.” She added, “It’s so nice to get away from the Dining Hall.”
The Icahn Scholars Program and the Gakio Walton Scholars Program reserved tables for members. Ten “Icahns” joined Mr. and Mrs. Goodyear and several Gakio Walton Scholars were present at a table that included Mr. Jim Yanelli and Mr. Ben Walton, the benefactor of the Gakio-Walton Program.
Mr. Charles Long, one of several faculty members at the dinner with their spouses and families, said that this year was the first time he had taken part in the annual tradition. He complemented the people behind the night’s success. “Wonderful food. A well organized event,” he said.
