ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Diwali Celebration weekend brunch at Navio in The Ritz-Carlton
The event featured a special menu by Executive Sous Chef Sagar Gaikwad, Chef de Cuisine Arvind Singh, and Navio's Chef Xisco Simón.
-
Dr. Brian Treco - Tue, 28, Oct 2025
- 23:48 EDT
- 20
Silicon Valley celebrates Diwali at Ritz Carlton / Ritu Marwah
My family and I were lucky enough to come for lunch at Navio’s Diwali Celebration at the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay this weekend. This looked like a good chance for non-Indians to get an idea of what Diwali means. I wasn’t sure what to expect, whether it would be a full-blown Diwali experience or a fusion of Indian and other cuisines to appeal to a broader audience. The complete Diwali experience can be overwhelming, and Navio seems to have chosen the latter. Those coming for curry after curry might be disappointed, but there was such a range of items from traditional Indian to Western and Asian and everything in between so almost everyone could walk away satisfied and full.
The Diwali decorations were muted but attractive. With the gorgeous coastline right outside the window there was no cause for complaint. They originally put us in a semi-private area to give us a quieter experience, but when they detected the slightest hint that we’d prefer the main area with a better view of the surf, they switched us immediately.
ALSO READ: Savor the Flavor: California’s Best Indian Restaurants for Your Year-End Catering
Since I mentioned “full” it’s worth pointing out how they set up the meal in general. When I saw the menu in advance I thought that I would have to choose one from each of the courses described (you can see the full menu offerings here). Our server explained that we could have as many items as we wanted in any order that we wanted--the only limitation was that we order no more than two at a time. There was no restriction on repeating an item as often as desired (for example we ordered the caviar tasting and halibut multiple times). This phase would last 1-1/2 hours out of the 2 allotted for the meal. After there’d be 30 minutes to try every dessert they offered.
We ended up ordering everything on the menu except the Croffle Benedict. Not because it didn’t sound good but rather it sounded like a full meal, and we wanted to keep trying new items.
Among the appetizers, besides the caviar we particularly liked the scallops and both veg and non-veg pani puris. The scallops were large and well-prepared. There was a rich sauce with the scallops, but they really needed no accompaniment.
The next course included Chocolate Chip Pancakes. I couldn’t see how these fit so early in the meal. They seemed more like a dessert item, but we ended up having two orders, both times slathered with pure maple syrup (and that was NOT our dessert).
Navio offered two vegetarian sides around jasmine rice and paratha. Their version of paratha was flakier and lighter than others I’ve had. I could have eaten several but went easy so I could try more items.
The main courses included preparations around lobster, chicken, octopus, halibut and mutton (read lamb here) as well as paneer (an Indian cheese). The non-veg items were well spiced with other accompaniments, but when the ingredients are this good, little more is needed. There was plenty of meat, poultry or seafood in each plate, but if you did want more you could just order another (or three!).
When the agenda moved to dessert, our server brought a tower with four appetizing Indian sweets, enough for each of us to have one. Because we had so many plates already, I toyed with the idea of sending some of them back to avoid waste, but in the end I’m glad I didn’t because we finished most of it.
Except for a few who might only want authentic Indian with no deviations or creative touches, no one would walk away feeling let down. The service was friendly, professional and attentive. After the meal the Executive Sous chef, who clearly had a major role in the choice and preparation of dishes, came out to ask us how we liked the meal. He was eager and open to discuss the finer points.
We were told that this is the second year that they have done the Diwali celebration, and I hope they continue as Diwali 2026 is already something to look forward to. I also hope Navio applies its creativity and skill to more holidays and cultures.
Glimpses from the gathering / Ritu Marwah
Related
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login