Mridula Baljekar�s latest book, Great Indian Feasts, has just won the Gourmand World Cookbook Award in the �Best Asian Cuisine Cookbook�. This is Best in the World for 2005. The book is published by John Blake Publishing and it first hit the shelves in October 2005. Mridula travelled to Kuala Lampur for the awards ceremony which was from May 17-21. Mridula said �I am absolutely overwhelmed and highly honoured by this award.� Kuala Lampur was great, we were entertained by the Prime Minister of Malaysia to a garden party and each day we had a packed schedule with press conferences, demonstration by local celebrity chef, visits to local markets etc. The gala dinner and awards ceremony was on 20 May. Mridula�s book has won the title of �the best Asian cookbook in the world� for 2005.

Gourmand Awards are very prestigious. Books from 65 countries are entered and judged by a high profile panel of judges.

To be a �Best in the World�, a cookbook usually has a combination of the following:

� A strong author (or authors) whose personality and heart shines throughout the book. A production of the cookbook by the publisher that shows understanding and respect for the author, as well as experienced professional knowledge in the art of designing, editing and printing a book. � A user friendly cookbook that respects and understands the reader who pays his money for the book.

�So the best books have a balance between the author(s), publisher and reader. The best are usually obvious when you compare thousands of books.� Says Edward Cointreau, founder of Gourmand Awards.

For more information: E: Mridula@Mridula.co.uk] W: www.mrifula.co.uk