Princess On A Platter
Princess Francoise Sturdza of Switzerland

Princess Francoise Sturdza of Switzerland, who runs the charity, Hope for India Foundation, working specifically for the uplift of destitute children in Chennai, is one of those global citizens with wheels under her swish heels.

She is as much at home in her apartment in Geneva, as she is in her sea-facing flat across the Marina Beach in Chennai, where she lives for close to six months of the year.

�I travel a lot,� she begins, �especially around Europe, generally bobbing between London, Brussles, Vienna (for the Opera), Roma, Napoli, Budapest, Bucharest and Prague. And I am always amazed by the architecture of these cities. I just walk into a street and I'm astounded!� she beams.

Italy's a favourite destination. �I find Italian food very fresh,� she explains, �their ingredients are always of the highest quality. I also enjoy French nouvelle cuisine, although I don't like it if it's too elaborate. I like the flavours light and very delicate and not too fussy.�

She enjoys a glass of fine wine with her meals, although she qualifies: �I never drink at lunch, unless it's a glass of champagne. And I really enjoy your Indian wines. The Grover white and Sula red are very nice!�

Her most memorable meal, she reminisces, was years ago at the Sabatini restaurant (�I can't recall if it was in Milan or Florence,� she frets), where she ate, by her own admission, the most scrumptious crepe suzettes ever. This, despite the fact that she does not have much of a sweet tooth: �I don't eat a lot of sugar.�

Being Princess Francoise Sturdza, is perfectly groomed and in impeccable shape. Is there a secret behind the svelte form? �Oh, no, I eat everything,� she smiles. �But I get on the weighing scale every single day. That way I know what is happening! I adjust my daily diet accordingly. I believe you must eat whatever you like, but never in excess.�

"I am very fond of both South Indian and Punjabi food, and I can eat as much spice as you can! I have never been sick after a meal, contrary to the perception in the West that Indian food can upset your stomach. My personal rule is that when I am in any country, I eat the local food"

Does she cook? �Oh, no, I have never enjoyed being in the kitchen!� she protests. �Whenever I entertain, the most I do is open a bottle of champagne!� Being high profile and exceptionally well-connected, she entertains a fair bit and according to her friend, Rajane Lacoste, wife of the owner of Lacoste and in Mumbai simultaneously with Princess Francoise to support the Hope for India Foundation, the latter is a very good hostess. �She has a lovely home in Geneva and a very open heart. When she entertains, she has an interesting mix of guests and her non- judgmental attitude puts everyone at ease. She's also excellent with the d�cor and ambience she creates for her parties.�

�I mix d�cor elements from antique, modern and baroque styles for effect,� the Princess reveals. �For a recent gala dinner in Geneva, I had put peacock feather in bottles and they looked amazing. And, although I do not cook and get caterers in, I go for food tastings and sample the fare I serve at my parties to make sure it's of the finest quality. When you entertain, I think it's also very important to welcome your guests with a lot of warmth,� she stresses.

When in India, she heartily enjoys Indian food. �I am very fond of both South Indian and Punjabi food, and I can eat as much spice as you can!

I have never been sick after a meal, contrary to the perception in the West that Indian food can upset your stomach. My personal rule is that when I am in any country, I eat the local food. Hence, I never eat Continental food anywhere out of the Continent. When I travel it is not to superficially visit a country, but to actually live in it like the locals do. I like to immerse myself in the experience, and food is such an integral part of it,� Princess Francoise explains.

She continues, �When you travel, it's important not to make judgments about the way people live and eat. Rather, one must try and understand why things are different. That way, travel gives you a larger view of life as you connect with the spirit of different people.�

Being separated from her husband, she travels alone and has come to enjoy it. �I don't travel only for pleasure, but for discovering both myself and the place I visit. I have no fear of going anywhere alone. In fact, I like it. I find that when you are alone, people are extremely nice to you. I meet interesting people with no fear or suspicion of danger, and that is part of the joy of travel.�

She spends a lot of time in her flat at Chennai, and intends to spend even more. �I love living in India; there's so much spirituality here.� Part of the deal is eating typical Indian food for every meal, which she orders from a nearby restaurant. What does she particularly enjoy? �Everything,� comes the resounding response. �I normally eat yellow dal, masala grilled fish, butter naan, curd, and sometimes paneer!� she beams. �I make sure I eat a well-balanced meal and get my vegetables as well. I'm totally against fad diets, and think Indian food is nutritious and wholesome. I also enjoy my cups of ginger 'chai' every day!� she muses.

Disappointment comes on the flight out of India. �They serve terrible Indian food on all the aircrafts,� she rues. �And in Europe I am yet to locate an authentic Indian restaurant, so I don't eat Indian food anywhere abroad. I was in London recently, and a friend invited me for a meal to the oldest Indian restaurant there. The food was terrible. Such a disappointment!�