One can only imagine what it must feel like to be in a hot kitchen at this time of the year. So, when Chef Ananda Solomon steps out after the lunch service, and proceeds to sit opposite us on a table, his first question is, “Can I please have some water first?” As he settles down, the pen in his shirt pocket glints. It was a gift from former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who the chef had accompanied on many international tours.
The 64-year-old, who is perhaps best known for his long stint with the Taj Hotels (during which he launched and ran the popular Thai Pavilion at Mumbai’s Taj’s Presidency) has cooked for some of the country’s biggest names. He recently joined hands with Suraj Salian, owner of the 34-year-old iconic seafood restaurant, Bharat Excellensea at Mumbai’s Ballard Estate, which has recently been revamped. Solomon was roped in to reinvent and recreate the brand, and take its legacy forward.
