ITC Maurya to have a platter in Barack Obama's name, though he is flying in own chefs

NEW DELHI: US President Barack Obama maybe flying in with his own chefs, but the iconic Bukhara restaurant at the ITC Maurya hotel in New Delhi will have a platter in his name this Sunday, waiting to be served if he so wishes.

A source at a hotel where Obama stayed during his previous trip in 2010 said the president had then relished an Indian style dinner with fish, crabs, lamb shanks, and garlic naans, prepared by hotel chefs. President Obama has a platter named after him after he publicly mentioned that even Hillary Clinton had one. But there would be detailed checking.

“President Obama's team limits his food choices,” the person said. “His staffers are very careful with the food he consumes, even if they're preparing it themselves.

Someone from his security detail is even present when vegetables and other supplies are sourced.” ITC Maurya is the preferred hotel of dignitaries because it's the only one that has a separate lift and separate facilities for the suites and that's something that security staff favours. Right now the hotel, along with a few other hotels, is in a 'standby mode' awaiting final nod by the Presidents security detail; the staff is on standby, the chefs are on standby, and so is the GM.

All menus of all restaurants have been sent to the US security detail but finally what President Obama orders and from which restaurant will only be revealed--on need to know basis and as and when required.

Also, the whole road leading to ITC Maurya and Taj Palace and every staffer in the two hotels will have to park their vehicles at a distance.

People in the know say that it won't be clear till the end where President Obama finally stays, as the team can sometimes change the venue in the last minute. There are various Delhi hotels that are booked by the contingent.

An old timer said that in 2006, during the then US president George W Bush's visit, the first lady wanted to take with her a pair of sunglasses on their Agra trip, and some staffers had to rush out at 10 in the night to pick up a range of sunglasses for her to choose from.