MARRIOTT KA
MAHARAJAH
Gujarati Chef
Mitesh Saraiya is on cloud nine. The guests of Courtyard by Marriott, Ahmedabad
are showering praises on his Gujarati food. That makes him really happy.
"Shakahari" - the 88 seater Vegetarian Restaurant,
open only for dinner has been rocking since December last year. That is the
time Chef Mitesh had joined Courtyard by Marriott, Ahmedabad.
35 year old Chef Mitesh finds cooking to be effortless . Its in his DNA. His father and grandfather both were Gujarati
cooks. 8th pass Mitesh was born in Gariyadar, a village which is 300 kms from
Ahmedabad. His father's death, when he was just 18, forced him to take up a
cook's job in a restaurant.
In 2003, he came and settled in Ahmedabad, his first job
here was with a restaurant near the airport, Visala Restaurant, a theme village
beckoned him, he served here for nearly four years; next two years were with
Amay Gujarati Restaurant, known for its traditional Gujarati cuisine. Now, he
has been crowned as the Gujarati Chef by the Courtyard Marriott, Ahmedabad.
"Ever since Chef Mitesh joined, we have been
offering more Gujarati dishes to the guests. The overall guest experience has got elevated, whether it is lunch, breakfast or dinner. Guests do have a
chance to taste authentic local cuisine" says Sanjeev Mandal, The F&B Manager of this hotel.
"Chef Mitesh is a very gifted person. He has the
talent to cook Gujarati dishes in a traditional way" says Satej Saigaonkar, Executive Chef.
Mitesh is married to Madhuri,
third year BA student; and is blessed with a son Subham (4). He lives in Ahmedabad.
How do you feel when everybody calls you "Maharajah"? I asked.
"Bahut Accha lagta hai", Chef Mitesh replied
with a chuckle.
I had been to 'Shakahari' last Tuesday for
dinner. Chef Mitesh only served me. Awesome Gujarati meal- memorable. Another thing I was impressed with was the humility of
this gifted Chef. May God bless Chef Mitesh and his family in abundance.
Text and Pictures: R Kesava Mallia in Ahmedabad
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