Monday, March 23, 2015

RIVAAYAT MIRACLE………………..8


                                        STANDARDIZATION   VS    PERSONALIZATION


                                                      

"Commis 1 Chef Arabind Sahoo has bequeathed the Riyaavat learnings most in our hotel, I am glad for him" informs Chef Suprakash Tripathy (Executive Chef, Trident, Bhubaneswar). Yesterday, after my evening prayers I interviewed him over Skype.

“The Dabbawala theme lunch impressed me the most, he said. It was an innovative thought. The food for 50 people was cooked in just a single oven and by two cooks only. Sweety Singh's style was very rustic, home style. He cooked butter chicken differently”. “Murg Saag Kofta” and “Haleem” are the most sought after RIVAAYAT dishes in our hotel" Chef Suprakash recalled. He has just returned to India after a vacation to England, Scotland and Wales.

What all appealed you the most? I asked him.  “Firstly, to ensure the learnings to remain ‘always afresh’ a video recording of the entire conclave was done. Every step, every detail involved in the cooking process was noted. Secondly, The Oberoi / Trident Chefs cooked together and tried out new recipes along with the Master Chefs and thirdly, Osama Jalali - the renowned food critic showcased mouthwatering Old Delhi food. Even people living in Delhi might not have tasted them. Incorporating RIVAAYAT dishes into our Buffet menus at Trident Bhubaneswar was the fourth point", said Suprakash.



                                    


"I realized that Chef Bali (OCLD) is so fond of old Bollywood songs, and he really sings well. Meeting other Oberoi/ Trident chefs and knowing them more intimately was an elevating experience. We also got an opportunity to interact with the best of Oberoi Chefs and the food  celebrities invited from the industry which by itself is a huge motivation”.


"The entire effort was taken in order to ensure that the same recipes are followed for the RIVAAYAT dishes across all the Trident/ Oberoi hotels …..and that the food is cooked in the most authentic way and tastes the same across……..I wish to be a part of future RIVAAYAT’s to come”

I have always known Suprakash to think differently.  So stepping aside from Rivaayat for a moment I asked him for his take on the changing trends in the food industry. He said “The F&B industry is undergoing a huge transition. The concept of catering to large gathering is passé and the focus is on customizing food for each guest who by far has different opinions on every dish. So now the entire focus is to ensure that every guest who walks in to your hotel receives an extremely personalized and tailor made food and beverage experience “Very interesting- I thought.


Tailpiece - Chef Suprakash Tripathy was the one who spoke about Rivaayat to me for the first time. That was January this year. I am grateful to him with gratitude for the same.

Text by: R Kesava Mallia
Pictures: Courtesy… Chef Suprakash



                                                                                                                                                                                          

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