FROM THE LEMON TREE HOTEL, AURANGABAD

MARVELLOUS  MANOHAR

"Only after joining Lemon Tree, I got acquainted with computers" admits Sous Chef Manohar Singh Rawat (34).  This Uttarakhand born culinary artist was the Officiating Executive Chef during my recent stay at Lemon Tree Hotel, Aurangabad. I am writing this from my suite room of this hotel.

So what is so special about this Chef?


Many things. He is an expert in handling the complaints of the guests if any. An irate guest will cool down in front of him. His 90 mm smile is so infectious. His guest intimacy is unparalleled. During my stay here, on day one he came to see me in my room during the breakfast period. He made himself present during lunch as well.  It is not for me alone, he connects with every guests like this. God alone knows how he finds time. His care and concern for the guests is what I found profoundly appealing in him.


His uncle, a Chef by profession has been his inspiration. He is educated till Class 12^th.  Started his life as a Chef at Moti Mahal, New Delhi. That was in 2005. Next was a hotel in Punjab followed by Rock View, Mercure and Green Park (all three in Hyderabad) and then at Fortune Hotel in Tirupati were his next stops. In 2014, he joined Lemon Tree, Bengaluru in their Electronics City property. From December 2016 he took charge at Lemon Tree, Aurangabad as Sous Chef.

"The team work and family atmosphere" quips Chef Manohar,” is what impresses me the most at Lemon Tree Group of Hotels". He was answering to my question 
“What is that you like the most at Lemon Tree Group?”.

"Chef Manohar joyously meets every guests. His guest connect itself is his unique selling proposition" remarked Regional Manager & General Manager of this hotel Mukesh Verma.

Here is the testimonial from Executive Chef Binish Baby: " Chef Manohar is very friendly by nature is one thing; he intuitively knows what the guest needs, then he exceeds expectations".

For learning new things about food, giving twists to the dishes, from garnishing to presentation, he counts on the co-operation of his laptop nowadays. He has a clear and focussed mind. What I personally felt is that he is an unfailing lamp of this breathtakingly beautiful hotel, whose light reaches each and every guest. He listens to the complaints of the guests thru an unbiased set of eyes and mind-set. He has faith in his journey. I really liked his compassionate communication. Unfailingly courteous culinary artist with a rare gift of generosity. Indeed, he is an asset to the Lemon Tree family.

Opines Farid Sheikh, Assistant F&B Manager on Chef Manohar “his suggestive selling skills are simply amazing. Has vast knowledge on Indian cuisine. He is renowned for his personalised service".


His family lives in Uttarakhand. In Bhanuj village, Rudraprayag district. Married to Sarojini Devi. Blessed with two children. Anuj (14) and Sagar (09). His parents also live with them.



Text and Pictures: R Kesava Mallia in Aurangabad