By Sanghita Singh
There is one man in Delhi who is always remembered before an important guest arrives in the capital. Gourmet chef Marut Sikka who has been hailed for making some of the best dishes at many state banquets was summoned once again after the Obamas confirmed their India plans. Having laid out some of the best Indian delicacies for state guests like Pakistan’s former President Parvez Musharaf to organizing a sit-down dinner for President Bill Clinton and also executing the menu for the golden jubilee celebration of Parliament, Marut’s experience in world cuisines made him the unanimous choice for the Obama special banquet too. Marut prepared a pan-Indian banquet at the dinner hosted by President Pratibha Patil in honour of Barack and Michelle Obama. The menu was elaborate and included dishes such as Sunheri Kaliya (a lamb dish), Bharwaan Parwal and Dum Shammi Kebab. In addition to this, Pista Murg, a delectable dish of chicken filled with pistachios was specially created in honour of the royal guests. With Marut presiding over, the chefs of Rashtrapati Bhawan also pitched in and presented their specialties while the ITDC laid out its silver for the banquet. It seems America’s first couple went home quite impressed.