SILIGURI RESTAURATEUR WITH HIS BARBECUE RESTAURANT

Siliguri, the North Bengal city with a traditional cosmopolitan culture never dreamt about having a place with a barbecue cuisine. ‘Around the Corner’ earns the tag of the first barbecue restaurant in the entire North Bengal. The main credit goes to the young, handsome and innovative restaurateur, Amit Brahmin from Siliguri, whose initiative gave a wholesome experience for the taste buds of Siliguri. The aroma, the flavor, the look serves a different story to those who come to visit Amit’s place. Varsha Byahut of TNI talks with Amit in the bid to get to know about his journey of food.

TNI: Since when have you started your barbecue restaurant?

Amit B: It’s been two years since I started the restaurant on 1^st of Jan 2013 was the date my restaurant took its first step forward.

TNI: What inspired you to bring this concept in Siliguri?

Amit B: Siliguri has grown formidable since the time I left for my higher studies to Bangalore (2003). People here have traveled out, be it with regards to business, studies, recreation or leisure and this has certainly brought about a change in their perspective about taste. It’s no more “chilly chicken” & “chowmein” alone that the locals prefer these days. “Different” is what everyone wants to be not just with attire or haircuts but also with regards to their palate.  Siliguri has international standard hospitals, Educational institutes, Malls and Hotels. More so being the gateway to the northeast it has a flow of foreign tourists throughout the year although it stands out merely as a transit place. So here am I welcoming all those who are keen on trying a different cuisine, cuisine that has the exquisite taste of the West and the Far-east.

TNI: Chefs catering to this section what qualification, any diploma or prior experience of working in some Barbeque restaurants? (Please mention the name)

Amit B: Well basic education 10+2 from an English medium school along with 5-7 yrs of experience in renowned restaurants or star properties in cities like Bangalore, Bombay, Delhi and Kolkata. Having done a diploma in Hotel Management (HM) is beneficial.

TNI: As far as cooking is concerned what is the most important?

Amit B: Cooking anywhere be it home or restaurants the most important is one’s interest or keenness. If you have the heart for it you can do wonders. Everything else comes later. It’s not rocket science!!!

TNI: In business appreciation and criticism both follow, how do you take both?

Amit B: I keep my smile intact as far as possible.

TNI: Where do you source your raw materials from?

Amit B:  Locally as well as Kolkata

TNI: Is there anything on the menu that is your personal favorite?

Amit B: Fish Burgers which I’ve recently started apart from everything else.

TNI: Who do you look up to?

Amit B: Lot of Chefs like Jamie Oliver, Gordon Ramsey, also shows like “Man Vs Food” represented by Adam Richman.

TNI: Did you always know that your life would be in “food” or was it an “aha” moment?

Amit B: Yes I knew I would be in food business, not just because I am a hotel management graduate but because I am a foodie, and also because I love cooking!!

TNI: What is the best advice you have been given as a chef?

Amit B: Work hard, travel & never stop eating!!

TNI: What was the last great meal you had?

Amit B: It was at “Café moonlight” in Andaman. Chicken tikka for starter, never had a better tikka than this, a snapper for main course… words would do no justice to its share of seafood choices… very fresh, well prepared and beautifully presented!!

TNI: Who makes the best barbecue? (Among the barbecue restaurants you have visited that you would recommend your readers)?

Amit B: I don’t know much about the North India, down south in Bangalore you have places like “Only Place”, “BBq nation” and “Absolute Barbecue” just to name a few.