Mumbai: The countless messages from the main kitchen of the majestic Taj Mahal Palace and Tower apart - the one thing that has Hemant Oberois brow in a furrow - is the clock. "It sure is ticking but well beat it," he states. As executive chef of the hotel, he and his team have planned to throw open all restaurants of the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower to its patrons ? from Wasabi, the oriental favourite that was destroyed in the fire during the 26/11 attack, to the Golden Dragon at the shopping centre. While the former eatery will move to a new location, the latter is in better shape and is to stay where it is.

"Its a huge task, I didnt know what to do. I think if I can reproduce a small kitchen and bring even 60% of Wasabis menu back, it will be great," he says. "Of course, the new Wasabi also might not have the best design but it will be our answer to what happened. We want to send out the message that we cant be knocked down," he adds.

The other restaurants such as Shamiana, Masala Kraft, Souk, Zodiac Grill and Starboard re-opened early this week. While a few of the old favourites are still there, all the menus have been revamped with regard to the design and the food. So expect to find your Murg Lababdar and Norwegian Fried Salmon at the Shamiana along with new meat and vegetable combinations.

"I had to retain the popular rose petal ice-cream on the menu at the Souk along with the Mezze, Baba Ghanoush and Shawarma," winks Oberoi.

The chef might even create some of the dishes after the team that he has lost in the attack. "I am thinking of having their likes on the menu but theres just so much more we can do as a tribute to their memory. They were like family. Imagine watching the ones you love dying just 25 feet away from you. For me the picture of life changed in 15 minutes."

A mention of the chefs own favourite, The Zodiac Grill, gets him moist-eyed. "It will be twenty years for the restaurant this year. I designed the menu there and Ive watched it grow like my own baby."

There are no major celebrations at the hotel for the New Year. A believer in karma, he prefers to start his New Year on his philosophy ? Do your best while destiny does all else. "We have to pay back everything in this life, if you do good deeds they are sure to come back," he says.
Source : Central