Giving a royal treat

Madan Mohan, the founder and director of 21 Gun Salute promises a royal dining experience at expat city, Gurgaon, where taste meets heritage.In a chat with us, he talks about the royal restaurant, its specialties and why it is a must visit dining joint.

SS: Tell us about 21 Gun Salute? How did you think of opening this restaurant?
MM: 21 Gun Salute a nobel concept of Deneb & Pollux Hotels (P) Ltd is meant to offer a royal dining experience in the expat capital of India, Gurgaon, which will take one back to the erestaurantra of Monarchs without leaving the town. The ambiance is breathtaking, worthy of 21-Salute as the name suggests and will definitely make one forget that it’s 2011. See, I have hob-nobbed with kings and princes for the last 15-20 years.  So, I thought, why not give this royal experience to people through a restaurant, that's how this restaurant was born.

SS: I see a lot of vintage cars and antiques on display. Where did you get the inspiration from and how do your source these rare expensive pieces of art?
MM: I sourced these cars, about 200 of them from different kings and princes. The purpose is to create that environment, that time of yore when these vehicles were used.

This particular vintage car(he said pointing) which has been sourced from the king of Sundergarh, Odisha. It is a delight and adventure for customers who even click pictures beside these cars and bikes as memorabilia. 21 Gun Salute is a destination designed to make its diners experience the bygone era with a contemporary touch which will leave a lasting impression on them. They will get to re-live the royal and aristocratic history of India.

SS: What is the total area and seating capacity? What is the USP of this place?
MM: We are spread over an area of 6,000 sq ft with 160 seating capacities; our USP lies in special and royal treatment to our guests via pick and drop facility in vintage cars, exclusive cutlery, location and food which is prepared by the royal cook of Rampur royal family, Jafarullah Khan, antiques from 1920 like the projectors, bioscope, lantern etc. We have the advantage of district destination. Moreover, we have special cutleries for kings and royal families who will visit this restaurant. In addition, these people will also come via invitation from us regularly. We intend to give the customers a unique experience which is incomparable.  It will certainly delight the expats and natives who will come to experience Indian heritage.

SS: What is your marketing and promotional strategy?
MM: Well, as you see that we are carrying a different theme with the intention to attract people who want a different experience in food and environment. We serve both Indian and continental food which will be prepared by cook of royal Rampur, Jaffarullah. Even Bukhara has some recipes from Rampur. The restaurant assures to give quality to those who are looking for a close and an intimate affair. Another interesting feature is their exclusive Vintage Wine shelves, which adds on to their exotic style.

The bar at the restaurant has fantastic cocktails, carefully chosen wines, fine champagne and a great range of beer. The distinctive pieces of art create a truly unique space which takes diners to another place and time. To give each guest a complete royal feel, the ambiance of the restaurant has been custom made. The food, service, price, ambiance and attention to detail make a visit to 21 Gun Salute an exceptional experience, which will leave the guests enjoying in the impeccable culinary and historical experience.

“Affluent grandeur with the classiest amenities provides foodies with graceful, comfortable and splendid ambiance rich in history. The captivating menu at 21 Guns Salute has been inspired from the greatest cooking traditions of the most popular Royal delicacies of the world.  Our designer is Mr. Jeetendra Malhotra from Genesis.

The picture frames of maharajas, especially of Jivajirao Scindia, of Gwalior, mingling with the founder make great memorabilias while giving a monarchial touch. Also, we, we will give a royal experience to the customers by providing pick and drop facilities in vintage cars from airports, hotels and even corporates.

We are organising a car rally on 30th of this month which will be flanked by king of Kashmir. This activity will be a regular affair and I think will be the biggest promotion strategy. Later, we will get into other modes of advertising.

SS:What are your future plans?

MM: We will start two more restuarants in total budget of 25 crores.