Guess Where - Paradise On Earth
I have alongside, a picture of me and a hotelier, a man of sterling qualities. But much more than his abilities and managerial qualities, Gourav Deb represents to me a human being with great fortitude, resilience and optimism. "You have to work hard, take an intelligent, sensitive and thoughtful approach and everything falls in place," says Gourav, who I think, has one of the toughest jobs as general manager of The Lalit Grand Palace, Srinagar, one of the most beautiful hotels of our country. I don´t have to elaborate on the precarious state that Kashmir is in, you already know that. All I can say is it has been hell in paradise for the longest time and running a hotel with a huge staff of 200 is certainly no mean task. To Gourav his staff is family and he says he will do his utmost to look after them, keep their morale from sagging and offer hope of better times to come. He is that silver lining in a cloudy sky. Bravo Gourav and thank you very much.
Once again we have for you an issue packed with some wonderful articles, some great travel pieces as well as recipes you will love. Right from royals of Rajasthan, to Tara Deshpande´s Korean food to Blue Elephant´s Chef Nooror´s Thai delights.
The second quarter of the year is always travel time. But for those who just can´t get away, we offer you some armchair travel. Check out the glossy pictures, read the different accounts of journeys in Japan, even a game sanctuary in India, save the issue and plan a trip next year, or perhaps sooner. For what else is there in life but to check out new places. Wanderlust is one kind of lust we approve! Talking of which, I am totally besotted by Drive Singh. The cute, baby Sardar mascot who keeps Dilpreet Singh Bindra company on his amazing road journeys around the world. Pure adventure, pure bliss. The number of driving expeditions he has been on, it was only appropriate that we give Dilpreet a new name. We have christened him Roadie Singh. Sooner than later I am going to join him on a road to somewhere, anywhere...
Well, and what is it called when you lust for good cheese? I don´t know, but that´s another weakness we at UpperCrust approve. Ah, cheese! And now you have one person equally mad about it who has delved into her creativity and moulded some really drool-worthy stuff, Sherry Singh of Gourmaison.
What can I say about Marco Pierre White except that he was not the Marco Pierre White I was expecting. Here was a chef, mellow and wise, speaking gently and with so much depth... not in the least intimidating!
