Kolkata, Sep 16 (IANS) With shukto, mocha and chello kebabs to be had, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took time off from his hectic political schedule in West Bengal to dig into some delicious Kolkata cuisine. Sure enough, he left co-diners and restaurant staff in awe!
Rahul Gandhi, who has been in and out of Kolkata for the three-day trip ending Thursday, stepped into a couple of famous eating joints of the city.
He relished a traditional Bengali dinner at the famed Bhojohori Manna restaurant in south Kolkata Tuesday. The menu comprised delicacies like shukto and mochar paturi and fish items bhetki paturi and a hilsa preparation.
For dessert, he had nalen gurer ice cream and rosomalai, before finishing with a paan or betel leaf.
‘He insisted on payment, saying as an MP he was reimbursed for such expenses. We tried to prevent him, but he was politely adamant and paid the bill,’ said a restaurant staffer.
After a tiring day Wednesday, during which he travelled from Kolkata to three North Bengal districts before returning in the evening, he seemed to be in a relaxed mood.
Having had a feel of Bengali food in Kolkata the previous day, he trooped into the city’s fine dining hub Park Street.
Accompanied by some friends, he entered the iconic Peter Cat and placed an order for its famed chello kebab. He also had butter nan, fish sizzler, dal makhani, fresh lime soda and pineapple souffle.
‘He enjoyed the food. He was just like any other customer. He also enquired about the recipe,’ said Michael Sarkar, who served Gandhi.
He spent all of 75 minutes at the restaurant.
Dinner over, he went up to people at other tables and shook hands, taking the diners by surprise. For want of anything better, some fished out the menu card to take his autograph. And he obliged!
‘He looked very simple. I am surprised he is so simple. We are very happy,’ said a beaming customer.
A young girl who took Rahul Gandhi’s autograph was over the moon. ‘He is so good looking. I will show the autograph to my schoolmates,’ she gushed.
