“We get invited to the best parties” is the most apt tagline for South India’s very popular outdoor catering company, Uncle Sam’s kitchen. Uncle Sam’s kitchen ever since its inception in 1997 has been a pioneer and one of the largest and most popular vegetarian and non vegetarian full catering service, with a bouquet of brands. Samskriti, a pure vegetarian catering brand for large vegetarian events for about 10 to 25 people, to consultancy services and everyday nutritious office buffets with Corporate kitchens. While Uncle Sam’s gives the best of taste, style and value to every party they undertake, some hosts and hostesses add their special charisma and make the celebration even more memorable. One such hostess Uncle Sam’s kitchen has learnt and enjoyed working together with is Mrs Sunita Shahaney.
She is the Honorary Consul of Chile in Chennai and also wife of Mr Ram J Shahaney, Chairman, Emeritus Ashok Leyland. Mrs Sunita Shahaney is an avid collector of books, artefacts and handicrafts, glassware and cookware. She is definitely the one for a keen eye for the simple yet classics, be it in food or fashion. Biryani or kebabs or salads, she will be involved in planning it with the Uncle Sam’s team and likes to add some of her personal touches too. Sunita admits that gourmet and appliance stores are her go to places everytime she travels. She painstakingly carries and uses all her collectibles as and when required. The Kashmiri bukhari or her brass thaals for Avadhi cuisine or her hand blown glasses for drinks added with Uncle Sam’s finery, give the guests an unforgettable experience. Mrs Sunita Shahaney also had an organic entrepreneurial store Ahumcara and Chef CEO for Chef Samir Singla, of USK was her anchor for this project. Mrs Sunita Shahaney shares her top three tips that she thinks make her an amazing hostess…
- The guest list has to be carefully drawn. 10 or 100 guests, if they gel well, the mood in the party gets elevated.
- Ensure you know and plan for your guests preferences- their allergies, any dietary restrictions, possible favourites which can be added; all these are small points but go a long way and make the guests feeling looked after.
- Thirdly and most importantly, there is no space for crushed linen or stained crockery. A neat, hygienic, gleaming and simple laid out table is eye candy and the opposite a complete no no.
Gunit Singla, the author, is the proprietor of Uncle Sam’s Kitchen and has in 22 years catered 24,383 parties and counting.
Call: +91 86958 75875.
