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Chef Manish Mehrotra, the culinary director for Indian Accent and Comorin, loves drama when it comes to food. Give him a little ingredient and he’ll find a way to make a swish desi dish out of it. It was his thing – take something basic and upcycle it to give it a new personality and a flavour profile. In a way, his contribution to the whole concept of “contemporary Indian food” is undeniable and he's often considered to be the man who started it all.
Those who’ve had the privilege to dine at Delhi’s Indian Accent would often call him one of the cleverest chefs in India. The restaurant has its fans and haters, but it was absolutely impossible to dislike the man. He loved to chat about food, and what he thought of Indian food and how it was so important to give it a solid makeover. And in the process, not once did he forget his roots. Needless to say, the award-winning restaurant from Delhi ended up on the ‘must visit’ lists of plenty of people from across the world.
His current resignation from the company, EVH International, that owns Indian Accent and Comoron – Mehrotra was the culinary director for both – might not come as a surprise to many. After 24 years in the kitchen, playing with food and inspiring younger chefs – his mini cheese-stuffed naans have ended up in tons of restaurant menus across India – and winning awards and accolades, perhaps it is time that the veteran looked at his culinary journey differently.
According to a statement issued by EVH International, Mehrotra, “has decided to take a break from restaurants for now. The Company is grateful for all his services and contributions during the past two decades and wishes him all the very best for his future. Chef Manish leaves a wonderful legacy at the two restaurant brands (Indian Accent and Comorin), which he helped build and nurture with his immense culinary talent and dedication He is an exceptional leader and human being and will be sorely missed, but we wish him all the very best in his future journey and adventures."
"I joined the company when I was a young man in the year 2000 and have literally grown with this company. I have learnt a lot and received great opportunities and support." The chef also shared the reason for his break. "There's a time when one needs to explore new frontiers and spend some time with the family and that time has come for me," said Mehrotra as part of the statement.
On his social media account, he said, “As I move on to the new chapter in my life… I would like to thank everyone who made it possible… Mr Rohit Khattar, Rashmi Ma’am, Rishiv, all my Colleagues, Diners, Critics, Friends and most importantly my late wife Vindhya and my lifeline, my daughter.”
Chef Shantanu Mehrotra will take over Indian Accent New Delhi and chef Rijul Gulati will be responsible for the Mumbai chapter.