“We own the number one restaurant in Delhi! That’s a big buzz.”

1. Name & Type of outlet:

SmokeHouse Grill

2. What’s the origin of the name?

We do a lot of smoked food. We have this machine to smoke the food. It’s just a flavouring for the entire thing. We also do this for our beverages, for select cocktails like the Smoked melon mojito or the Smoked Apple Martini. It’s a different form of smoking. We imported the machine, but we innovated the smoking techniques ourselves.

3. Name of owner(s):

Shivkaran Singh and Riyaz Amlani

4. What were you doing before you entered the business? (or you may be still doing it!)

Smokehouse is part of a company called Impressario Entertainment and we are now 30+ restaurants. I myself used to be in the garment business earlier, with Provogue.

5. When was the outlet started?

2007

6. Any other outlets owned/run by you:

Mocha Bar, Mocha, Smokehouse Delhi

7. Reason for being in this industry:

I didn’t have too much choice. I saw an opening and I entered the industry. Hospitality being a part of the entertainment industry is the future.

8. USP of your outlet:

The food, the feel, the ambience, the music. I have the largest collection of wine in Delhi for a stand alone outlet. I have been getting the best bar in Delhi for the last 2 years from the Times Night Life awards. We have a vast collection of single malts. We cater to a very different segment, and that is because of the food.

9. Best part of owning an outlet(s):

The fact that we own the number one restaurant in Delhi! That’s a big buzz. We have to keep our foot on the floor. We are staunch believers that everybody who walks through that door is special. We hate showing attitude. A lot of restaurants when they start doing well, they develop an attitude. We don’t. We don’t allow under 25’s in. We’re probably the only outlet which asks for id proof.

10. Worst part of owning an outlet(s):

Thankless business!

11. Signature/Popular dish of outlet:

Lot of seafood, our steaks are well known. John Dory fish is fantastic. That’s our signature and our liver pate in starters.

12. Signature/popular cocktail of outlet:

Watermelon Caipiroshka, Smoked Melon Mojito

13. Type of crowd usually seen in outlet:

Corporates (the owners, CEO’s), Groups of girls (they’re not bothered), I know a lot of people, so it becomes like a private party by the end of the evening

14. Any regular celebs:

Everyone comes here, from the Gandhis to Mr. Scindia, the Burman’s, Nikhil Nanda, the designers, Ravi Bajaj, the Ambassadors, the Indian cricket team, Sachin has been here, Sehwag, Brett Lee, and they keep coming back

15. Any failures in running a bar before?

No. I don’t like failures.

16. The one fictional character you’d like to have a drink with…

Superman

17. If you weren't running a bar, you would be...

None

18. If you were alone on a desert island, which drink would you want with you?

Nariyal pani. No alcohol!

19. Which of your competitors gives you sleepless nights?

I don’t have one. The pie is too big for everyone. You’d rather use your energy in trying to better yourself. I’m there to help everyone. If someone calls me I’m there. It’s all destiny.

20. Which city in India has the best nightlife? Why?

I think Mumbai has much better restaurants at the moment. Delhi is now starting to emerge with some very good restaurants. I think Magique in Delhi has a good ambience. Food wise, I think Mumbai has the best places.