No cocktails, only mocktails for Obamas

When the United States embassy hosts an exclusive party for the Obamas, the guests will be served mocktails. Mocktails, you wonder?

Well, it will be hosted in the evening on January 26, Republic Day, which happens to be a dry day and alcohol cannot be sold or served in any part of the country.

ITC Maurya The venue for the private party will be ITC Maurya, the preferred hotel of most heads of states visiting the country. Sources said the US embassy is preparing the guest list for the event. While little official information was available about the itinerary, guest list, and the menu, it is believed that Obamas may fly in their personal chefs.

Michelle is known to be a huge advocate of healthy eating. According to international reports, the first lady likes to indulge in waffles and pie, while Barack Obama’s favourite snack is chocolate-peanut protein bars. The American President likes to drink black forest berry iced tea.

Interestingly, in Kenya there is a beer called ‘Senator Keg beer’ known simply by drinkers as ‘Obama’.

Security beefed up While security has been spruced up, especially in New Delhi and Agra, all telephone lines at ITC Maurya will be monitored by the Delhi Police and US Secret Service from January 24 as a security measure.

In December last year, ITC Maurya also hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The hotel had then created an exclusive menu with a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.