When Bangaloreans think of a lovely multi-cuisine spread, one restaurant usually comes to mind - Tycoons.

Not surprising, when you think of the years of experience Desmond Rice, one of the Managing Director of Tycoons, has behind him. This elite eating-house was designed keeping in mind the busy businessmen and executives of Bangalore.

Married to an Andhraite, with two sons, Desmond Rice is full of praise for the good work of the government. But he only hopes that the government is fair on the existing basement restaurants and instead prevent any new basement restaurant from being set up.

Its plans for expansion include franchising Tycoons in other cities and a cocktail lounge just above Tycoons, exclusively for women.

Given below are excerpts from the interview with Desmond Rice, Managing Director, Tycoons:

Tycoons was a hit with Bangaloreans right from the beginning - what's your secret?

We started with a bang in the year 1989. It was successful from day one. The timing was right; we opened when the 'Bangalore Boom' started. The corporate sector was growing tremendously, especially the IT industry, therefore we did very well. And we are still doing well.

What do you think is the competition for restaurants in Bangalore today?

Many new restaurants and pubs have sprung up in the last few years, but as the old saying goes "Only the fittest survive." However, I feel there is still a lot of scope for better restaurants and good eating-houses in the city. I'd also like to add that all hoteliers should look to take advantage of the other's weakness.

Tycoons has won a lot of awards for its excellent service - what's your secret?

Tycoons has become a landmark for tourists, especially foreign ones. We have won awards on many occasions, in fact, for 2-3 consecutive years, we have won the best restaurant award for both continental and western cuisine at the all India level. It has also been nominated a couple of times for the most hygienic restaurant and the best Indian restaurant.

What is your background and how did your journey in the hotel industry begin?

I am basically a management and marketing person. In the 70s I used to work for 'Blue Fox' - one of the most popular restaurants in Bangalore at that time. In the 80s I shifted to another restaurant called The Prince's. This was till 1989, after which I started Tycoons.

How long have you been in Bangalore?

I have seen Bangalore since I was just six years old. We shifted in 1954, before which we were in Dehradun. It's been my hometown all these years and I am a localite now. But the city has changed a lot; Bangalore is a different city today from what I saw then. The Café culture was prevalent in the 70s, people used to acknowledge each other, there was a certain amount of closeness, unlike now. Bangalore has changed tremendously; several MNCs have made this their base here. I agree that this is a good sign for the economy, but there are serious infrastructure problems which we are facing, like housing, water supply and other civic amenities.

What do you think is lacking in Bangalore's restaurant scene today?

The government can be a little more lenient with the timings for restaurants and pubs. I can also empathise with the government for taking such measures, as crime and alcoholism are so rampant today.

How do you think the problem of restaurants and pubs closing by 11:30 pm be combatted? Do you have solution?

The Government can create 'Entertainment Zones' where people can go after midnight at least on weekends. This is on one condition that they strictly prohibit drunken driving, which can be done by making sure one person in a crowd is off liquor.

Is there scope for Bangalore to have other exotic cuisine restaurants?

Oh.. Lots of scope…there can be Mexican, Thai, Japanese restaurants; people love to eat exotic cuisine.

Does training in a catering institute help run a restaurant better?

That is a must - the sort of dedication the service industry has in Singapore, Malaysia and other far-east countries is much more when compared to India. The training always helps in being well groomed. In fact, just like business schools, campus recruitments take place even in the hotel management colleges now.

Which dish would you recommend in Tycoons?

I would recommend steaks, even the fish Veronique we serve is widely appreciated. For the vegetarian, I'd say Paneer Kali Mirch is a good choice.

What is your personal favourite in Tycoons?

I like fish - grilled fish here.

What is your idea of a perfect weekend in Bangalore?

Since all the places close by 11:30 pm, we don't really have a choice. Sometimes I look forward to getting invited to a private party and stay on there till around 2:30 - 3:00 am. Both of us (my wife and I) love playing golf. We play thrice a week at the KGA and we also go to the gym together.

Did you always want to be a part of the hotel industry?

I had always wanted to be a part of the public relations industry, you know…interacting with a lot of people, getting to know them. I just got in by chance. Anyway, this has worked well for me!

For more information:
1, Copper Arch
83/1, Infantry Road
Bangalore - 560 001

By Pavitra Jayaram

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