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So what's so special about Cafe Royal?

Cafe Royal, situated a stone's throw from the Gateway of India in Bombay, is all set to welcome its most important guest to date: the President of the United States of America, Bill Clinton. (Cafe's photograph alongside: Jewella C Miranda.)

But the Prez will not exactly be gracing the restaurant for its delicacies alone. Instead, he will be there on a matter of far greater significance as he meets with a host of young entrepreneurs.

The old Iranian restaurant was established in 1919 and was once a meeting place for the commoners. So why was it picked by the authorities as the place where Clinton would attend a function organised by the Indian chapter of Young Presidents' Organisation or YPO?

There are quite a few reasons for the selection of this unlikely venue. One of the most obvious ones is that the restaurant has been a favourite haunt of the city's business glitterati, and Mukesh Ambani, the scion of the Ambani empire, heads the Indian chapter of the YPO.

It could also be for security reasons, as the café is just a few yards from the Maharashtra state police headquarters and a minute's walk from the Central Bureau of Investigation or CBI office.

Moreover the place is historically significant. It is only a few metres away from Gateway of India, the Prince Of Wales Museum, and the Jehangir Art Gallery.

"It gives a clear picture of Bombay's rich heritage," owner of a shop near Cafe Royal said. "We all are very happy that the US President will pay a visit here," he said.

Already there's a lot of enthusiasm amongst shop-owners here: they have put up banners welcoming Clinton. The Regal circle is already a landmark and with Clinton visiting Cafe Royal, it will add to the glory of the place.

However, the café will be more like a fortress this time around with armed security personnel keeping unwanted guests away.

Though the restaurant is over 80-years-old, the decor inside is new. It has metamorphosed from the old Iranian style to something resembling an American restaurant. It also has a dance floor.

The menu is also different. Once famous for kababs, bun-maska, mutton samosas and non-vegetarian snacks, it now serves continental food, too. At least, 120 persons can be accommodated at a same time in the hotel.

UNI

Business

Bill Clinton's India visit: full coverage@rediff.com