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Tandoor-crazy Chelsea wants the 'real stuff'

Tara Shankar Sahay in New Delhi

It is daughter Chelsea's fondness for tandoori chicken that introduced President Bill Clinton and wife Hillary to the Indian gastronomic speciality.

"Both President Clinton and the first lady were introduced to tandoori chicken by Chelsea. Whenever she wants to eat it in Washington her doting parents ensure that she gets it from an Indian restaurant," the sources said.

It is learnt that Chelsea has now expressed her desire to taste the "real stuff."

And for those who would be cooking the dish for Chelsea, here is a tip - she likes it crusty, yet tender. Also, she prefers it marinated well in mint yoghurt and lightly garnished with Indian spices.

"The fact that the US president's daughter likes tandoori chicken does not mean that you give her the run-of-the-mill stuff. It has to be succulent and aromatic," sources pointed out.

Meanwhile, the menu for Bill Clinton's lunch at Ashoka Hotel on March 21 will include American fast food, which the President is so fond of.

"Like Microsoft boss Bill Gates and ousted Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharief, President Bill Clinton likes burgers and french fries," the sources said.

Ashoka Hotel chefs have also planned an elaborate paneer menu, after word trickled out that the President has never tasted cottage cheese.

One another special dish being readied for the President at Ashoka is 'chicken Todar Mal' named after a raja in Emperor Akbar's court. Made from succulent chunks of chicken marinated in yoghurt and white wine, this dish is commonly known as butter chicken.

There is also information that the chefs will offer the Clintons kesar (saffron) kulfi as dessert.

CLINTON VISITS INDIA :The complete coverage

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