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Friday 2nd February 2024
Day 15 of 17
Sameer Taneja
Benares
London
1 Michelin Star
View BioSameer Taneja
Sameer Taneja is Executive Chef at Benares, London’s trailblazing Michelin-starred Indian restaurant in Mayfair. Using his classical training in French and Indian cuisine and 20 years’ experience working alongside some of the world’s best chefs, Sameer’s culinary style pairs high quality British ingredients with authentic Indian spices and techniques.
Under his leadership, Benares regained its Michelin star in the 2021 Michelin Guide to Great Britain and Ireland and has successfully retained for the last two consecutive years (2022 and 2023). Benares has held a star for 16 of its 20 years running.
Sameer has worked with luminaries such as Pascal Proyart of One-O-One Restaurant (2003-2009); Michel and Alain Roux of three Michelin-starred Waterside Inn (2009-2010), Joel Antunes of Brasserie Joel (2010-2011) and Pierre Koffmann of Koffmann’s (2011-2012).
Following this, Sameer joined Benares London as Head Chef from 2012 until 2015, before launching his own restaurant venture, the much-lauded Talli Joe in Covent Garden, which offered Indian tapas and innovative cocktails. Following its closure, Sameer returned to Benares as Executive Chef in the summer of 2019.
He has also cooked at many prestigious events including St. Moritz Gourmet Food Festival alongside Claude Bosi, Angela Hartnett and Nathan Outlaw; and the official birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, whilst representing Benares Madrid.
Sameer is originally from New Delhi in India where he first developed an interest in food, and received his degree in culinary arts from Mangalore, on India’s South-West coast. Prior to moving to the UK in 2003 he worked at The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur, consistently ranked amongst the top hotels in the world by Trip Advisor and Condé Nast. He lives in London with his wife and two young children.
Sameer Taneja's Obsession Menu:
SNACKS
Pani Puri, Milk Bread Fritters, Papri Chaat
PANEER TIKKA
Chard Goats Milk Paneer, Beetroot and Lime Relish, Pecan Nuts, Yellow Chilli and Young Onion, Crispy Roti
Pinot Grigio Ramato, Specogna, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy, 2022
SCALLOPS MALABAR
Scottish Scallops Baked in Shell with Coastal Spices, Buttered Paratha
Grüner Veltliner, Löss, Weingut Gobelsberg, Kamptal, Austria, 2021
MUNTJAC BOTI KEBAB
Herbs and Fresh Chilli Marinated, Grilled Morsels of Muntjac (Fillet), Smoked Chilli Chutney, Cream Fraiche
Pinot Noir, Classic Famille Hugel, Alsace, France, 2020
CHAAPON KA PULAO
Welsh Tandoori Lamb Chop and Leg Pulao, Meat Curry, Cumin Raita, Madras Papad and 24 Hours Cooked Black Lentils
Aalto, Ribera del Duero, Spain, 2019
RASMALAI
Poached Cottage Cheese Dumpling, Cream of Celeriac
Moscato Rose, Innocent Bystander, Victoria, Australia, 2021
Obsession Food Festival
Obsession first took place in 2001 and was created as a celebration of great food, wine and a meeting of friends, old and new.
From that first event, its size has grown but the ethos is still very much the same; a completely memorable culinary experience with some of the world’s most innovative chefs creating unique Obsession menus for guests to enjoy at Northcote.
Snapshots from Sameer's O24 evening
Headline Sponsor
Deepbridge
Company ProfileDeepbridge
Award-winning Deepbridge Capital provides investors with access to portfolios of actively-managed, growth-focused technology and life sciences companies, taking advantage of the potential tax benefits available under the Enterprise Investment Scheme and Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme.
Contact Details
The Cook School Sponsor
Gaggenau
gaggenau.com/gb
0344 892 8988
Gaggenau
Gaggenau is a manufacturer of high-quality home appliances and acknowledged as an innovation leader in design and technology “Made in Germany.” The company, with a history dating back to 1683, has revolutionised the domestic kitchen with its internationally acclaimed products. Gaggenau’s success is founded on technological innovation and a clear design language combined with high functionality. Gaggenau is currently represented in more than 50 countries with 24 flagship showrooms in major cities around the world.
Contact Details
gaggenau.com/gb
0344 892 8988
Film Sponsor
Wellocks
Company ProfileWellocks
Wellocks have become the special ingredient of the UK’s finest restaurants and have been working closely with Lisa Goodwin-Allen and Craig Bancroft at Northcote for many years, sourcing the most exceptional produce and speciality ingredients.
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Kitchen Sponsor
Electrolux Professional
www.electroluxprofessional.com/gb/
03444 631 260
Electrolux Professional
Electrolux Professional provides globally renowned kitchen solutions and innovative products to meet the needs of chefs at Northcote; the home of Obsession 24.
Contact Details
www.electroluxprofessional.com/gb/
03444 631 260
Digital Sponsor
Lafont
Company ProfileLafont
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Restaurant Sponsor
S.Pellegrino
Company ProfileS.Pellegrino
S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna are Natural Mineral Waters from Italy, acknowledged as leaders in the premium water category. With 125 years of heritage, S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna are destined for the best tables in over 150 countries around the world. Both waters bring the best to the table thanks to their distinctive Italian tastes and unique sparkle, which are known to accompany fine dining experiences worldwide.
Founded in 1899, Sanpellegrino S.p.A. is the leading beverage company in Italy with its range of mineral waters and soft drinks. Sanpellegrino has always been committed to enhancing good for the planet and works responsibly and passionately to ensure that its natural resources have a secure future to continue bringing the best Italian beverages to its customers.
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Chef's Table Sponsor
Macallan
Company ProfileMacallan
Located in the Speyside region of Scotland, The Macallan was founded in 1824 on a plateau above the iconic River Spey. With an uncompromising dedication to its craft, the distillery has built a global reputation for creating astonishing single malts.
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Luxury Car Sponsor
Aston Martin
www.stratstone.com/dealers/aston-martin-manchester/
Aston Martin
Aston Martin Manchester is an official Aston Martin Retailer and is set in the heart of Cheshire, in a picturesque location in Wilmslow. The area lies between affluent Alderley Edge and Handforth.
We provide new and pre-owned Aston Martin models. We pride ourselves on an unparalleled level of customer care, and a personal, bespoke service.
Contact the team on 01625 548802 or info@astonmartinmanchester.co.uk
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Luxury Car Sponsor
Stratstone
Company ProfileStratstone
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Luxury Car Sponsor
Porsche
www.stratstone.com/dealers/?brand=porsche
Porsche
Contact Details
Obsession Partners
Sturia Caviar
Sturia is the flagship brand of France's leading caviar producer, Sturgeon. A pioneer in sturgeon breeding in France, the company, created 20 years ago near Bordeaux, produces about 12 tonnes of caviar each year and sells it worldwide. In this way, Sturgeon contributes to the international influence of French gastronomy.
Contact Details
Louis Roederer Champagne
Founded in 1776 in Reims, Louis Roederer is an independent family-run champagne house producing Louis Roederer and Cristal champagnes. Pioneers in sustainable farming, Louis Roederer works hand in hand with nature to produce extraordinary wines that reflect the terroir of the champagne soils and the passion of the Rouzaud family.
Contact Details
The Wright Wine Company
Yorkshire Wine & Spirits Merchant
Specialist supplier of wine and spirits, ranging from the everyday to the premium, for both retail and the trade. We are proud to be chosen by several leading restaurants and michelin-starred hoteliers to help create award-winning wine lists and drinks menus, and enjoy a close working relationship, both personal and professional, with owners, sommeliers and managers alike.
Contact Details
Riedel
Riedel is known for the creation and development of grape varietal-specific stemware. Riedel Crystal was the first in history to recognize that the taste and aroma of a beverage is affected by the shape of the vessel from which it is consumed, and has been recognized for its revolutionary designs complementing alcoholic beverages and other drinks.
Founded in 1756 and pioneering grape varietal-specific stemware since 1958, Riedel has become the brand of choice for wine connoisseurs and drink specialists, hospitality professionals and consumers globally.