On Thursday 17th July Shriji met Ms. Deepika Ahlawat a curator from the Asian Department at the V & A for tea at the The Hilton, Park Lane, London.

Ms. Deepika Ahlawat

The Hilton, Park Lane, London

On 20th July 2008 Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur returned to Mumbai. After attending the J K Board meeting on 24th July in Delhi, Shriji returned to Udaipur on 25th July 2008.

Regal dining at the Gallery Restaurant, Fateh Prakash Palace

In the western gallery adjoining the Durbar Hall is the Gallery Restaurant. From the outside, the restaurant appears to be on the fourth floor as the hotel is constructed along the undulating waterfront. The Gallery Restaurant has large arched windows through which there is a spectacular view of the Lake and the two island palaces - Jagmandir and Jagniwas as well as the surrounding Aravali range with the Sajjangarh Palace perched on one of the peaks. The restaurant serves a diverse menu of continental food for lunch and dinner and traditional Afternoon Tea. Tea is served with thinly cut sandwiches followed by scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam. Due to its popularity, booking is advisable.

The Gallery Restaurant, Fateh Prakash Palace, Udaipur

Showcased in the restaurant is a rare porcelain collection of Flora Danica that was first commissioned by Crown Prince Frederik at the Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Manufactory, founded in Denmark, in 1775. According to tradition the service was intended as a gift for the Empress Catherine the Great of Russia, an enthusiastic collector of porcelain. Porcelain had become a matter of royal prestige since the recipe for this 'white gold' had been rediscovered in Europe in the beginning of the century. This Mewar Collection, acquired from a royal household, is a revival of the old dinner service which follows the classical pearl form. Part of this service still graces the royal table of Queen Margrethe II on state occasions at Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen. Other pieces from this rare collection are exhibited at museums in Denmark.