Model NIKETAN MADHOK turns bartender for one afternoon

It’s not so easy getting that customer, it turns out, even if you’re a charming model. Half an hour later, he decides he’s going to have to get out there and sell the Apple Martini. He approaches a table with eight guests who are settling in and suggests his special concoction to a lady. She seems unsure, but agrees.

“I was in Germany for five weeks and I’ve learnt a trick or two,” grins Madhok, gearing up to show off his skills. Out come the apple juice, vodka and tum-bler. Madhok mixes the ingredients and pours the drink into a martini glass with a flourish and asks the bartender to gar-nish it with a lemon. “It tastes best with Apple Pucker Schnapps,” he says and sends the martini to the lady. When we suggest he serve it himself, he declines.

“I’m very shy,” smiles Madhok. “Also, what if she hates it?” No chance of that. The lady raises the glass in approval and Madhok can’t stop grinning. I suggest that maybe she’s willing to overlook the quality of the drink because he’s the best looking bartender she’s seen. “Delhi men don’t keep themselves fit,” says Madhok.

Madhok is still parked at the bar. He attracts curious stares with his chiselled features and strapping frame. However, no one else seems to want an Apple Martini. No wonder the future plans for this Delhi boy don’t include “anything to do with the restaurant business.” He asks the waiter about his shift and is shocked that it’s sometimes 13 hours, without a break. “I have it easy,” ac-knowledges Madhok. “This is hard work,” he says.