I understand. I'm usually doing the "guiding" but its usually with colleagues or perhaps a few industry people I know casually or local friends. I understand where they come from (trying to show you the best). Sometimes one just has to insist to go to a "regular" place.

You may find even the concierge at the FS reticent to suggest such places. They started going off the usual list of restaurants when I stopped them and said,

"Look I was 3 hours late to check in because I wanted to take an auto rickshaw here and I found out too late that there are 2 Four Seasons Hotels in town and the other isn't your brand. My family is originally from India and I go a lot. I've eaten on the side of the road so hot fresh food is just fine. I have been to Trishna, Khyber etc etc etc enough and want to try something new"

Or something along those lines. That's when the guy looked around for his boss/manager and leaned over the counter and told me about Sri Krishna!

The Taj rooms may have been worn and I felt the Oberoi rooms needed a freshening as well back then, but I didn't mind. I always felt like I was in a different world at either hotel. The Taj's status, history and location made up for the rest. Agreed on FS for location now and great service. I will want to try the Shangrila when it opens though.