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Published on April 2, 2024
In this exclusive interview, we delve into Chef Shin's diverse culinary background, exploring the influences that have shaped his approach to cooking and his vision for Yazu.
1. Chef Vadim Shin, your culinary journey has been notably diverse, encompassing various cuisines and cultures. Could you kindly share how these rich and varied experiences have influenced and shaped your approach to cooking at Yazu?
Joining Indus Hospitality and taking on Yazu as a brand was a fortunate decision for me, timed perfectly. As a Brand Chef with extensive Pan Asian experience, aligning with a brand sharing the same direction and vision as my own was crucial in making this choice. Establishing a connection and synergy with one's superiors, particularly those who possess a shared understanding of flavors and vision, is paramount for any chef. In this regard, I consider myself fortunate to have Mr. Ranbir Nagpal, the CEO of the company, who not only brought me on board but also entrusted me with unwavering support. Drawing from my fifteen years of experience working in India, I've been able to grasp the nuances of local preferences and palate, which has proven invaluable in my role.
2. Yazu prides itself on blending tradition with modernity in its dishes. Can you share an example of a dish where you've successfully achieved this balance?
Yazu boasts a diverse array of dishes worthy of highlighting. Our Sushi and Dimsum offerings consistently garner praise and recognition, setting a high standard for excellence. Additionally, our signature dishes, including the esteemed Black Cod Miso, delectable Avocado Tartare, and tantalizing Japanese Carpaccio, stand out as exquisite culinary creations. Not to be overlooked, our "mains" category features items that standout such as our immensely popular Donburi, which continues to break sales records.
3. As a chef, you've emphasized the importance of incorporating locally beloved ingredients into your dishes. How do you strike a balance between honouring tradition and embracing new culinary challenges?
Selecting the right ingredients is an ongoing challenge for every chef, especially when introducing a cuisine that is not native to the region. We prioritize sourcing essential elements such as main basic sauces, seafood, meats, and certain fruits and vegetables from Japan/Thailand or other countries integral to the cuisine's authenticity. Meanwhile, we meticulously select other ingredients from local vendors. Our aim is to strike a balance, striving to achieve flavors that are as close to tradition and as authentic as possible.
4. You've worked in various kitchens across different countries. Could you share a particularly memorable experience or mentor who influenced your culinary career?
My journey has been a bit rocky. For a long time, I wasn't sure if I wanted to keep working in this industry. Between 2000 and 2008, I didn't have a clear idea of what I wanted to do, so I ended up wasting eight years. During that time, I was just going through life without any real passion or direction. Because of this, I don't have many experiences that particularly standout, since most of my learning was on my own.
But there's one memory that really sticks out to me: watching "Iron Chef Japan" on TV and being really impressed by Chef Masaharu Morimoto. That moment got me excited and made me think about whether I wanted to be a chef for the rest of my life. And now, I'm fully committed to my work, knowing without a doubt that this is where I belong.
5. With the rise of Asian pop culture influencing various aspects of society, including food, how do you see Yazu staying relevant and innovative in this dynamic landscape?
At Yazu, we prioritize maintaining consistency in both food quality and service, recognizing the fierce competition in our industry. However, we also understand the importance of adapting to a dynamic landscape at a measured pace. We believe in avoiding frequent changes to our menu to prevent confusion among our guests, many of whom are regular patrons drawn to Yazu for its familiar offerings. Rest assured, as long as I serve as Brand Chef at Yazu, I am committed to utilizing all my capabilities to enhance the Yazu experience for our guests.
6. Collaboration and teamwork are crucial in a restaurant setting. How do you foster a positive and collaborative environment among your staff at Yazu?
In today's world, the younger generation is notably different. There's a lack of stability and patience, which presents significant challenges. Many individuals are seeking attention constantly. However, in my approach, I strive to maintain regular communication with my team, finding a balance between being too close and too distant. While fostering close relationships isn't my primary focus, I prioritize maintaining professionalism to establish boundaries and promote understanding. This approach allows for a mix of seriousness and casualness in interactions.
Simultaneously, I keep my team engaged by consistently providing opportunities for learning and growth. Recognizing and appreciating their efforts within the team ensures that everyone feels valued and motivated. Moreover, it's crucial to create an environment where team members feel protected and supported. By sharing my experiences with them, I aim to better understand their perspectives and connect with them on a deeper level.
Another fundamental aspect of my approach is to help develop the personalities of my team members, enabling them to clarify their visions for the future. I often emphasize the importance of this, encouraging them to reflect on their aspirations and goals.
7. Outside of the kitchen, do you have any hobbies or interests that inspire or influence your cooking style?
Cooking is an art as we all know. There are certain things that inspire & motivate me to curate my food the way I do. I absolutely love music. I play the piano & guitar in my spare time and my preferred genre of music is more calm, jazz, soft pop etc. basically anything that's extremely soulful & peaceful. I think it's a part of my personality as well. Listening to such music makes me feel at home. I think that's the reason that all my recipes/creations are extremely simple & traditional and not gimmicky.
My style of cooking is certainly established from my personal interests outside of work. If I'm in a situation where I'm feeling erratic, I listen to my playlist and it instantly calms me down & helps me compose myself.
This Interview is Published Exclusively in hospitalitynews.in.
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Published on October 2, 2024
In Gurgaon’s dynamic dining landscape, a fresh and bold culinary destination is set to steal the spotlight—The Boulevard by Galaxy Magnum Group. This isn’t just another restaurant; it’s a visionary project led by Mr. Pranav Poddar, the Executive Director, who is determined to elevate the city’s dining scene with an innovative, multi-faceted approach.
Mr. Poddar, who brings extensive expertise from the hospitality industry, is on a mission to make The Boulevard a hub for more than just food. “Our goal with The Boulevard is to create a premium culinary destination that blends global cuisines with local flavors,” he shares. His vision revolves around turning dining into a memorable journey, where every meal is an event, every dish a celebration of creativity and culture.
The Boulevard promises to stand out, not just with its extraordinary food but with its immersive, elegant design. Floor-to-ceiling windows, vertical gardens, and curated art pieces will set the scene for a dining experience that combines sophistication with comfort. This thoughtfully designed space will elevate every meal into a special occasion.
However, what truly sets The Boulevard apart is its focus on interactive and immersive dining. “We’re introducing live cooking stations where guests can watch their meals being prepared,” Mr. Poddar reveals. The Boulevard’s open kitchen concept and chef’s table experiences will offer diners a front-row seat to culinary artistry. It’s not just about eating; it’s about witnessing the magic of food preparation and engaging with it.
To keep the experience fresh and dynamic, The Boulevard plans to host pop-up events and collaborate with renowned chefs from around the world. These exclusive events will introduce new dishes and exciting perspectives, constantly redefining what’s on the plate and offering food lovers new reasons to visit.
Beyond the food, The Boulevard champions sustainability. “We’re dedicated to integrating environmentally conscious practices into every aspect of our operations,” Mr. Poddar emphasizes. The venue will use energy-efficient technologies, including LED lighting and renewable energy sources like solar power, proving that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand. Sustainability workshops and support for local causes further reflect The Boulevard’s commitment to making a positive impact on the community. Looking to the future, Mr. Poddar’s ambitions for The Boulevard are bold and far-reaching. In the short term, the goal is to create a strong market presence in Gurgaon through targeted marketing campaigns and exclusive events. “We want to build a loyal customer base and set a new standard for premium dining in the city,” he explains. Long-term plans include expanding The Boulevard’s innovative dining concept to other metropolitan cities like Delhi and Mumbai, with the vision of creating a recognized brand synonymous with excellence and innovation.
Beyond the food, The Boulevard champions sustainability. “We’re dedicated to integrating environmentally conscious practices into every aspect of our operations,” Mr. Poddar emphasizes. The venue will use energy-efficient technologies, including LED lighting and renewable energy sources like solar power, proving that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand. Sustainability workshops and support for local causes further reflect The Boulevard’s commitment to making a positive impact on the community.
Looking to the future, Mr. Poddar’s ambitions for The Boulevard are bold and far-reaching. In the short term, the goal is to create a strong market presence in Gurgaon through targeted marketing campaigns and exclusive events. “We want to build a loyal customer base and set a new standard for premium dining in the city,” he explains. Long-term plans include expanding The Boulevard’s innovative dining concept to other metropolitan cities like Delhi and Mumbai, with the vision of creating a recognized brand synonymous with excellence and innovation.
As The Boulevard gears up for its grand opening, it’s clear that this isn’t just another restaurant; it’s a landmark in the making. With its immersive design, innovative cuisine, and commitment to sustainability, The Boulevard by Galaxy Magnum Group is poised to transform Gurgaon’s dining scene and create an unforgettable experience for food enthusiasts.
Stay tuned for the grand opening of The Boulevard, where a new era of dining excellence is about to begin!
In the ever-evolving food industry, few names have made as significant an impact as IFFCO Group. With the launch of Pristine India, IFFCO is taking its commitment to quality and innovation to unprecedented heights. This new brand isn't just about creating flawless ingredients—it's about redefining what consumers can expect from their food products.
Pristine India represents a bold move in the FMCG sector, with a mission to set new benchmarks in purity, taste, and sustainability. Unlike traditional approaches, IFFCO focuses on mastering market demands by developing ingredients that cater to health-conscious consumers seeking premium quality. The brand has successfully launched products like trans-fat-free, RSPO-certified oil and a revolutionary chilled UHT whip topping, which is a first for India, utilizing advanced Tetra Pak technology.
At the core of Pristine India is a relentless dedication to excellence. Every product undergoes stringent quality control measures, employing cutting-edge technology to ensure it exceeds industry standards. However, IFFCO's commitment goes beyond mere product quality; it’s about social responsibility and empowering local communities throughout the production process.
Sumit Nair, General Manager of Pristine India, articulates the brand’s philosophy: “Perfection is merely the beginning.” This ethos drives the team to innovate continuously, pushing beyond existing standards to deliver exceptional products that resonate with discerning consumers. The brand’s innovative spirit has garnered a loyal following and industry recognition, underscoring its commitment to a sustainable future.
As the food landscape continues to shift, Pristine India remains committed to leading the charge, adapting to trends while setting new ones. With its focus on creating experiences that align with contemporary consumer needs, IFFCO's Pristine India is well-positioned to influence the future of food ingredients.
For those intrigued by this journey of innovation and sustainability, head over to our Hospitality News E-magazine to catch the full article. You can also enjoy the tactile experience of our physical magazine—feel the quality in your hands. Grab a single issue for just ₹200 or subscribe for a year at an amazing ₹2000, saving you 16.67%! Fresh insights delivered right to your doorstep—perfect to enjoy with your morning coffee, whether you’re in for one issue or twelve! Visit our website, click "Buy Print Magazine," fill in your details, and get it delivered straight to your door. It's that simple!
In an exclusive interview, Manoj Jangid, Hotel Manager at Fairfield by Marriott Kolkata, opens up about his transformative approach to hospitality that seamlessly blends sustainability with exceptional service. With over 20 years of experience at prestigious brands like Taj, Hyatt, Accor, and Marriott, Manoj’s journey is a testament to his commitment to excellence.
People-First LeadershipManoj emphasizes a people-first leadership style, fostering a positive culture within his team. He aligns his management approach with Marriott’s core values—putting people first, pursuing excellence, embracing change, acting with integrity, and serving the community. His commitment to empathy and transparency empowers team members to take ownership of guest interactions, ensuring a memorable experience for every visitor.
Innovative Guest Experiences
At Fairfield Kolkata, Manoj prioritizes personalized guest experiences using advanced data analytics. Tools like Guest Voice help the hotel anticipate and meet guest needs, while sustainability initiatives, such as eco-friendly amenities and locally sourced dining options, enhance the overall experience. His focus on empowering staff to exceed guest expectations plays a vital role in creating unforgettable stays.
Strategic Management and Crisis Preparedness
Managing the hotel involves balancing multiple priorities. Manoj holds regular cross-departmental meetings to ensure alignment and foster teamwork, crucial for delivering top-tier service. His proactive approach to crisis management was highlighted during a severe weather event, where thorough preparation allowed the team to secure the property and ensure guest safety with minimal disruption.
Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability is at the heart of Manoj’s vision for Fairfield Kolkata. The hotel embraces Marriott’s SERVE 360 initiative, implementing energy-efficient practices and promoting responsible travel. These efforts not only contribute to environmental goals but also enhance the guest experience.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Manoj aims to position Fairfield by Marriott Kolkata as a leader in sustainable hospitality. By leveraging technology and adopting the latest green practices, he plans to continue personalizing guest experiences and exceeding expectations.
Found these insights interesting? Then you’ll love our HospitalityNews E-Magazine, where you can catch the full interview with Manoj Jangid and dive deeper into his thoughts on sustainability and leadership. Prefer something tangible? We offer physical copies of our magazine that you can hold and enjoy! For just ₹200, grab a single issue, or subscribe for a year at an amazing price of ₹2000—saving you 16.67%! Experience the quality of our physical magazine as it delivers the latest trends and stories in hospitality right to your doorstep. Simply visit our website, click "Buy Print Magazine," fill in your details, and get ready to explore the world of hospitality like never before. Whether you choose a single issue or twelve, we’re sure you’ll enjoy reading with a cup of coffee!
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