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Published on September 1, 2023
In this edition of Chef Choice, we had the opportunity to engage in a conversation with the accomplished Executive Chef, Daya Shanker Chaubey, of Courtyard by Marriott, Chennai.
1. Share us a bit about your culinary background and your journey to becoming an executive chef.
I wasn't particularly passionate about cooking before enrolling in the Hotel Management course at PUSA, New Delhi. Initially, I had doubts about the program. However, after joining IHM PUSA and completing hands-on training at Le Meridien Hotel, New Delhi, I discovered my interest in assisting the skilled chefs. This experience convinced me that I could excel in the culinary field.
As I learned advanced cooking techniques, I gradually transitioned from a novice to a line chef. My first job was at ITC Sonar Bangla Kolkata, where I had the opportunity to be mentored by three master chefs, each specializing in a different area. Under their guidance, I received comprehensive training that laid the foundation for my culinary career. Their encouragement and teachings equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the kitchen.
Inspired by their mentorship, I decided to pursue a career as a chef. Now, with 18 years of experience in the industry, I am proud to hold the position of executive chef at my current establishment.
2 How do your culinary values and leadership style influence the dining experience at your establishment?
My leadership style in the kitchen is characterized by a balanced approach. I embrace an atmosphere of openness and wholeheartedly endorse the notion that all members of my kitchen team should be actively engaged and encouraged to voice their perspectives. In situations where clarity is lacking, I have traditionally facilitated discussions and convened meetings to swiftly resolve any uncertainties. This culture of transparency plays a pivotal role in maintaining our collective focus on our primary objective.
3 How do you manage and resolve a challenging situation while handling a diverse culinary team?
I'd like to discuss the amalgamation of diverse cultures. My educational journey began in Delhi, extended to Kolkata, and later led me to various hotels across India, each with distinct brands and regions. This pattern of diversity emerged consistently throughout my career.
To address this, I firmly advocate for unity amid diversity. My exposure to varied cultures and backgrounds has reinforced this belief. A pivotal moment emerged during a significant event when my diverse team faced role confusion. I swiftly organized a comprehensive meeting.
During this session, I meticulously outlined each role and its tasks, with communication being the cornerstone. Recognizing miscommunication's hindrance, I focused on aligning the team. As understanding grew, operations flowed seamlessly. Our achievement culminated in a celebratory gathering.
Our success underscored alignment's potency, even among members from diverse states and culinary backgrounds. Though challenging, we triumphed through clear communication, thorough briefings, and collective alignment, effectively achieving our goal.
4 What is your personal favorite dish to enjoy when you are not in the kitchen?
As a chef, I'm passionate about exploring diverse cuisines. While traveling, I make it a point to sample a wide range of foods. Professionally, I'm dedicated to tasting, cooking, and presenting dishes for our guests. In my personal meals, I prefer simplicity, opting for vegetables, fruits, juices, and light options.
A favorite of mine is yellow Dal Tadka with abundant fried garlic, accompanied by pan-cooked spinach and a lightly prepared paneer dish for protein. I lean towards uncomplicated and health-conscious choices. While I enjoy trying new foods while traveling, my personal preferences revolve around Dal Tadka, paneer dishes, flatbreads, and chapatis – reflecting my love for both culinary variety and wholesome eating.
5 What culinary trends do you predict will emerge in the next five years? How do you plan to incorporate or respond to them in your menu?
In the upcoming five years, a surge in health consciousness will steer dietary choices. Growing awareness about well-being is driving a shift towards vegetarian diets and calorie mindfulness. Health insights are easily accessible via mobile devices, accentuating the urgency for swift adaptation. Taking prompt action, we must introduce inventive, genuine plant-based and protein-rich alternatives.
At Marriott, we're already proactive in integrating plant-based options into our menu. Adhering to the principle of a 30% plant-based menu, this strategy is already in motion. Over the next five years, the trend toward health-centric diets and reduced meat consumption will intensify, and our approach should align accordingly.
Remaining attuned to guest expectations is paramount. Rigorous guest feedback analysis allows us to refine our offerings. Items that don't resonate can be replaced, guided by invaluable insights. Anticipating trends, I foresee the prominence of plant-based choices escalating within 2-3 years, solidifying their importance sooner than the five-year projection.
6 What advice would you give to young people aspiring to work in the star hotel industry?
I'd stress the significance of strong work ethics, dedication, and a fervent appetite for learning. The progression from kitchen novice to executive chef hinges on these attributes. The transition isn't immediate; it's a methodical process that commences with formal culinary education, forming the bedrock for entry into renowned establishments.
My advice is to embark on this journey from the outset, acknowledging the distinctive nature of the culinary domain. It necessitates grounding in fundamental kitchen dynamics. This involves a humble beginning, embracing essentials, and maintaining receptivity to wisdom from all quarters. Adhering to kitchen protocols, though stringent, lays the groundwork for lasting growth and propels your ascent to the role of executive chef.
Throughout this journey, unwavering work ethics, steadfast commitment, and an unquenchable thirst for growth are the guiding lights.
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Published on November 4, 2024
As the culinary world embraces innovation, Sanandan Sudhir emerges as a pioneering force with his groundbreaking invention, On2Cook. Hailing from Jalandhar, Punjab, Sanandan’s journey reflects a unique blend of passion and expertise. Armed with an engineering degree from the National Institute of Technology in Jamshedpur and a postgraduate degree in Industrial and Product Design from the National Institute of Design, he has cultivated a remarkable career over two decades.
Sanandan's experience at GE Healthcare in Bangalore, where he made significant contributions to industrial design and innovation, laid the groundwork for his entrepreneurial venture, InventIndia Innovations. Today, he is transforming the cooking landscape by leveraging technology to create seamless and enjoyable cooking experiences.
In our conversation, Sanandan shares the fascinating journey behind On2Cook, touted as the world's fastest cooking device. He discusses the challenges he faced during its development, the revolutionary impact it has on traditional cooking methods, and how it enhances efficiency in both professional and home kitchens. With On2Cook reducing cooking time by 70% and saving 40% energy, Sanandan explains how it caters to modern lifestyles while preserving essential nutrients in food.
Sanandan delves into the integration of AI in On2Cook, discussing its ability to automate recipe guidance and streamline kitchen operations. He emphasizes the importance of innovation in the HORECA sector, where On2Cook's unique features can significantly reduce labor costs and improve service times.
Furthermore, he highlights the significance of securing global patent protection for On2Cook, which has enabled the brand to confidently enter international markets. Sanandan shares his vision for the future of cooking technology, hinting at exciting developments in automation and portable cooking solutions.
Join us as Sanandan Sudhir provides valuable insights into the future of culinary innovation and how On2Cook is poised to revolutionize cooking as we know it. You can check out the complete interview in the November issue of Hospitality News, available on our website.
In the heart of Bengaluru's vibrant hospitality scene, Gaurav Sinha stands out as a seasoned professional dedicated to enhancing the guest experience at JW Marriott Bengaluru. With over two decades of experience in the industry, Gaurav has honed his skills across renowned establishments like Taj and The Leela, where he developed a profound understanding of luxury service standards.
In an exclusive interview, Gaurav shares his journey through the evolving landscape of luxury hospitality. He highlights the importance of adaptability and innovation in a competitive market, particularly in a city that is constantly evolving. Gaurav emphasizes JW Marriott's commitment to sustainability, detailing initiatives that blend luxury with environmental responsibility, which is increasingly important to today’s travelers.
Gaurav also discusses the significance of personalized service, explaining how technology is enhancing guest interactions without compromising the warmth and intimacy that define luxury hospitality. His insights reflect a broader trend within the industry, where the focus is shifting towards creating unique, memorable experiences that resonate with guests on a personal level.
As he reflects on the hotel's journey over the past decade, Gaurav recounts notable moments that exemplify JW Marriott's commitment to excellence and community engagement. He shares stories of how the hotel has adapted to meet changing guest expectations, fostering a culture that prioritizes both luxury and genuine connection.
Join us as Gaurav Sinha delves into his vision for the future of hospitality and what it takes to maintain the high standards synonymous with the JW Marriott brand. This interview promises to be an enlightening exploration of the art of luxury service, perfect for anyone passionate about the hospitality industry. You can check out the complete interview in the November issue of Hospitality News, available on our website.
In an exclusive interview, Vikas Sood, the General Manager of The Leela Gandhinagar and the Mahatma Mandir Convention & Exhibition Centre, shared valuable insights into the hospitality landscape. With nearly two decades of experience with renowned brands like Taj, Hyatt, Accor, and Marriott, Sood's expertise has been instrumental in establishing The Leela Gandhinagar as a premier destination for luxury and MICE events.
When we inquired about his approach to ensuring high hotel customer service and guest satisfaction, he emphasized, “Our vision at The Leela Gandhinagar and Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre has always been to offer an unmatched blend of luxury, world-class hospitality, and state-of-the-art facilities. By combining the elegance and opulence of The Leela with the scale and versatility of Mahatma Mandir, we’ve created a unique destination that caters to both discerning luxury travelers and large-scale MICE events. A key part of our success has been our unwavering commitment to service excellence, ensuring that every guest experience is distinguished by warmth, personalization, and attention to detail."
We also asked Sood how he stays updated on industry trends and implements innovative practices in the hotel. He remarked, “The hospitality industry has changed a lot in the past few years. Technology is playing the key role of an enabler and it will continue to have an increasingly important role in the industry in the coming years. At The Leela Gandhinagar, we closely monitor industry shifts and customer preferences, allowing us to anticipate changes and adapt accordingly. We have implemented cutting-edge technology, ensuring we meet the evolving needs of our guests. Our focus on sustainability, unique cultural experiences, and strategic collaborations has helped us maintain our position as a leader.”
The conversation with Sood highlighted his commitment to excellence and innovation within the hospitality sector. For those interested in delving deeper into his insights, you can check out the complete interview in the November issue of Hospitality News, available on our website.
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