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By Author
Published on June 6, 2025
Few chefs strike the perfect chord between heritage and innovation in today's evolving culinary world. But Chef Himanshu Pandey does just that—effortlessly. A name that has become synonymous with refined Indian cuisine abroad, Chef Himanshu is currently leading the charge as Executive Chef at RAA NYC, where each dish he curates is not merely food—it’s an immersive cultural experience.
With a career spanning over 17 years across India, the Middle East, and the United States, Chef Himanshu is known not just for his culinary brilliance but for the stories he tells through every plate. A certified Professional Member of the Indian Culinary Forum, endorsed by the World Association of Chefs Societies, and holder of the RRCS Certificate for Culinary Excellence, his accolades speak volumes about the depth of his skill and global standing.
A Modern Take on Indian Classics
Chef Himanshu’s signature style is best described as contemporary Indian with soul. Dishes like Bajre Ki Raab, Sunhara Paneer Tikka, and the decadent Black Jalebi with Gulab Ki Kheer are more than innovative—they're deeply rooted in history, culture, and memory. His passion for pre-plated Indian cuisine has transformed traditional flavours into fine-dining masterpieces that resonate with diners from New Delhi to New York.
Beyond the kitchen, he’s played a pivotal role in building culinary teams, designing SOPs, and instilling a culture of creative discipline and compassion in every workplace he’s been part of. Honours such as India’s F&B Masters Winner, Marriott’s Unsung Hero, and Radisson’s Brand Ambassador of Culture further underscore his contributions to the industry.
From the Hills of Uttarakhand to NYC’s Skyline
Chef Himanshu’s culinary ethos is deeply influenced by his roots in Uttarakhand—a region nestled in the Himalayas, often overlooked in mainstream Indian cuisine.
“Growing up in the hills, food wasn’t just sustenance—it was a celebration of simplicity, sustainability, and seasonality,” he says.
In every kitchen he leads, from five-star hotels to high-end NYC restaurants, he carries a piece of the hills with him. Foraging, minimal waste cooking, and honouring native ingredients are values instilled in him from a young age—values he now brings to an international stage.
A Taste of Heritage: "Jhangora Ki Kheer"
As part of his mission to share the flavours of his homeland, Chef Himanshu introduces us to Jhangora Ki Kheer, a comforting millet pudding native to Uttarakhand, often prepared during festivals and fasts.
“This dish reminds me of chilly winter mornings in the hills. It was more than dessert—it was breakfast, warmth, and love in a bowl,” he reminisces.
Recipe Snapshot:
His grandmother’s wisdom remains the silent secret behind the flavour:
“She didn’t teach from books—she taught from the soul. No measurements, just instinct. No shortcuts, just care.”
From Plate to Page: A New Chapter Begins
Continuing his journey of storytelling through food, Chef Himanshu is now working on his debut culinary memoir and recipe book—a deeply personal project that weaves together his childhood memories, culinary experiments, and signature creations into one rich, flavorful narrative. Details of the book will be revealed soon, promising an immersive exploration into the life of a chef who went from the streets of India to the skyline of NYC—guided by taste, tradition, and tenacity.
Legacy in Every Bite
In an era where chefs often chase trends, Chef Himanshu stands out for redefining Indian cuisine without losing its soul. He believes that true innovation begins with understanding one’s roots. His journey from a village in Uttarakhand to New York City is a message to chefs everywhere:
Stay rooted. Keep evolving. Let your plate do the talking.
Connect with Chef Himanshu Pandey
Instagram: @hanshu1377LinkedIn: Chef Himanshu Pandey
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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on July 17, 2026
Black Rock Hotels & Resorts has promoted Narendra Saini to the position of Operations Manager, recognising his contribution to the company and his successful tenure as Director – Food & Beverage at Ananta Spa & Resort Jaipur.
As part of his new responsibilities, Saini will lead operations at Pushkara Resort & Spa, Pushkar, one of the flagship properties in the group's expanding hospitality portfolio. He will oversee overall resort operations, guest experience, team leadership, financial performance, operational excellence and the implementation of the company's service standards across the property.
The promotion reflects Black Rock Hotels & Resorts' continued focus on recognising internal talent and creating leadership opportunities for high-performing professionals. During his journey with the organisation, Saini has consistently demonstrated strong operational expertise, leadership skills and a guest-first approach, making him well suited for this expanded role.
Commenting on the appointment, Anshul Bhargava, Founder & Chairman of Black Rock Hotels & Resorts, said:
"At Black Rock, we firmly believe that leadership is built through dedication, performance, and the ability to inspire teams. Narendra's journey within the organization is a reflection of our people-first culture and our commitment to nurturing talent from within. We are confident that his experience and passion for hospitality will further strengthen Pushkara Resort & Spa and contribute meaningfully to the continued growth of the group."
Black Rock Hotels & Resorts continues to strengthen leadership across its portfolio by investing in talent development. The company remains focused on building a hospitality platform driven by operational excellence, exceptional guest experiences and long-term career growth for its people.
Published on July 16, 2026
Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RCPL) has announced the appointment of Deepak Bisht as Deputy Manager – HORECA, Uttarakhand, further strengthening its presence in the hospitality and food service segment.
An alumnus of Amrapali Institute of Hotel Management, Haldwani, Uttarakhand, Deepak brings more than a decade of experience across hospitality operations and HORECA business development.
He began his career in 2014 as a bartender at The Westin Pune before joining JW Marriott Bengaluru as a Bar Executive. In 2017, he moved to Jaipur Marriott, followed by a role as Assistant Bar Manager at The Lalit Ashok Bengaluru in 2018.
In 2021, Deepak took up an international assignment with Le Méridien Dubai as Bar Incharge. Returning to India in 2023, he joined Royal Orchid Hotels as Multi Outlet Manager, where he oversaw multiple food and beverage operations.
Before joining RCPL, he served as Business Development Manager – HORECA, Uttarakhand at Himmaleh Spirits, focusing on strengthening business relationships within the hospitality sector.
With his extensive experience across premium hotels and the beverage industry, Deepak is expected to play a key role in expanding RCPL's HORECA business in Uttarakhand.
By Hariharan U
Published on July 15, 2026
Mercedes-Benz India has announced a series of strategic leadership changes within its Sales & Marketing function, reinforcing the company's focus on enhancing customer experiences through real-time data, artificial intelligence, and integrated retail finance solutions. The organizational changes will come into effect from September 1, 2026.
As part of the new appointments, Nandita Godbole, currently General Manager – Digital Customer Unit, has been appointed Head of Marketing, succeeding Amrit Baid. Amrit Baid will take over as General Manager – Retail Finance & Pre-Owned Cars, while Jamsheed Bhadha, currently General Manager – Product Planning & Sales Planning, will transition to a new role within Mercedes-Benz in Dubai. Sanjay Kochar, presently General Manager – TEV & BEV Sales, will succeed Bhadha as General Manager – Product Planning & Sales Planning.
Commenting on the organizational changes, Brendon Sissing, Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India, said, "Our people remain the driving force behind Mercedes-Benz's customer centricity and sustained success. These organizational changes reinforce our commitment to creating exceptional customer experiences using real-time data strategies, AI deployment, and integrated business capabilities, while building future-ready leaders by offering broader cross-functional exposure to our talents."
Nandita Godbole has held several leadership positions across Marketing, Retail Sales, and the Digital Customer Unit at Mercedes-Benz India. In her new role, she will focus on leveraging artificial intelligence, real-time data, and predictive insights to create more personalized and seamless customer experiences across every stage of the ownership journey.
Amrit Baid, who has successfully led Marketing and Customer Experience initiatives, including campaigns such as Dreams Day, Wish Box, and G-Tribe, will now lead the Retail Finance & Pre-Owned Cars business. Mercedes-Benz India said the appointment aligns with its strategy of integrating retail finance more closely into the customer journey. The company's retail finance portfolio has grown to over ₹15,000 crore and currently supports more than 50 percent of the vehicles retailed through financing programmes such as Star Agility.
The leadership changes reflect Mercedes-Benz India's continued emphasis on nurturing internal talent, strengthening cross-functional leadership, and accelerating innovation-led growth while delivering a more connected and customer-centric luxury automotive experience
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