Culinary Excellence Embarks at The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru: Welcoming Chef Roberto Apa

Culinary Excellence Embarks at The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru: Welcoming Chef Roberto Apa

By Author

Published on November 3, 2023

Bengaluru, October 31, 2023 – The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru, a beacon of luxury and culinary sophistication, has announced the appointment of Chef Roberto Apa as the new Executive Sous Chef. With a career spanning over a decade, Chef Roberto brings a wealth of experience and culinary flair to this esteemed property.

Chef Roberto's journey in the culinary world is illustrious, marked by his tenure with globally recognized brands such as Marriott International. Before joining The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru, he honed his skills at Scalini Restaurant in Doha, where he served as the Executive Chef.

On his appointment, Chef Roberto expressed his commitment to culinary excellence. “My goal is to create memorable dining experiences that leave a lasting impression on our guests. The property's dedication to offering the best in class resonates with my approach to culinary art," he stated.

A graduate from IPSAR Lucio Petronio and ALMA of National Academy of Italian Cuisine, Chef Roberto combines deep industry knowledge with a passion for quality and innovation. His expertise in managing large kitchen operations without compromising on excellence makes him a valuable addition to the team.

Chef Roberto's culinary philosophy is deeply rooted in his heritage and experiences. “Each dish I create carries a piece of Italian culture, intertwined with family traditions and my global culinary experiences. I believe in reinventing these recipes through innovative techniques, ensuring each meal tells a story,” he remarked.

The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru eagerly anticipates the unique flavors and creative dishes Chef Roberto will introduce, confident that his appointment will further enhance their already distinguished culinary reputation.

About The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts:

Headquartered in Mumbai, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts represents the pinnacle of Indian luxury hospitality. With eleven award-winning properties across India, the brand is celebrated for its unique blend of art, culture, and cuisine in each location. Recognized globally for its service and excellence, The Leela has been voted the World’s Best Hotel Brand in consecutive years by Travel + Leisure, USA. The brand continues to expand its presence with upcoming projects, including a leisure resort in Ashtamudi, Kerala. As a member of the Global Hotel Alliance and in marketing alliance with Preferred Hotels & Resorts, The Leela continues to set benchmarks in luxury hospitality, offering experiences that encapsulate the rich heritage and ethos of India.


Hyatt Regency Chennai Promotes Syed Annsar Ali J to Associate Director of Sales

Hyatt Regency Chennai Promotes Syed Annsar Ali J to Associate Director of Sales

By Hariharan U

Published on November 10, 2026

Hyatt Regency Chennai has promoted Syed Annsar Ali J to Associate Director of Sales, recognising his contributions to the hotel's commercial growth and client relationship development. Annsar previously served as Senior Sales Manager at the property.

Annsar joined Hyatt Regency Chennai as Sales Manager in May 2023 and was promoted to Senior Sales Manager in October 2024. His latest elevation, effective April 2026, marks the next step in his professional journey with the hotel.

During his tenure, he has contributed to strengthening the property's contract and negotiated business, while developing strategic relationships with travel agents, sports teams and medical associations.

In his new role, Annsar will lead the hotel's Sales team and oversee key revenue-generating segments, including Corporate, Contract and Negotiated accounts. His responsibilities will include steering Request for Proposal (RFP) strategies, monitoring team performance and mentoring sales managers to support business growth and organisational objectives.

Commenting on the promotion, Puneet Baijal, General Manager, Hyatt Regency Chennai, said, "Annsar's journey with Hyatt Regency Chennai over the past three years reflects his dedication, business acumen and ability to build strong client relationships. His contributions have been valuable to our commercial growth, and we are confident that he will lead the Sales team towards greater achievements in his new role."

Annsar holds an MBA in Marketing and Human Resources from the University of Madras and a Bachelor of Engineering in Biotechnology from PES Institute of Technology, Bengaluru.

His professional experience spans sales roles across the hospitality, vacation ownership and financial services sectors, bringing together commercial exposure and relationship management experience.

His promotion reflects his progression within Hyatt Regency Chennai, where he has moved through three roles in the Sales function since joining the property in 2023.


Dale Cabral Promoted to Housekeeping Manager at Radisson Hotel Mumbai Andheri MIDC

Dale Cabral Promoted to Housekeeping Manager at Radisson Hotel Mumbai Andheri MIDC

By Hariharan U

Published on November 10, 2026

Dale Cabral has been promoted to Housekeeping Manager at Radisson Hotel Mumbai Andheri MIDC, marking an important milestone in his hospitality career and recognising his experience in housekeeping operations and service management.

With a background in the hospitality industry, Cabral brings experience in operations management and customer service, supported by a strong understanding of housekeeping standards and operational efficiency. His professional strengths include time management, operational coordination and proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint.

Cabral holds a bachelor's degree with a specialisation in Housekeeping, providing him with an academic foundation in hotel operations and service excellence.

In his new role, Cabral will take on greater responsibilities within the hotel's housekeeping function, focusing on maintaining operational standards, supporting efficient service delivery and contributing to the overall guest experience.

His promotion represents a significant step in his professional journey, reflecting his dedication, professional growth and continued commitment to excellence in housekeeping operations


Chef Narendra Singh Appointed Specialty Chef at Saffron Indian Cuisine, North Carolina

Chef Narendra Singh Appointed Specialty Chef at Saffron Indian Cuisine, North Carolina

By Hariharan U

Published on November 9, 2026

Saffron Indian Cuisine in Cary, North Carolina, has appointed Chef Narendra Singh as Specialty Chef, bringing more than 15 years of culinary experience across premium hospitality establishments, international cruise operations, restaurant kitchens and catering services in the United States.

An Indian cuisine specialist, Chef Narendra brings expertise in authentic North Indian and Mughlai preparations, including signature curries, biryanis, kebabs and regional specialities. His professional experience also covers menu development, recipe standardisation, production planning, kitchen coordination, food safety and high-volume food production.

Chef Narendra has been associated with Saffron Indian Cuisine since January 2025, contributing to its daily kitchen operations and catering services. His responsibilities include coordinating food preparation, managing kitchen stations and maintaining consistency in flavour, presentation and quality across private events, weddings, corporate functions and community celebrations.

He has also contributed to the restaurant's food operations during Cary Diwali, a major community celebration attended by thousands of people. The event involves large-scale Indian food production, requiring careful preparation planning and coordination to maintain service standards during peak demand.

Commenting on his association with the restaurant, Chef Narendra Singh said, "Cooking is about preserving the authenticity of traditional Indian flavours while ensuring consistency and quality in every dish. At Saffron Indian Cuisine, I look forward to bringing my experience in North Indian and Mughlai cuisine, exploring new preparations and contributing to the restaurant's growth. Being part of community celebrations is equally rewarding because food brings people together and creates a connection with Indian culture and traditions."

International Culinary Experience

Before joining Saffron Indian Cuisine, Chef Narendra worked with Thomas United Company Ltd. / Food Hub, Bermuda, where he prepared Indian speciality dishes and supported restaurant operations.

He also gained international cruise hospitality experience with Carnival Cruise Lines, handling kitchen-station responsibilities, standardised food preparation and food-safety practices in a high-volume service environment.

Earlier in his career, he was associated with ITC Royal Gardenia, Bengaluru, where he developed his foundation in North Indian and Mughlai cooking, kitchen organisation and professional food preparation.

His career across India, Bermuda, cruise operations and the United States has given him exposure to different culinary environments and service requirements, while allowing him to specialise in traditional Indian cuisine.

Culinary Recognition

Chef Narendra's professional achievements include receiving the Master Chef India title from the Royal Bengal Master Chef Organization in May 2026. He was also selected as an International Judge at the Indian Culinary Premier League 2026, organised by the same organisation.

These recognitions add to his professional involvement in the culinary field, extending beyond kitchen operations to the evaluation of culinary talent.

At Saffron Indian Cuisine, Chef Narendra will bring together his experience in traditional Indian cooking, international hospitality and large-scale catering as he contributes to the restaurant's culinary operations and community-focused events.

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