Serving Stories: Chef Himanshu’s Debut Book Blends Memory, Flavour, and Ambition

Serving Stories: Chef Himanshu’s Debut Book Blends Memory, Flavour, and Ambition

By Author

Published on August 14, 2025

For most chefs, a career is measured in menus, restaurants, and accolades. For Chef Himanshu Pandey, it is measured in memories, miles, and moments that shaped him—from the quiet rhythm of his village kitchen in Uttarakhand to the bustling, high-pressure dining scene of the United States.

Now, in his debut book, The Heat & The Hustle — A Chef’s Path from India to the USA, he opens the doors to that journey, inviting readers into a world where ambition meets authenticity, and tradition meets reinvention.

A Story Served with Sincerity

This autobiography book is more than a professional biography. It’s a candid, heartfelt account of what it takes to transform childhood dreams into an international career. Chef Himanshu writes of the early lessons learned beside his mother’s hearth, the discipline of working in Indian and Middle Eastern kitchens, and the cultural adjustments of cooking for an American audience—all without losing the soul of the food he grew up with.

Every page carries his belief that food is not just nourishment—it is identity, heritage, and a bridge between worlds.

Where Recipes Become Remembrance

While the book is peppered with recipes, they aren’t simply culinary instructions—they are living stories. Each dish reflects a chapter of his life, whether it’s Bajre Ki Raab recalling winter in the hills, or Black Jalebi with Gulab Ki Kheer showcasing how Indian tradition can find elegance on a global fine-dining plate.

“Flavours can travel, but they carry their roots with them,” he writes—a sentiment that runs like a steady flame throughout the book.

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For Chefs, Dreamers, and Doers

The Heat & The Hustle resonates far beyond the hospitality industry. It is a story for:

  • Chefs, who will find lessons in leadership, creativity, and perseverance.
  • Immigrants, who will recognise the challenges and triumphs of starting anew.
  • Food lovers, who crave the stories behind the flavours.
  • Dreamers, who need proof that passion and persistence can take them anywhere.

Chef Himanshu’s writing style mirrors his cooking—uncomplicated, generous, and deeply personal.

A New Chapter for an Accomplished Chef

Currently the Executive Chef at The Imperia by Dhaba in New Jersey, Chef Himanshu has spent over 17 years building a career across India, the Middle East, and the USA. His work has earned him multiple honours, but this book marks a new kind of achievement—a way to inspire others not through a plated dish, but through the written word.

The Heat & The Hustle is more than an autobiography—it is a reminder that behind every chef’s jacket is a story worth telling

The Heat & The Hustle — A Chef’s Path from India to the USA
Now available on Amazon India: Click here to purchase

Kulvinder Singh Appointed General Manager of Krishnangan Hotel & Resort, Bikaner

Kulvinder Singh Appointed General Manager of Krishnangan Hotel & Resort, Bikaner

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 4, 2025

Krishnangan Hotel & Resort, Bikaner, has announced the appointment of Kulvinder Singh as its new General Manager. Singh will be responsible for overseeing the overall operations and driving the property’s growth in the competitive hospitality market of Rajasthan.

With a career spanning more than 26 years in the tourism and hospitality industry, Singh is known for his expertise in new hotel projects, brand development, operations, CRM, P&L management, inventory control, and digital strategies including SEO and SMO.

Over the years, he has held senior positions with prominent hospitality groups such as Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, Louvre Hotels, Ramada by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Shipra Hotels, and Pal Heights Bhubaneshwar. Singh has been instrumental in setting new benchmarks in both operations and business development, particularly in luxury and MICE segments.

His professional journey has taken him across several key hospitality destinations including Delhi NCR, Jim Corbett, Bhubaneshwar, and Ranchi. With his new role in Bikaner, also known as the Red City of Rajasthan, Singh brings rich experience in hospitality operations and a proven record of leadership in sales and marketing.

Originally from New Delhi, Singh is an alumnus of IHM Gwalior, graduating in 1999. He is widely regarded as a dynamic hospitality leader credited with spearheading innovative strategies, building strong teams, and delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Speaking on the appointment, the hotel expressed confidence that Singh’s leadership will further strengthen Krishnangan Hotel & Resort’s position as a premier destination in Bikaner, while enhancing service excellence and guest satisfaction.


St. Regis Mumbai Appoints Nishanth Vishwanath as Multi-Property General Manager

St. Regis Mumbai Appoints Nishanth Vishwanath as Multi-Property General Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 4, 2025

The St. Regis Mumbai has announced the appointment of Nishanth Vishwanath as the new multi-property general manager, overseeing both The St. Regis Mumbai and Courtyard by Marriott Agra. In this role, he will spearhead the hotels’ vision to elevate guest experiences and drive continued success.

A seasoned hospitality leader with over 20 years of experience across Marriott International’s portfolio, Vishwanath has built a strong record of operational excellence, strategic innovation, and market leadership. His journey in hospitality began in 2001 with the Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel in the food and beverage division. Over the years, he steadily rose through leadership positions, significantly contributing to enhancing F&B reputation, positioning hotels as premier luxury destinations, and driving revenue growth and guest satisfaction.

From shaping JW Marriott Pune and Renaissance Mumbai as landmark wedding and conference venues to positioning JW Marriott Bengaluru as a market leader during his tenure as Director of Operations, Vishwanath has consistently delivered results with creativity and passion. He later served as General Manager at Courtyard by Marriott Chennai before being appointed Area Director – Operations for South & East India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, where he played a pivotal role in strengthening Marriott’s presence across the region.

Throughout his career, Vishwanath has been recognised for his people-first leadership style. He has mentored associates, guided pre-opening teams, and championed service excellence, ensuring that employees and guests remain at the heart of every initiative.

Holding a degree in hotel management from Mangalore University, Nishanth Vishwanath brings a blend of innovation, empathy, and strategic vision to his new role. With his appointment, The St. Regis Mumbai and Courtyard by Marriott Agra are set to further strengthen their positioning as leading luxury and business destinations.


Novotel Goa Appoints Rhythm K. Gandhi as Marketing & Communications Manager

Novotel Goa Appoints Rhythm K. Gandhi as Marketing & Communications Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on September 4, 2025

Novotel Goa Candolim and Novotel Goa Resort & Spa have announced the appointment of Rhythm K. Gandhi as their new Marketing & Communications Manager, marking a strategic move to strengthen guest engagement and amplify brand presence across Goa.

Rhythm brings with her a strong track record in hospitality marketing. She previously served as Assistant Manager, Marketing & Communications at Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal, where she led integrated campaigns, crafted social media strategies, managed online reputation, and drove brand storytelling. Prior to that, she contributed to Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort & Spa, playing a pivotal role in the Perfectly Yours, Hyatt India Wedding Campaign, repositioning the property as a resort, and launching Beyul, the rooftop bar and lounge. Her responsibilities spanned PR, photoshoots, and agency collaborations, significantly elevating brand engagement.

A graduate in Hospitality Management from IMS Unison University, Dehradun (2022), Rhythm also studied at Doon International School, Dehradun, and Convent of Jesus and Mary, Waverley, Mussoorie. She brings expertise in influencer marketing, PR, event management, social media strategy, and creative direction, complemented by strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Welcoming her to the role, Sachin Maheshwari, General Manager, Novotel Goa, said, “We are delighted to welcome Rhythm to the Novotel Goa family. Her dynamic experience and creative approach will add immense value to our marketing initiatives and further amplify our brand outreach”.

With this appointment, Novotel Goa Candolim and Novotel Goa Resort & Spa reaffirm their commitment to delivering engaging guest experiences while strengthening their position as leading hospitality destinations in Goa.

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