Chef Himanshu’s Debut Book

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.

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

Neha Chhabra to Lead Sofitel Mumbai BKC into Its Next Chapter of Luxury and Innovation

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 5, 2025

Sofitel Mumbai BKC is delighted to announce the appointment of Ms. Neha Chhabra as its new General Manager. With over two decades of distinguished experience in luxury and business hospitality, Neha brings a deep understanding of operations, guest experience, and brand leadership, perfectly reflecting Sofitel’s signature blend of French zest and Indian warmth.

A seasoned hotelier and dynamic leader, Neha has led several prestigious properties under globally acclaimed hospitality brands. Most recently, she served as General Manager at JW Marriott Goa, where she positioned the property among North Goa’s most celebrated luxury destinations. Under her leadership, the hotel garnered over 27 industry accolades, including honours from Travel + Leisure India, Condé Nast Traveler, and the HICSA Hotel of the Year 2024.

Prior to this, Neha was General Manager at Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal, where her agile leadership through the pandemic drove both operational excellence and strong financial performance. Her earlier roles at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, The Trident Bandra Kurla, and The Oberoi New Delhi further enriched her expertise in delivering exceptional service and guest satisfaction across diverse luxury environments.

Renowned for her people-first approach and commitment to excellence, Neha has received numerous prestigious accolades, including:

Goa’s Best General Manager 2024 (CMO Asia)
Leadership Excellence 2022 (APEC GM Awards)
Diamond General Manager of the Year 2021–22 (Global, Courtyard Brand)

She has also been honoured among the Most Fabulous Women Leaders in Hospitality and recognized as Hotel Manager of the Year 2019 by BW Hotelier and Stelliers South Asia.

Reflecting on her appointment, Neha Chhabra shared,

“Joining Sofitel Mumbai BKC is an exciting opportunity to build on the brand’s legacy of French sophistication and Indian hospitality. I look forward to leading the exceptional team here to further strengthen Sofitel’s position as Mumbai’s most distinguished luxury destination and to create meaningful, memorable experiences for our guests.”

In her new role, Neha will oversee the hotel’s overall operations and strategic direction, focusing on enhancing guest experiences, driving sustainable growth, and fostering a culture of creativity and excellence among her teams.

With her vast experience and visionary leadership, Neha Chhabra’s appointment marks an inspiring new chapter for Sofitel Mumbai BKC, as the hotel continues to redefine luxury hospitality in the heart of India’s financial capital.

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Prashanth Kuchimanchi Appointed General Manager at Four Points by Sheraton Mahabalipuram Resort and Convention Centre

By Author

Published on November 3, 2025

Prashanth Kuchimanchi has been appointed as the General Manager of Four Points by Sheraton Mahabalipuram Resort and Convention Centre, effective November 1, 2025.

With over two decades of extensive experience in hospitality, Prashanth brings a wealth of expertise in hotel operations, events and convention management, guest experience, and revenue optimization. Known for his strategic leadership and commitment to operational excellence, he has consistently driven growth and delivered memorable guest experiences throughout his career.

In his most recent role at The Leela Gandhinagar & Mahatma Mandir Convention & Exhibition Centre, Prashanth led operations for a large-scale luxury hotel and convention environment. During his tenure with The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, he was instrumental in elevating service standards, guest satisfaction, and premium dining experiences across a complex property that included convention facilities and multiple F&B outlets.

A family-oriented individual, Prashanth is married to Niharika and they have two daughters, Nitya Stuti and Sveshta Udita. Outside of work, he is known for his warm personality, love for travel and food, and looks forward to exploring the cultural heritage of Mahabalipuram with his family.

His appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Four Points by Sheraton Mahabalipuram Resort and Convention Centre as it continues to strengthen its leadership and guest experience under his guidance.