Bring out the Master Chef in you with Chef Ajay Chopra

One on one with our very own Executive Chef Ajay Chopra on Bring out the Master Chef in you.

What is an essential quality of a Master Chef?

After being the judge at Master Chef India for 2 seasons, it is a humbling fact that has come to real light, our country has got so much talent and there is a Master Chef in each home, there is a Master Chef in you. Anybody who thrives to create something tasty and put it on a plate is a chef but somebody who creates that with immense passion and does that consistently every time is a Master Chef. You have to have persistence, passion and commitment to create master dishes every time.

Your take on culinary trends in India and the evolving food industry.

The Food Industry has been ever growing but we see a huge evolution now. People are very well travelled now and they are exposed to good food and varied cuisines more than ever before. Cuisine is taking a big leap and world cuisine is taking its well deserved place in India. With regards to culinary trends, molecular gastronomy is showing itself in few spurts but the focus is on chef crafted food which is beautifully presented and is filled with flavor.

What inspires you to create new dishes and innovate?

Creating new dishes is exactly like creating a new painting. You imagine a new combination of flavors, various textures start playing on your mind and then you brush some strokes of creativity which evolves into a new dish. But having said it so melodramatically, it doesn’t just happen! The science behind the food comes into play, many trials need to be done and recipes need to be standardized before a new masterpiece is launched for the discerning palate.

Top 5 essentials one must have in their kitchen.

Love, passion, commitment, ingredients and obviously (pots, pan, fire and so on) to cook.

Your advice to those young Master Chefs who wish to take up cooking as profession.

My advice to anybody who wants to take up cooking as a profession is very simple. All that glitters is not gold. There is relentless hard work, commitment and sweat involved for anybody to reach up there. When the whole world enjoys you will have to work, these are all hard facts but the fruit of this labor is sweet. If you have the passion, commitment, drive and love for food then nothing can hold you back from shining.

Welcome to the Green World of Starwood!

Recently we held our Regional Vice President (RVP) Award night here at The Westin Mumbai Garden City. The theme for the evening was ‘GO GREEN’. The word ‘Green’ conjures up thoughts of the 3 R’s, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Green was not just the color of the day but it had a strong message which was communicated through various mediums. The theme was designed keeping in mind the objective of creating awareness about global warming and also to waste less energy. The stage was prepared by using old newspaper and sun board, the backdrop was made from used plastic bottles and the frame for the TV screen was prepared with egg containers.

The evening was dedicated to the environment. The red carpet, rather green carpet was lined with an environment poster and trees along the pathway. The stage came alive by the band Taal Inc. who performed with nothing but paint buckets, broomsticks, aluminum sheets, containers and plastic bottles as their instruments. The band’s performance was rhythmic which filled our banquet hall with an air of melody. Later in the evening, the Housekeeping team of The Westin Mumbai Garden City performed a drama and dance act of our beloved farmers. Associates were dressed as scarecrows and the picture below reveals all.

Post the performances, it was award time. Teams representing all Starwood brands were given awards for outstanding performances across all divisions. The eventful award ceremony ended with a mouth-watering buffet showcasing world cuisine. The cuisine served in the event was organically produced and served. From scrumptious starters to global delicacies to delectable desserts, the choices were endless. Those who love music and dance got an opportunity to shake a leg. A round of applause and standing ovation was given to our Food and Beverage, Culinary and Banquet teams for their effort and support in making the RVP Award night the most memorable event in the history of Starwood.

Starwood is a supporter of the go green initiative. As a global organization in the hospitality industry, Starwood has always encouraged their associates and guest to help in conserving energy and lot of focus is given on reduce, reuse and recycle. We at The Westin Mumbai Garden City, give guests a chance to be part of our go green initiative. We have a program by the name of ‘Make a Green Choice’ where guests have an option to decline housekeeping services and earn Starpoints. The response for this program has been extremely positive. Many people have opted for make a green choice. This shows that communities cares for Mother Earth and are happy to be part of Go Green. It’s our chance to be part of such programs, encourage others to do the same and make a green choice. 

Enter the culinary world of SPG Restaurants and Bars

Starwood Preferred Guest Restaurants and Bars give you the opportunity to enjoy great benefits with even greater dining experiences. The SPG Restaurant and Bars website allows you to go through all the various venues serving cuisines from around the world including Japanese, Thai, Indian to Italian and many more. The website also showcases information about various promotions on offer from all SPG restaurants allowing you to get the best deal. Members are entitled to a 15% discount at more than 500 restaurants and bars and earn Starpoints on every dollar spent. Being a part of SPG gives you the chance of accessing VIP culinary journeys like no other with world renowned chefs.  Along with the benefits you also have a chance to win the ‘Around The World In 5 Meals’ offer, a dream culinary experience across the globe featuring five unique destinations, five unique chefs for you and a friend on us. So turn a night out into a weekend away by joining SPG and earning Starpoints with every meal and experience, a culinary delight like no other. Log onto SPG restaurants and bars for more information.