Novotel Goa Resort & Spa Appoints Deb Nabajit as the Food & Beverage Manager

Novotel Goa Resort & Spa, the iconic property nestled in the heart of Goa, is delighted to announce the appointment of Deb Nabajit as the F&B manager.

Bringing over 15 years of expertise, including being a part of the pre-opening team at Novotel Goa Resort & Spa, Deb will be responsible to oversee the food and beverage operations at the property. With a profound understanding of meeting guest expectations, he will utilise his expertise to enhance the dining experience through innovative initiatives. In addition to crafting exceptional culinary and service experiences, Deb will actively cultivate talent within the organisation to ensure guests have everlasting memories to take back. Prior to joining Novotel Goa Resort & Spa, Deb was associated with Radisson hotels. He holds a degree in BSCHM from Christ Academy Kolkata.

Commenting on the announcement, Ranju Singh, Complex General Manager, Novotel Goa Candolim said, “We are delighted to welcome Deb back to our team. His passion, expertise and commitment to delivering nothing less than the best align with our vision. Deb was instrumental in the pre-opening phase at NGRS, and we look forward to an excellent partnership and taking our immersive culinary experiences a notch higher for our guests.”

Upon his appointment, Mr. Deb Nabaji expressed his enthusiasm, “I am excited to be part of this amazing team again and I am thankful for the opportunity to scale the overall culinary experiences at Novotel Goa Resort & Spa. Goa is going through an interesting phase of experimental culinary and that gives us an impetus to innovate more and better. I look forward to continuing building on the momentum and developing exciting new menus for our discerning clients.”

When not thinking food and guests, Deb Nabaji finds joy in playing musical instruments and partaking in games of cricket and volleyball

The Westin Pune Koregaon Park Welcomes Renowned Chef Rajdeep Rana, an Expert in Japanese Culinary Excellence

Pune, October, 2023 – The Westin Pune Koregaon Park is thrilled to introduce Chef Rajdeep  Rana as its newly appointed Director of Culinary. With an illustrious culinary journey spanning over  19 years, Chef Rana brings an unparalleled wealth of talent, creativity, and expertise to the vibrant  heart of Pune city. His culinary odyssey commenced with humble beginnings, and he meticulously  honed his skills in prestigious establishments such as Hyatt and Taj.  

However, it is his recent tenure at Hyatt Regency Osaka, Japan, that has catapulted him to an  esteemed position, owing to his profound knowledge and mastery of traditional and contemporary  Japanese cuisine. 

Chef Rana's time in Japan has been marked by remarkable career highlights. He not only pushed the  boundaries of flavor and presentation but also consistently delivered exceptional guest experiences.  His immersion in Japanese culinary techniques, both traditional and contemporary, has elevated him  

to a coveted position within the culinary world. His expertise extends to the intricate art of sushi making, the precision of kaiseki cuisine, and the delicate balance of Japanese flavors, which he has  artfully incorporated into his culinary repertoire. 

In his new role at The Westin Pune Koregaon Park, Chef Rana's exceptional acumen and keen  understanding of market trends will play pivotal roles in curating elaborate culinary experiences. His  mission is to create unforgettable dining moments that leave a lasting impression on our guests. "I am  truly ecstatic to join the Westin Pune family. I look forward to working with our talented team in  crafting indelible dining experiences that showcase the artistry and soul of Japanese cuisine. My goal  is to create memorable moments through food, and I can't wait to share and shape my culinary vision  in the happiest hotel in town," commented Chef Rana. 

Chef Rana's rich experience will help shape the varied cuisines offered at The Westin Pune Koregaon  Park, from Asian delights in The Market to Mediterranean flair at Asilo Pune. He will also oversee catering for the largest banquet spaces at The Jewel Ballroom and Lawns. While Chef Rana has  honed his skills in Japanese cuisine, his Indian roots will undoubtedly redefine and elevate the  alluring dishes served at Aafreen-Inspired Indian. 

"We couldn’t be happier to extend a warm welcome to Chef Rajdeep Rana as a valuable addition to  our team. Chef Rana’s goals align perfectly with our commitment to providing guests with  unforgettable dining experiences. His exceptional abilities are sure to elevate our dining offerings  considerably, solidifying Westin Pune's reputation as the premier dining destination," said Sudeep  Sharma, General Manager of The Westin Pune Koregaon Park. 

Chef Rana's unwavering focus, analytical vision, and attention to detail will curate personalized guest  experiences and elevate the culinary scene in the city. His exceptional journey in Japan, marked by  deep immersion in Japanese culinary traditions, positions him as a standout talent in the industry.

About The Westin Pune Koregaon Park 

The Westin Pune Koregaon Park, a luxury hotel situated in Pune, offers spacious rooms, extensive  dining options, with wellness being the epicenter of the brand. Whether enjoying the serene poolside  or exploring nearby attractions, guests can experience comfort and sophistication at The Westin Pune  Koregaon Park. The Westin Pune’s dining options provide a culinary journey with diverse cuisines,  while its event spaces are ideal for gatherings. The hotel, located in the commercial center of the city,  Koregaon Park, makes it an ideal choice for leisure and corporate travelers.

Ossiano Appoints Julien Gardin As General Manager And Thomas Domingues As Head Sommelier

Julien Gardin, General Manage

Ossiano at Atlantis, The Palm, announces the appointment of Julien Gardin as General Manager and Thomas Domingues as Head Sommelier.

In the wake of a remarkable year for the one Michelin-star restaurant, the two notable talents are set to elevate the award-winning dining experience even further as it enters a new era of excellence. Julien, with over two decades of experience in prestigious fine-dining restaurants around the world, now oversees Ossiano. He leads a high-performing team, and enhances service and operational performance, all while sharing his passion for exceptional guest experiences.

Before joining Ossiano, Julien held various leadership positions. Most recently, he served as the General Manager at Andō in Hong Kong, guiding the restaurant to Michelin-star status, securing a coveted spot on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list in 2023 as well as a diamond on Black Pearl restaurant Guide. Prior to this, Julien led The Tasting Room in Macau, a distinguished two-Michelin-star restaurant in City Of Dreams. His earlier experience includes serving as a Restaurant Manager at the acclaimed three-Michelin-star Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, London. Before joining Alain Ducasse, Julien spent eight incredible years at three Michelin-starred restaurant, The Fat Duck by Heston Blumenthal in the UK, serving in various roles.

Thomas Domingues, Head Sommelier

Another notable addition to Ossiano is Thomas Domingues, who has joined the team as the Head Sommelier. With a unique approach to wine, he emphasises storytelling as the essence of his philosophy. Hailing from the scenic south coast of Portugal, Thomas’s French heritage has provided his palate with a deep appreciation for exquisite flavours and refined techniques. He has worked in Michelin-star restaurants, including AOC in Denmark, Loco in Portugal, and Belcanto by José Avillez in Portugal which is no.25 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. With four years of experience at Vila Joya Hotel & Spa in the Algarve which was ranked at no.37 in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, Thomas has learnt the art of crafting a sensory experience for guests by weaving stories through every wine pairing, leaving an indelible mark on diners.

2023, to date, has been an extraordinary year for Ossiano. As well as a debut ranking of 87th best restaurant in the world in The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2023, Ossiano also ranked 4th and highest new entry in the 2023 Middle East and Africa's 50 Best Restaurants list. In June 2023, Ossiano also retained its Michelin star in Dubai's 2023 Michelin guide, and in April 2023, Ossiano was awarded the most highly rated restaurant at the world-leading restaurant guide Gault&Millau, where it took a four-toque status, as well as Restaurant of the Year.

DoubleTree Hilton Goa - Panaji appoints Tapajit Bhattacharjee as their new F&B Manager

Goa, February 2023: DoubleTree Hilton Goa - Panaji is pleased to announce Tapajit Bhattacharjee as the new F&B Manager. In his new role, Tapajit brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise from his yesteryear experiences both in India and abroad. 

Having risen the ranks from being a restaurant server to leading a team, Tapajit has engaged with numerous hospitality brands in his rewarding career. In his last assignment, he was overseeing a heritage property offering bespoke hospitality. Having worked in Goa in the past, he is well aware of the market dynamics of this populace state, which is renowned for its concept restaurants and bars. 

Double Tree by Hilton Goa, Panaji is well poised to offer Tapajit a rewarding career with its diverse restaurants and banquet ensemble

Vishal Hariharan is elevated to F&B Manager at Hyatt Centric Candolim Goa

He will be responsible for forecasting, planning, controlling and evaluating the overall Food & Beverage operations at the hotel

Vishal Hariharan has been elevated to the position of Food & Beverage Manager at Hyatt Centric Candolim Goa. With a rich experience of over 10 years in the hospitality industry, Vishal has grown within Hyatt over the decade gone by with Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Place & Hyatt Centric as in his current job role.

Vishal will spearhead the young and vibrant team at Hyatt Centric Candolim Goa to achieve greater heights of success. In his new role, he will be responsible for forecasting, planning, controlling, and evaluating the overall Food & Beverage operations at the hotel.

Apart from listening to his rock and metal favorites and watching football, in his leisure time, he is always on the lookout to explore and enjoy the local food & beverage offerings that Goa has to offer.

Noel Mendes was appointed as F&B Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai

His varied experience makes him the ideal leader for this key role where his responsibilities include managing a host of outlets at the hotel

A seasoned hospitality professional with over a decade of experience in food & beverage in the hospitality, Noel Mendes joins Four Seasons Mumbai as the Food & Beverage Manager, heading the F&B operations of the property. His varied experience makes him the ideal leader for this key role where his responsibilities include managing a host of outlets, including San: Qi and the soon-to-be relaunched AER.

A native of Mumbai, Noel started his career with Grand Hyatt Mumbai, before moving to Renaissance Mumbai and St. Regis Mumbai, where he was also given the title of Subject Matter Expert for the company at a national level. Apart from this, he also has had a stint with Massive Restaurants, adding perspective to his well-rounded approach to the world of dining.

He considers his creativity in problem-solving, teamwork, and strategic planning to be his key strengths which support him in assuming a role as important as this. A social media enthusiast, he enjoys exploring the newest trends in digital marketing and optimizing those for operational requirements. His roots in bartending and mixology are well reflected in his collection of certificates in courses in the beverage world.

Fairfield By Marriott, Mumbai Appoints Dipesh Sinha as Food and Beverage Manager

Dipesh Sinha

Food and Beverage Manager

Fairfield By Marriott, Mumbai

The newest Marriott property in Mumbai – Fairfield by Marriott, Mumbai International Airport announces the appointment of its Food and Beverage Manager, Dipesh Sinha. Dipesh comes with an extensive experience of 16 years across various luxury, lifestyle, and business hotels.

Prior to Joining FFM, Dipesh worked at Sahara Star, Mumbai as Asst Food and Beverage Manager where he was primarily responsible for uplifting the beverage portfolio of the hotel as well as increasing the visibility and market share of the hotel’s restaurants and bars.

In his current role at Fairfield by Marriott, Dipesh will be instrumental in processes such as restaurant operations, guest experience management, administration, restaurant revenue forecast, F&B strategy, concept promotions, cost control, and beverage initiatives.