BONDING OVER FOOD
ANAHITA DHONDY, 29 Chef-Partner, SodaBottleOpenerWala
Chefs at SodaBottleOpenerWala arrive 15 minutes before their scheduled work time. It’s because of the strict emphasis that chef-partner Anahita Dhondy puts on being on time, a habit she learnt while studying at the Le Cordon Bleu in London in 2012. Armed with a degree from the Institute of Hotel Management in Aurangabad, Dhondy enrolled for a yearlong Grande Diploma at the Le Cordon Bleu in London where she specialised in both pastry and cuisine. Back home a year later, at 23, she landed a job as chef manager at SodaBottleOpenerWala in November 2013 when restaurateur A.D. Singh launched the brand in Mumbai. Four years later, after intense hard work “in and out of the kitchen”, she went on to become the chef-partner at the brand’s outlet in Gurgaon. The stint in London gave her an unforgettable experience and widened her perspective. “It refined my skills, perfecting so many techniques. I would never have learnt how to approach certain ingredients or try different ingredients if it wasn’t for the international experience,” she says.
Make Friends
“You must know that there will be moments when you feel lonely and will miss your family and friends but you should also make new ones. Go with an open and positive mind and you’ll learn and absorb the most,” says Dhondy.
Discover More
“Explore places whichever part of the world you are in. I used to make a list of places and restaurants to visit on weekends,” she says. Her favourites were the Borough Market, Camden Market, Brick Lane Market, Portobello Road Market and Gordon Ramsay’s Savoy Grill restaurant.
Lessons Learnt
Being independent and responsible for yourself in another country, handling your own finances which is very important in business, and being on time are a few of the things Dhondy feels her time at the Le Cordon Bleu instilled in her.