FROM THE WESTIN GURGAON,NEW DELHI

FROM KITCHEN HELPER TO COMMIS I

In 22 years, 15 small and medium restaurants, 02 three-star hotels, 01 five star hotel ......and finally, as Commis I  in The Westin Gurgaon, New Delhi.

The journey from the kitchen  helper to Commis  I position in a Westin hotel, that too the flagship hotel of Starwood hotels & resorts has not been  an easy one for Johnson (38), born in a very poor family in Kochi, Kerala.

                                         

Tenth failed Johnson started working at the age of sixteen. Since Oct 2013, he is with The Westin Gurgaon, New Delhi. Today he handles the entire South Indian section. Before the Sun is up, Johnson might have reached the hotel at 5am; from here, his day starts…….he will work like a well oiled machine, to set the South Indian buffet counter... Then moves to the live counter where dosas (he can offer around eight different Dosas) and Pooris are served to guests...

After the buffet clearance at around 10.30am… He will get geared up for the lunch buffet preparation... At least two to three dishes to be whipped up...Then shows up again at the live counter to serve Appam, Idiyappam or Puttu.... After the lunch buffet clearance at around 3.30pm, he will tighten his belt for the next day’s preparation.... Separate batter for Dosas and Idlis, batter for the Vadas and Appam....

"Time is just flying......I am completely engrossed throughout the shift. This is really an elevating experience for me" says Chef Johnson.

Married to Silbi, he is blessed with two sons-Atul Johnson(12), Alen Johnson(10).

"This is a very busy hotel. Nowadays, even the guests from abroad that is foreigners are evincing interest in having South Indian food, especially Dosas and Idlis, as these two items are the most sought after even by other Indian guests, especially for breakfast".

"Getting the appreciation from the guests is one thing. What makes me more happy here is the support and encouragement given to me by the Executive Chef as well as the other Senior Chefs. I do get help from all quarters".

"The comments from the guests are very inspiring. I feel very good when Malayali guests appreciate my food, saying that it is very authentic" says Johnson who hails from Kerala.

He watches only Malayalam movies. Mohan Lal is his favourite hero.

TEXT & PICS BY: R KESAVA MALLIA in Gurgaon.