FROM THE NOVOTEL HOTELS & RESORTS, PUNE

                 TALENTED TASTE-MAKER

The staff members at Novotel Hotels & Resorts, Pune are not to know that their Sous Chef Yashwant Sopne has completed two decades in hospitality industry. That said, the guests are not to know that Chef Yashwant had started his career as a Dishwasher 20 years back.

Two Konkani people had helped him. That exactly was his turning point in life. One was Kamat, the other was Bhat. Kamat was a Chef and Bhat was the Manager. They were impressed by his sincerity and dedicated work. Remember, Yashwant was just 14 yrs old then. That was in Hotel Manas at Latur.

“Will you be able to get up at 4.00 am every day?” Bhat and Kamat volleyed this question in one voice.

“Whatever you say, I will obey you” was the answer given by Yashwant.

Here starts the good times of Yashwant...He learnt about Udupi cuisine, Idli batter, twists in Chutneys etc. He had stints in nine hotels before joining Novotel Pune in 2014. Interestingly, he has worked only in hotels and restaurants based in Pune. He learnt on the diversified menus from Ginger (Taj Group) the Kitchen Standards from Marriott and the Five Star Culture from J W Marriott.

“Chef Yanshwant is one of the connoisseurs of Indian cuisines”, says Bandish Mehta, General Manager, Novotel Hotels & Resorts, Pune, “He has talent in impressing the guests with his delicious delicacies and impeccable service”.

He got promoted as Sous Chef in 2017. The year before that he had proved his mettle as a talented Taste Maker and had bagged “The Manager of the Year 2016” Award. Quite commendable. Though he is a speciality Chef (Maharashtra Cuisine), he is equally proficient in Goan, North Indian, Hyderabadi and Lucknowi cuisine. His showmanship at the shop floor deserves a round of applause. Indefatigable culinary artist he is. Teetotaller. Married to Mukta, a homemaker. Blessed with two sons: Aditya (08) and Arush (06). Music and travelling is his hobby. Cooking happens to be his passion.

“My dream is to work in a Five Star Hotel in any foreign country” says Yashwant.

What I found profoundly appealing in him is his ability to connect with the guests effortlessly. He is a cheerful, motivated, creative person at work. Explores things wholeheartedly. I really like the way; he works with precision and gentleness.

Text and Pictures: R Kesava Mallia in Pune