CEO, Front of House Rajesh Suri

Born 22 January 1961 in Punjab. Married to Sarojini and has two sons Rohan and Rajan. Education : Degree in Hotel & Catering from New Delhi ; B.A. in Arts with Economics, English, Maths ; H.C.I.M.A in UK. Career : Started as a management trainee with Oberoi Hotels and became Food & Beverage Manager in Gulf Hotel, Bahrain 1981-1987. Then he moved to the Washington Hotel in London in a similar position until 1992 when he became General Manager of London's oldest Indian restaurant, Veeraswamy until 1995. It was during this time he realised he wanted to be the best in his profession and help put Indian restaurants on the mainstream map. He courted the attention of the media to get out his point of view which he has successfully continued to do every since. After a period with several other Indian restaurants, continually gaining experience, he joined Tamarind in Mayfair in 1998 as General Manager, later rising to become CEO. In 2001 his efforts at Tamarind were recognised with its first Michelin star, previously unheard of in the Indian sector, and the restaurant has retained the grading for 7 years to date. In 2006 he opened Imli in London's Soho as na new, tapas-style concept which was young, funky and affordable. Whilst strongly believing in this concept with its ability to change and adapt he still recognises the importance of classic food where you are treated like royalty - Tamarind in Mayfair. Awards/Philosophy : Rajesh Suri has won numerous awards included the Best in Britain (BIBA) Front of House Award three years running from 1999 and is totally commited to his profession. He believes that one should always look on the bright side and still finds Indian cuisine most exciting because of its history. Signature/favourite dish : Dum Gosh Biryani Hobbies : Playing cricket, watching cookery programmes on TV, reading about Indian food history and spending time with his family. Fellow of Restaurant Hall of Fame (FRHF)