Owner Shah F. Athar

Born in London 02/05/1975. Married with daughter. Education : Graduated from Manchester University with MSc Molecular Parasitology and Vector Biology, BSc(Hons) Biology, hoping to go into tropical disease research. CIEH Professional Trainer in Food Hygiene and Health & Safety Career : Young and forward-looking owner of the smart, modern Cafe Rasoi in Heathfield, East Sussex which opened 2006. Also owns the Mr India brand. Although, in the restaurant trade from an early age, catering was not his only interest. Shah has worked in scientific research with the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (an agency of DEFRA), but a passion for the food industry and a desire to update and modernise a lot of restaurateurs old fashioned views has led to opening his own ventures to great acclaim (including BIBA and British Curry Awards). Has consulted and designed for various other restaurateurs with great success, and just lets his work do the talking. Holds regular fun cooking demonstrations for both adults and children alike where everyone gets to be 'hands on'! Regularly raises money for charity and supports all local causes. A passion and desire to improve and promote the Indian restaurant trade, Shah is constantly trying to get all the restaurants to get their staff qualified in some way, be it with food hygiene, English language, or NVQ's, The restaurant won a 'Loo of the Year" award in 2007 and a "Best in Britain Award" (BIBA) in the same year. Sussex Business Awards 2008 (Winners announced 11/11/08) Best Small Business in Sussex - Finalist Sponsored & judged by EDF Energy Best New Business in Sussex - Finalist Sponsored & judged by The Argus Sussex Bangladeshi Caterer's Association - Executive Committee and Asst. Secretary Speciality & Fine Food Fair 2008, London Olympia - Product Launch of 'Mr India Gourmet' pickles and chutneys. Member of The Federation of Speciality Restaurants. Favourite cuisine : Likes the light and fragrant style of Middle Eastern cooking. Signature dish; Chicken Tikka Modhu, (cooked with honey, almonds and fresh lemon rind), "Definitely the new CTM!!" Hobbies; all forms of sport, photography, graphic design and artwork, restaurant design. Proudest Moment: Birth of daughter Ava-Mariam Ambition: Too long a list but involves achievements both personally and for the industry itself. Most important item: The most important thing in my kitchen, is my team, without whom life would be very difficult! Currently sponsoring and helping an orphanage in Dhaka. Family flew to Dhaka in Oct 2008 to help distribute, clothing, shoes, books, games etc. Due to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro (5895M high) in Nov 2008 for charitable causes. Teaching Food Hygiene to all the restaurants in the Wealden District Council Area. Classes to take place at Café Rasoi from October 2008. Cooking demos on behalf of other restaurateurs and schools further afield who would like emulate what Shah and the team at Café Rasoi already do successfully on a regular basis. Still designing menus and branding for other restaurateurs on a consultant basis. Still working on a number of new and original concepts that Shah will hopefully see come to fruition in the future. Already opening a further 2 premises, within the next few months. Still tirelessly working hard, and still currently a one man operation! Still looking to achieve more and demonstrate that it is fun to be in this business and enjoy Fellow of Restaurant Hall of Fame (FRHF)