Hospitality Hope Icon Awards celebrated and recognised iconic family-run restaurants in Mumbai
BY SAMEER MALKHANI
Renowned food critic and author Rashmi Uday Singh launched the inaugural Hospitality Hope Icon Awards at the trendy Keiba restaurant that celebrated the unsung heroes of Mumbai’s culinary scene – iconic, family-run restaurants that have been the backbone of the city’s gastronomic culture.
The atmosphere at Keiba was electric, filled with anticipation and excitement as industry professionals, media, and food enthusiasts gathered to witness the birth of and celebrate the inaugural Hospitality Hope Icon Awards. The evening was a perfect blend of celebration and recognition, underscoring Rashmi’s dedication to preserving and promoting the unique culinary heritage of Mumbai.
“Hospitality Hope is my labour of love, a not-for-profit endeavour that fuels my passion for celebrating culinary excellence. Embracing the essence of Hospitality Hope, these awards are all about the significance of recognising smaller establishments with star-worthy offerings on their menus,” Rashmi said.
She added: “These culinary treasures, often overshadowed by larger establishments, represent the heart and soul of the hospitality industry, embodying innovation, authenticity, and a commitment to culinary excellence. Through these awards, our aim is to shine a spotlight on these hidden gems, celebrating their contributions to the rich tapestry of Indian cuisine.”
Hospitality Hope Icon Awards were designed to recognise and honour smaller, family-run restaurants that have become landmarks in Mumbai’s vibrant food landscape. These establishments have not only provided delicious food over the years but have also become integral parts of the community, offering a sense of continuity and tradition.
The evening saw an outpouring of love and solidarity from luminaries in the worlds of food, films, music, and art. Actor Boman Irani charmed the audience by singing I Did It My Way, while Shobhaa De inaugurated the event and announced Masterchef Shipra Khanna as the brand ambassador.
Renowned chefs Ranveer Brar, Suvir Saran and Sanjyot Keer along with food enthusiasts Kunal Vijayakar and Farzana Contractor, actress Tanishaa Mukherjee, entrepreneur Jimmy Mistry and Gaurav Batra, among others, presented the awards.
Shipra also unveiled her ninth cookbook Sinfully Yours – Just Desserts on stage along with Boman, Rashmi, Shobhaa, Tanishaa and Suvir.
Restaurateur Neeti Goel and chef Suvir served as emcees, adding to the excitement at the event. Representatives from the awarded eateries, some as old as 176 years, attended with their families, sharing signature dishes and goodie bags with the guests, creating a festive and familial atmosphere.
Rashmi expressed her gratitude towards the advisors and supporters who made the event possible, including Aditi Dugar of Masque, Jamal Shaikh, and the PR team led by Nikhila Palat and Katalyst. Special thanks were given to renowned artist Jaideep Mehrotra for creating a limited-edition artwork, “Mirch_E,” exclusively for Hospitality Hope.
In her closing remarks, Rashmi highlighted that Hospitality Hope is a non-profit venture with no sponsors, fees, or revenue model. A pioneering initiative founded by Rashmi using her own savings, Hospitality Hope embodies her commitment to give back to the community. The platform provides a free tool to help restaurants recruit staff online, addressing a crucial need in the industry.
“Hospitality Hope keeps me energised, whether it’s visiting hospitality colleges and telling the students about it or doing book launches for chefs who are overlooked or doing the Hospitality Hope Icon Awards. It gives me a reason to feel happy, isn't that what life is about?” Rashmi said.
She added: “In times of commercialism, where money is charged for every single thing including awards, I decided not to curse the darkness but to light a candle of hope. It gives me great joy to be able to spread even a little joy.”
Hospitality Hope is a pioneering initiative founded by Rashmi using her own savings, embodying her commitment to give back to the community. The platform provides a free tool to help restaurants recruit staff online, addressing a crucial need in the industry.
In a sector where staffing can make or break a business, Hospitality Hope stands out as a much-needed support system, facilitating connections between job seekers and employers in the hospitality industry.
“It was during the pandemic that I started posting job alerts on my personal Instagram handle and realised they were having an impact. I got lots of DMs from restaurants to post their jobs, including from New York City. I still vividly remember the day when I asked Chef Massimo Bottura whether I should start a free job portal from my savings because I wanted to give back all the love I have been receiving past 30 years,” said Rashmi.
She added: “Massimo immediately responded and suggested how to do it. He has been supporting me ever since as have many of the world’s greatest chefs. Simultaneously I was going through chemotherapy and cancer surgery and Hospitality Hope gave me hope and a reason to feel relevant. That’s how it began.”
By all accounts, Rashmi’s initiative is a testament to the power of giving back and preserving the rich culinary heritage of Mumbai.
This gives us all hope and joy.
