New Delhi [India], January 24: In the gentle breeze of Goa, where the sea meets the sky, lies a place of magic and meaning: Jolene. Nestled above Anjuna, this sanctuary breathes life, embracing both the sacred and the untamed. Jolene isn’t just a restaurant—it is a spirit, a pulse, a muse. Today, as her doors open, a story unfolds—one of time, taste, and transformation, crafted by a chef who once hid in the folds of his mother’s saree, only to emerge as a force in the culinary world.
I didn’t know what I was seeking as a young boy in Delhi, but I knew I hadn’t found it. I was a shadow—out of place, unsure of who I was or where I fit. There was no name for what I felt, no mirror that reflected me. But in the kitchen, I found my escape, my solace. Surrounded by the smells of turmeric, cumin, and the soft hum of our Brahmin chef Panditji, I began to discover a life beyond self-doubt.
Panditji’s dishes were hymns of tradition, each one a meditation on flavor. My mother, on the other hand, was a rebel, creating magical treats in a city where ovens were rare. She brought lightness to our lives, her creativity sparking the same in me. Between Panditji’s rigor and my mother’s whimsy, I discovered a love for food—not just as a craft, but as a force capable of connection, healing, and transformation.
Years later, I carried the aromas of home with me as I moved from Delhi to Bombay. In this vibrant city, I learned to adapt and recreate the flavors of my childhood. But it was New York that truly shaped me. There, I went from a boy cooking for himself to a man daring to call himself a chef. My journey in Manhattan was one of self-discovery—of experimenting, failing, and finally succeeding, building a reputation and gaining recognition. The opening of Devi in New York became a turning point, where Indian food was celebrated not just as sustenance but as art. The Michelin star we earned was more than an accolade; it was proof that Indian cuisine had found its place on the global culinary stage.
Yet, despite these triumphs, I felt an unshakable pull back to something deeper—a quiet calling. When Jolene reached out to me, it felt like a return home, a rediscovery of that original spark. Jolene, like me, is bold yet gentle, adventurous yet grounded. It stands as a testament to the power of passion and purpose, a place where every detail is intentional, yet effortless.
I am deeply grateful to Amrita Arora Ladak, Shakeel Ladak, Gaurav Batra, and Ankit Tayal for believing in this vision. Together, we’ve created Jolene as a space where stories are told through food—dishes inspired by the markets of Kochi, the beaches of Morjim, the streets of Beirut, and the corners of Madrid. Here, meals are more than just food; they’re experiences waiting to be savored.
Even the cocktails tell their own stories, like the Peaches and Cream—a drink that feels like liquid velvet—or the Ya Ya Ya Coco Jumbo, a playful tribute to the tropics. Every bite, every sip is an invitation to lose yourself in the moment, to find joy and connection.
As Jolene opens its doors, I reflect not only on the present but on the winding path that brought me here. I think of the young journalists who once asked me questions in New York, eager to understand the story behind the food. Now, as I sit across from young writers myself, I see the same hunger, the same curiosity. In them, I see a reminder that the world keeps evolving, generation after generation.
And in these exchanges, I feel the weight of responsibility—not just to share my story, but to share the truth behind it. To reveal the grit and sacrifice behind the glamour, the sleepless nights that make the triumphs possible. Being a chef isn’t about the accolades or applause—it’s about love. It’s about loving the craft, the people you serve, and the team beside you. It’s about staying curious, staying humble, and remembering why you started.
Jolene is more than a restaurant to me; it’s a testament to what happens when passion meets purpose. It’s a reminder that food is not just nourishment, but a means to bring people together, to connect, to make them feel seen and heard. This journey has been about more than just the food—it’s been about creating moments worth savoring, about embracing life fully, and about being present in the magic of the now.
As the sun sets over Anjuna and the sky turns gold, I stand on Jolene’s terrace, gazing out over the horizon. The sea stretches endlessly, much like the possibilities of life. And I think of the boy I once was, hiding in the folds of my mother’s saree, unsure of my place. If only he could see me now—if only he could taste the life we’ve created. He would know that the thing he once feared—his difference, his otherness—has become his greatest strength, his signature, his gift to the world.
Today, as Jolene opens its doors, I too open mine—to the dreamers, the seekers, the storytellers, and the diners. Come, sit, taste, and belong. Let the flavors of Jolene remind you of what it means to be alive. Welcome to Jolene. Welcome home.