The culinary confluence in the capital, showcasing personal chefs to heads of state worldwide, was hosted by White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford.
In an extraordinary culinary convergence, the Club des Chefs des Chefs, a prestigious assembly of personal chefs to heads of state worldwide, gathered in Washington, DC for their annual confab earlier this month. The exclusive group, hosted by none other than the White House Executive Chef, Cristeta Comerford, took a detour into the vibrant world of Indian food during their visit.
The chosen destination: Rasa Grill, a popular Indian fast-casual eatery nestled in the Navy Yard neighborhood. On November 2, 28 distinguished culinary maestros indulged their palates in a delightful gastronomic experience, sampling the diverse and rich flavors of Indian cuisine.
Two Indian American former bankers open Indian restaurant Rasa Grill in Washington (December 8, 2017)
Among the notable chefs present were Mark Flanagan, Vice President of the Club des Chefs des Chefs; Caroline Dembiany, Chef to the Chancellor of Germany; Amit Gothwal, the Executive Chef of the Rashtrapati Bhavan; Fabrizio Boca, Chef to the President of Italy; Daniele Chiari, Chef to the King of Saudi Arabia; Jose Roca, Chef to the Prime Minister of Spain; and Comerford.
Gilles Bragard, founder of Chefs des Chefs, and Chef Montu Saini, who served as the Senior Executive Chef of the Rashtrapati Bhavan from June 2015 to August 2020 and currently the Executive Chef of the Indian Parliament, were also part of the gathering.
During the two hours they spent at Rasa Grill, they savored the delicacies and engaged with co-founders Rahul Vinod and Sahil Rahman, and Chef K.N. Vinod and Surfy Rahman, renowned Washington-area restaurateurs and parents of the co-founders, respectively, in a convivial atmosphere that transcended culinary borders.
Rasa Grill, founded in 2019, has rapidly emerged as a culinary gem with five locations, two each in the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia, and one in Rockville, Maryland. The fast-casual restaurant’s menu includes salads, rice and noodle bowls, with chef-created and build-your-own options.
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Its expansion trajectory reflects the growing appreciation for authentic Indian flavors in the Washington metropolitan area.
Earlier this year, Rasa Grill won a Rammy award, being selected as the preferred Fast Bite in the Washington area, a distinction determined through a public vote in one of five categories.
“Over a quarter century ago, my business partner Surfy and I had the privilege of hosting the Club des Chefs des Chefs at one of our restaurants,” Chef Vinod, co-founder of critically acclaimed Indian restaurants Indique and Bombay Bistro and the culinary director of Rasa Grill, told the American Bazaar. “Now, the legacy continued with Rasa, as we welcomed these Culinary Ambassadors who serve the world’s most influential figures. It’s an honor to showcase the vibrant flavors of India through our fast-casual concept offering a unique and memorable experience to our distinguished guests.”
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Club des Chefs des Chefs — which in English means “The Club of Chefs to Heads of State” — was founded by Bragard in 1977.
“When I founded the CCC, my ambition was to pay tribute to the chefs of heads of state: these legendary figures who work behind the scenes,” Bragard, who designs the Grand Chef jacket, says on the organization’s website.
“Every year since 1977, I have sought to bring them together across the world to give them the opportunity to experience the gastronomy of the host country and discuss the major trends in cooking with fellow chefs. As they are aware of the role that these chefs play in international diplomatic relations, heads of state have been quick to support our Club by officially receiving every one of our meetings.”
During their stay in the nation’s capital, the chefs also visited a number of Washington institutions, including the White House and DC Central Kitchen.
At the White House kitchen, the chefs enjoyed an exclusive dining experience, graciously hosted by Comerford.
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