Akshay Bhardwaj - Jazba
WHO: Akshay Bhardwaj is the corporate chef of Jazba and Junoon.
ABOUT: Born in Queens, Akshay Bhardwaj studied business at Fordham University and Baruch College, and then pivoted to his passion: cooking. His ascension in the culinary world was extraordinary; between 2012 and 2017, he worked his way from working the line to executive chef at Junoon. Junoon was awarded one Michelin star eight consecutive years from 2011, and held the title of the only Indian restaurant in New York City with a Michelin star from 2018 to 2019. He was also selected as a Gohan Society Culinary Scholar — and traveled to Japan to study the delicate art of omakase — and became the first Indian chef to be selected for the Forbes “30 under 30: Food & Drink” list. Chef Bhardwaj showcases a menu that reflects the diversity of India, steeped in the classics while offering deft touches of modernity.
Junoon, “passion” in Hindi, delivers on the promise of its moniker with an authentic yet elegantly modern take on Indian cuisine. Restaurateur Rajesh Bhardwaj, inspired to share his love of the food and culture of his native India, assembled a talented team to create a world-class restaurant that would redefine how Indian cuisine is presented on the international gastronomic stage. Junoon was the recipient of a prestigious Michelin star the year it opened and has earned the same coveted award 8 years in a row. The team shares a vision of the future for Indian cuisine, an endeavor to improve the purest traditional and regional cuisines, while simultaneously creating innovative, modern dishes and interpretation. Junoon is a place of gathering, a place of celebration, a place for business and a place for pleasure.
Jazba is the vibrant sister restaurant to the trailblazing Junoon, and a tribute to and celebration of India's famous eateries. Jazba offers its take on some of the iconic dishes, which are over a century old. Integral to India’s culinary identity, these are diverse eateries of rich historical, cultural, and religious significance — and that typically serve a single specialty dish until sold out for the day. The menu is inspired by the soul and diversity of these eateries’ strong connection to the roots that run deep across the country, bringing India’s beloved everyday dining culture to the heart of East Village.
WHAT: Chef Akshay Bhardwaj of Michelin-starred Junoon welcomes us to Jazba for a hands-on class celebrating India’s vibrant street food and regional specialties. Prepare bold, flavor-packed dishes followed by a seated lunch with paired wines.
WHEN: Saturday, Nov 14, 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM EST
WHERE: On Location at Jazba, 207 2nd Avenue, at corner of 13th Street, Manhattan, NY