Spirit is passion in motion

Ever wondered if a budget pocket can buy you food as delicious as worth a million bucks ? My quest for the perfect office party lunch buffet in Andheri East, Saki Naka stopped at Spirit Kitchen and Bar. What works perfect is that is sits right below an English pub The 7PM Itch and Spirit Food Express – by the same Restaurateur.

 I entered the place a little bit before lunch hour and was happy to reserve my spot. The restaurant itself screams young and fresh. The walls have massive graphics .. Spirit is passion in motion – it is a lot like the restaurateur himself, Yatin Hegde who has recently won the prestigious FMB Award, recognizing him as a young and upcoming entrepreneur.

The place fast filled up with people pouring in from various offices nearby. It’s fast service ensured that nobody had to wait for the scrumptious Cheese Chaska.. which is its signature appetizer. I was quick enough to understand this as every table in the restaurant seemed to be enjoying it.

The main course has both Chinese & North Indian fare served up to the mark & offers value for money. Of course my favourite was the Yellow Daal – which by far it the best yellow daal with double tadka that I had tried in this area. Cooked to precision and very strong in flavours – just the way I love it.

If the food wasn’t what will pull me again to the restaurant it’s the attitude of this young man Yatin Hegde. He greets all his customers, politely asks them about the food, takes feedback and his reason for doing this is Value Creation ! It was almost refreshing to hear such an ambitious response from someone his age.  I had the chance to speak to this vibrant achiever… here are some experts.

Me : How did you get into this business ?
YH : What you are seeing today if what was started 50 years ago by my Dad and Uncle. They are from the prosperous ‘Bunt’ community who came to Bombay, understood the food habits of the people of Bombay and devised a plan to suit the ever changing needs and wants of its people. It is now on the second generation to take-off from this platform and transform these into “BRAND”. Spirit Kitchen and Bar and The 7PM Itch is one step towards changing a restaurant into a Brand

Me : So you are saying Business is in your blood ?
YH : Of course ! It starts when you are very young. What started as a compulsion from my father ended up becoming my passion. When I went to different restaurants and the only though that came to my mind was how can I use this in my restaurant or how can this work well for me.. is when I realised this business is all I can think about. This business is my passion.

Me : All work and no play makes jack a dull boy ?
YH : (laughs) I am by far the naughtiest kid in the neighbourhood, you should ask around !  I am a different person when I am around friends and different when I am at work. Work will always remain my priority… I don’t forget it when I am with friends. When I am with friends nobody can tell I run a business. I would not want them to change this perception.

Me : Your Parents must be proud of your award ?
YH : Of course ! Like every other parent, mine were elated when my name was announced as the winner. Being the youngest of my family – a boy after 2 elder sisters – everyone thought I’d be pampered. I would be enjoying the good life and making merry. But I was only in Std 8^th when my father made it clear to me. I will have to sweat and toil and earn the respect for myself. When others played in the sun during holidays – I was dragged to the restaurant. But I don’t regret it. There are something’s I learnt very early on. They have come in very handy while running this business successfully.

Me : What’s next for Spirit Kitchen and Bar and The 7 PM Itch ?
YH : Well, when you see the plaque of my brands in every neighbourhood, you know my plan is in action. I want my speed and quality of work to speak for itself.  

D for DIET and D for DOMINOES !

D for DIET and D for Dominoes !!! Not the best combination ever. And just when I thought that I am in LINE with my DIET – Bazooom…. On my way to office last week I see a Dominoes is now Hiring sign !!! What !!! This can’t be the location – I said to myself. There was a dingy BAR that old men sat at and drank post work. But my worst fears or should I dare say my wildest dreams came true… DOMINOES was opening at that very location.

Strategically placed in the beginning of the only lane that I have to pass twice a day - once to enter office and once at close of day – DOMINOES was going to haunt me !! This week – up until yesterday I was adamant of not looking at it. I had also mentally prepared myself to look the other way at the fat man sitting in the Lucas Electronics store right opposite to DOMINOES new location at Saki Naka.

But yesterday as My sister Dhwani Doshi and I passed it on our way out – we made the store manager promise that He has to , has to has to make us NO 1 customer !!! We were adamant that the store should make their first sales to US. A matter of prestige for someone like me who has been a big fan of Mexican Green Chillies, Medium Size Thin Crust and the Choco Lava Cake – both from the time they have started !!!

So today on my way in – I made sure the ever similing area manager was sticking to his promise. I even made him give me a missed call on my phone, so that I could check on Dominoes whenever I wanted !! And there at 3 30 – I get the much awaited Phonecall.

DOMINOES was not only wanting me to become their first customer – but they also wanted me to OPEN THE STORE !!! WHOAAA… I was officially their chief guest and was to cut the ribbion and cake et all !!! MAJJHAA AA GAYA !!!

So while the 30 off DOMINOES MEN AND WOMEN dressed in Blue cheered, I cut the RIBBON. Had I known I was to do something so major today – I would have dressed in my best and put on some make up !!! God – when will I ever learn ???

Anyway – So, I did… and made the MAHURAT ORDER of my favourites. Then the store managers – the smiley, helpful ones took me inside – showed me the kitchen—it is mighty small I tell you !! Can you believe they churn so many pizza’s in that much space. Or atleast I am hoping they will amazingly well, now that I have opened the STORE !!

My Dad was fortunately there at the Andheri Office – so I tagged him there.. It was an event to remember… : )) He tried taking a few pictures – but his photographing skills go to the dogs without his 50+ reading glasses. We enjoyed the freshly baked Pizza with the smeltering cheese !! And then the lava oozing out of the cake and came back as happy bunnies fluttering the NO 1 Customer Receipt that my Sister DHWANI DOSHI was dieing to have !!!