They’re known to transform the staid to the splendid, ordinary to the extraordinary and all this with complete panache and finesse. They can go to extraordinary lengths to serve that one perfect meal that will leave a lasting impression. Their offerings whipped from the freshest ingredients can make any diner sink in their teeth and go gaga over their epicurean delights. And it’s not just about the food memories they help create that tend to last a lifetime, but also the extreme reverence and warmth with which they handle their modus operandi. Meet these restaurateurs who are at the helm of culinary affairs in their kitchens serving a treasure trove of culinary treats and are clearly the talk of the town for all the right reasons.
Text: Namita Gupta.
Raksha and Sunder Ram, founders, blueFROG Bangalore and Rasta Cafe
The entrepreneurial plunge: After graduating from St. Joseph’s College of Commerce and post graduation from Cardiff University, Raksha Ram who is at the helm of affairs at his family venture that manages the MSR Group of Institutions, shares, “We recently celebrated 5 million safety and construction work hours at one of our development sites in Bengaluru. I’ve always been musically inclined, so opening blueFROG Bangalore seemed natural. Today, we host some of the best Jazz and blues artistes from the world over at the club in Bengaluru, besides serving great comfort food as well.” His brother Sunder adds, “I studied at the St Joseph’s College of Commerce and majored in finance and accounting from the University of Westminster, London with Masters in management. I was part of a successful joint partnership project between the Indian coffee industry and the Taiwanese coffee connoisseurs.”
Technovations: “Vegetarian comfort food is on the rise and India will soon catch up on Artisan butcher shops and restaurants. We think meals that are at your table in four to seven minutes and finished in 12-15 minutes are the quick trends and no we’re not talking about fast food, but tasty and healthy meals for Gen Next,” agree the brothers in unison.
Culinary trails:
A travel freak and a scuba diver who started The GameChanger Club, Raksha recalls, “I’ve been to the French Riviera to sample some of the best combinations of food and music with hosts of international events.” Sunder adds, “I like exploring new cities to taste the local cuisine. It is very important to keep yourself updated with the latest food trends from around the world. I’m doing a Japanese food trail and the Taiwanese street food and art month this year.”
- blueFROG Bangalore, Church Street and Rasta Café, Mysore highway and Kammanahalli.
