CHRISTINE SAMANDARI WITH LAURENT SAMANDARI, L’OPERA – Christine has a Ph.D. in Social Psychology from Paris VII University, an MA of Anthropology and an MA of Sociology from Paris X University. She is married to Kazem Samandari and has two children, Caroline and Laurent and two grandchildren, Olivier and Clara. Christine served from 1988 until 2008 as the Head of the European and Francophone Branch of the Bahá’í International Community’s Office of Public Information, in Paris, France where she coordinated a host of educational, social and humanitarian programme across the Continent.
Christine has travelled extensively across the planet, interacted with numerous individuals and organizations, given numerous talks and lectures and participated in many radio, television, and press interviews. She closely collaborated with governments and institutions of Southeastern countries of Europe within the framework of a project sponsored by the European Union, for stability and good- neighborly relations in the Balkans in the wake of the break-up of Yugoslavia and the ensuing conflicts. In 2008, Christine and her family moved to New-Delhi India where she started a new career as an entrepreneur and social activist. Christine is a co-founder and Director of L’Opéra, the prominent and foremost French Bakery and Pastry operation in India. From then to now, Christine is living Laurent Dream.
USHA BATRA WITH VIKRANT AND SHARAD BATRA, CAFÉ DELHI HEIGHTS – With utmost grace and dignity she walked, spreading the love and the compassion inside her conquering the hearts of the world. A vision within clothed to an empowering strength married to an invigorating wisdom and passion is what Mrs Usha Batra delivered with her recipe of Café Delhi Heights.
Launching herself as an entrepreneur in 1976 with a garment fabrication business, Mrs Usha Batra was the first ever woman to open a banquet hall by herself. “It all started when I got married”, she adds. With an exhilarating interest in the food business from a very young age, Usha Batra and her family owned the first ever Banquet in Delhi – Batra Banquets. With a clear vision for perfection she mastered the approach of all things impeccable. Believing in serving simple food yet tasty and full of love, she knew her strong desire to take the Indian cuisine to places near and far. An epitome of immense sacrifices and hard work, in 2011 Usha Batra, the culinary director and the lady behind the legendary recipes of Café Delhi Heights Sharad’s decision of opening Café Delhi Heights but also presented a gift of the future to Café Delhi Heights by sharing all her recipes. With a big smile and a bigger heart Usha Batra moves around the kitchens and cafés of her brand with a sense of involvement and compassion towards her vision. “The guiding force behind Café Delhi Heights, sits as the real reason for success”, the team adds.
Today the highly successful Three Generational All-day Global Casual and Neighbourhood diner “Café Delhi Heights” adorns Mrs Usha Batra like a jewel as she stands remarkably true to herself and the brand, setting up the menu and recipes, making sure the food at Café Delhi Heights is never served without Love, Flavour and Taste. Usha Batra Recipes, Sharad Vision & Vikrant Operational skills has made Café Delhi heights the most acknowledged and loved brand of Delhi.
AAVIKA CHHAWCHHARIA, MOTHER OF 2 AND OWNER HONEY & DOUGH-
Aavika Chhawchharia used to like a bakery chain a lot in Chandigarh, which made her wonder why there is no pan-bakery brand in Delhi. This compelled me to launch Honey & Dough with my husband, Says Aavika. Founder of Honey & Dough. Honey & Dough is a friendly neighborhood bakery that offers scrumptious baked goodies, a hot cuppa & toothsome nibbles. Equipped with the latest technologies; it proudly boasts the highest quality and hygiene standards. No special order is beyond our bakery’s capacity! Aavika further adds we started our journey in 2016 with our first outlet in Defence Colony to fulfill the need for a quality bakery that would address the requirements of every customer by being a one-stop shop for a range of products. Honey & Dough serves it all.
We started with Honey and Dough at a time when not too many cafes thronged the market in 2017. However, we grew gradually out of our own experiences and mistakes.
Simultaneously, we learned about the tastes of Delhiites and the changing trends. It is encouraging to see customers return to our cafes for our food and coffee. Their appreciation and suggestions empower us to serve them better.
This has helped us in building our name and goodwill. Our cafes are now bigger and people can host their private celebrations there.
Hence from a small bakery, we grew to a café. Aavika Chhawcharia is a mother of 2 wonderful kids 5 years and 8 months. She says on motherhood-, be prepared for challenges but do not let them pull you down. Challenges come in plenty. Secondly, Balance is the key, once you think about it, you will be able to do it. Aavika Chhawcharia is hands on Mother who starts her day before her child is up, and finishes late because work takes it up.