Prrateek Chaudhary: Making an impact one cocktail at a time

24

Prrateek Chaudhary grew up in India, where international media reached the heart of his home, and showcased the food and beverage expertise of world-renowned chefs, like chefs Gordon Ramsay and Robert Irvine. Enamored by the television shows of top international chefs, such as Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen, Prrateek knew that when he grew up, he wanted to travel to America to impact the United States with his unique flair for food and beverages.

He knew at a young age that he had something unique to offer to the food and beverages industry. He had a gift for concocting new combinations and flavours, from age-old traditions. He was able to take something familiar, and add a flair of personalized excellence to bring it to life. 

One of Prrateek favorite cocktail recipes is the Kashmiri Margarita. He explains that for those who appreciate a hint of heat, this chili-puree margarita showcases the vibrancy of Indian spices. To create this refreshing yet fiery drink, bring tequila, fresh pepper puree, and lime juice together with a kick of red chili. “The spice lingers just long enough to tease the taste buds without overwhelming the drinker,” says Prrateek.

(courtesy)

Prrateek has made an incredible journey into the hospitality industry, working first as a bartender. He was soon noticed for his work ethic and talent and the way he embraced people in his every day work. He was the bartender who smiled for those he served and sought to create memories with each guest. The smiling bartender was soon promoted to Bar Manager. His approach to his work set him apart from others, in that he saw further than the obvious, and sought to create an experience through his offerings, rather than just provide a product.

He later worked for different luxury hotel brands, working under various titles, from Head Mixologist to Bar Manager, to Assistant Director Food and beverage.

Prrateek is currently working in the United States as a mixologist.

Phenomenal success in just 12 years
Prrateek dreams of earning for himself a name of the likes of Gordon Ramsay and the other world-renowned chefs he admires. It would seem he is on the way to doing just this. 

Having been in the hospitality industry for just over 12 years, he is already a sought-after industry professional. When the world shut down and retreated behind closed doors during the Covid-19 lockdown, he was called on to present over 100 webinars which trained over 5,000 students in different colleges. He has also been the guest lecturer for 13 colleges.

Prrateek’s work has earned him acclaim in the United States. He has worked with numerous prominent brands in the hospitality industry, including Shangri-La, Marriott, Fairmont, IHG, Hyatt, Leela, and Taj. 

He continues to believe that the food and beverage industry is so much more than the obvious. In addition to flavor, color, flair and presentation, it is also about people and relationships. He has designed bars and trained bartenders to ensure that bar operations run smoothly. He has also orchestrated cocktail menus, which include his own combinations. His creativity and respect for the industry have brought success to numerous bars and restaurants.

He was instrumental in opening a new Indian restaurant for the IHG group in India, and also in Texas in the United States. He says his management has brought great success to these establishments.

(courtesy)

A recipe for success
Prrateek speaks about his take on cocktails and how he has never been shy to break from convention and bring his own interpretation to his cocktail flavours and combinations. One of the reasons he has been so successful is because he goes beyond the obvious and mundane, and uses creativity, passion and innovation to create drinks which are not only tasteful and appealing, but which tell a story. For example, he sought to introduce Indian ingredients to cocktails he created for IHG. “I go deeply into the details when I am drafting a cocktail,” he said. 

At the same time, he said he respects well-known traditions and flavors that guests are familiar with, and might use innovation to give these an edge. For him, it’s about engaging with his guests, and again, giving his trademark smile.

The journey that started with a dream
He looks back on his early childhood dream to make it as a top food and beverage expert with a measure of nostalgia. While he is well on his way to making just this happen, he says he won’t stop until he has left an indelible mark on the industry, and perhaps has his very own series on mainstream media. He also wants to carry the wisdom, know-how and experience he has forward to the next generation.

His passion remains the golden thread throughout his incredible journey. 

His smiling face cannot lie: he loves what he does and being in America, and seeing his impact in the industry, has been for him the realisation of a childhood dream, which began many years ago, in India.  

Presented by: APG.

You can view the original article HERE.