When you think about the epitome of luxury, the Baccarat Hotel New York immediately springs to mind—a haven where unparalleled comfort meets stunning aesthetic in a Pursuitist preferred ambiance. But now, the hotel is also emerging as a destination for the most discerning palates, thanks to the recent appointment of Ashfer Biju as its Executive Chef.
A Maestro in the Kitchen
With over 25 years in the culinary world, Chef Biju is nothing short of a maestro in the kitchen. He’s honed his craft at the zenith of hospitality—serving as the Executive Chef and Food and Beverage Director at The Pierre Hotel in New York for 12 years, and having experience spanning Mauritius, Seychelles, the UK, the Maldives, and his home country, India. Inspired by his family’s heritage of restaurateurs in Kerala, India, Biju brings a love for fresh fish and seafood to the Baccarat Hotel’s French-inspired cuisine.
A Tapestry of Flavors
His mastery doesn’t stop at seafood, though. Biju’s approach integrates seasonal ingredients into a tapestry of flavors that incorporate classic French cooking with various indigenous influences—from European and Thai to Japanese and regional Indian cuisines. If culinary artistry had a home, it would reside in Chef Biju’s kitchen.
A Class Apart
Education, of course, plays a role in his culinary sophistication. He is a graduate of The Institute of Hotel Management & Catering Technology in Kovalam, India, and completed chef training at The Oberoi Center of Learning & Development. Further bolstering his skill set, Chef Biju also took continuing education courses at the Culinary Institute of Napa Valley, California.
Luxury in Every Bite
At Baccarat, Chef Biju oversees all food and beverage operations, from the Grand Salon and The Bar to Le Jardin and in-room dining. The coup de maître here is his collaboration with Baccarat’s Two Michelin-starred Culinary Director, Gabriel Kreuther. Together, they’re set to transform the hotel into a bastion of French-inspired culinary adventures. Imagine dining in an intimate, luxurious space where every morsel is a piece of art, every dish an experience, and all presented on Baccarat’s iconic glasses and plates.
Committed to Culinary Excellence
Biju’s passion extends beyond the kitchen. He actively supports industry organizations like the James Beard Foundation, Careers Through Culinary Art Program (C-CAP), and City Harvest, embodying the well-rounded commitment to excellence that defines him as a culinary leader.
The Ultimate Destination
Whether you’re a veteran gastronome or simply an aficionado of all things luxury, the Baccarat Hotel is now not just a place to escape in the heart of New York City, but also a place to indulge your taste buds in extraordinary ways. Its seamless blend of opulence, craftsmanship, and culinary artistry makes it a key destination for those who live life sans compromise.
In the culinary world, there are names that impress, and then there are names that redefine excellence. With the addition of Chef Ashfer Biju, the Baccarat Hotel New York moves firmly into the latter category. It’s not merely a stay; it’s an experience—an unforgettable blend of luxury and culinary mastery. And that, truly, is the essence of Baccarat.
Pursuitist Final Take: Where French Grandeur Meets Culinary Odyssey
In a city where fine dining establishments are plentiful but often indistinguishable, the Baccarat Hotel New York stands apart, much like a rare gem in an opulent crown. What elevates this experience from other luxurious dining settings is the infusion of Baccarat’s own heritage of French grandeur in each element—the cut crystal glasses, the impeccably designed plates, and the lavish surroundings. Every object in your periphery is a nod to French excellence, mirroring the gastronomic adventure that Chef Ashfer Biju crafts on your plate.
Dining at Baccarat isn’t merely a meal; it’s an orchestrated show where each element plays a critical role in the overall experience. Here, Chef Biju’s meticulously crafted dishes become edible works of art, further magnified by the prismatic brilliance of Baccarat crystal. As you sip a curated wine from a Baccarat glass, it isn’t just the vintage you’re tasting but a legacy of craftsmanship. When you partake of a meticulously prepared entrée, it comes presented on a plate that is an embodiment of French sophistication.
The ambience, which can often be the unsung hero in a dining experience, gets its due here. At Baccarat, the sumptuous, private spaces offer a serene yet indulgent backdrop against which each culinary masterpiece takes center stage. It’s a place where every element is designed to complement and elevate the other, like a well-conducted orchestra delivering a timeless symphony.
So why should one choose to indulge in this extraordinary melding of art, culture, and culinary innovation? The answer is simple: It is a setting and experience that provides far more than luxury—it offers a textured narrative of what happens when French art de vivre meets culinary ambition. It’s not just about meeting expectations but surpassing them, consistently and with flair. For those with a palate for the exquisite and an eye for detail, Baccarat Hotel New York is not just a destination; it’s a voyage—one that begins and ends with unparalleled luxury and culinary daring.
