Vij
A Chef's One-Way Ticket to Canada with Indian Spices in His Suitcase
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Winner of the 2018 Taste Canada Awards - Culinary Narratives
Vikram Vij, one of Canada's great chefs, shares his story of the trials and triumphs in building a world-renowned food empire
Fragrant with the smells of cumin, turmeric, fennel, and cloves, Vij reveals the story of Vikram Vij, one of Canada's most celebrated chefs and entrepreneurs. Co-owner of the world-famous Vij's Restaurant in Vancouver, his story is a true rags-to-riches tale of a college dropout from northern India who made it to Europe's temples of high cuisine, then with a one-way ticket bound for Canada, found fame serving some of the world's most transcendent Indian cuisine. Vij's Restaurant, originally a fourteen-seat establishment known for its extraordinary flavours and spice blends, along with a firm no-reservation policy, received accolades from restaurant critics and patrons alike.
A culinary journey that began in India as a boy enjoying the praise of visitors for his chai and biscuits, Vikram's passion for Indian cooking and his lifelong mission to bring awareness to the culture he left behind have fueled his tireless drive in building a world-renowned food empire. Driven to succeed, Vikram realized his dream to launch five major initiatives under the Vij's brand by age fifty, but with challenges and sacrifices along the way.
For the first time, Vikram opens up about his struggles with prejudice, his mentors' lasting lessons, and the painful demise of his marriage--both the successes and the failures that have shaped and sharpened one of Canada's most unique and revered culinary talents.
About this Author
VIKRAM VIJ was born in India and grew up in Amritsar and Mumbai. He studied hotel management in Salzburg, Austria, before moving to Canada to work at the Banff Springs Hotel. He opened the original fourteen-seat Vij's Restaurant in 1994, has appeared on many television shows, and regularly cooks for events, including the James Beard Awards gala in New York. A certified sommelier, he is passionate about pairing wines with Indian food. In addition to running Vij's Restaurant, Vikram is the chef and owner of My Shanti by Vikram Vij and co-author of three bestselling cookbooks. He lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Reviews
"A terrific and deeply personal culinary journey from a great chef." Anthony Bourdain
"Vikram has forged his life and career through hard work, the weight of real risk, a natural sense and flair for Indian flavours and above all else the character and personal charm to keep people flooding to his restaurants. Game well played, my friend and colleague." Mark McEwan, celebrity chef, restaurateur, and bestselling author of Great Food at Home
"An inspiring and moving memoir! Vikram is a passionate chef and entrepreneur who has redefined Indian cuisine and built a first-class food empire." Arlene Dickinson, bestselling author of All In and Persuasion
"An incredibly honest story of an Indian immigrant's tough entrepreneurial road to success in Canada. Vij captures the essence of the very determined, passionate, talented, and charismatic life of celebrity chef Vikram Vij." Peter and Chris Neal, founders of Neal Brothers Foods
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