With a strong background in F&B and close connections to the city, Indranil Ray is the new general manager at Taj City Centre Newtown. After an eight-year-long stint in the South, and with over 29 years of experience in the field of hospitality, he’s now back in Calcutta to head the hotel along with taking charge of Taal Kutir Convention Centre.
The Telegraph spoke to him at length on his arrival, which also coincides with the hotel’s first anniversary, and here’s getting you all that transpired.
After almost 20 years, it’s back to Calcutta and back to Taj for you. How does it feel?
It’s homecoming! It’s so good to see the city adding so many feathers to its cap. It’s changed so much. It’s an amalgamation of culture, tradition and modernity. I have embraced it… we are soaking in its warmth and look forward to extending the warmth to our guests as well.
We’ve read extensively about your success in the South. To what do you attribute this growth?
One must never cease to learn. I can only attribute this growth to my ability to adapt, learn and evolve.
The portfolio here is significantly different from the one you handled in the past eight years. How do you plan to tackle it?
Honestly, it’s all about the human connection, and empathy, creating a buzz around your food and beverage offerings and ensuring our guests/ patrons are constantly engaged. With fresh pop-ups, enhanced feel, ambience and aesthetics and inimitable Tajness, we look forward to capturing the non-resident guests. We need to keep doing activities which are in sync with Tajness and enable us to create a jewel in the crown in this part of the city.
Taj CCNT is a fairly new hotel, and with it completing a year now, what is your plan with regards to this hotel in particular?
To ensure the food and beverage space of the hotel is always buzzing with pop-ups and promotions that are uniquely different. We are bringing in master chefs from iconic restaurants of the IHCL, namely Chef Jabraj from Taj Coromandel, Chef Chander from Umaid Bhawan Palace this month and lined up a series of epicurean delights in the coming months too. Wykiki is going to be a place to watch out for with its ambience… it’s the perfect spot for casual Asian dining. With the microbrewery coming up soon, Wykiki is sure to cast a magical spell on the patrons. These elements will certainly add to the nightlife in New Town.
How similar or different is the market in the East vis-a-via the South?
There isn’t much difference. One has to stay ahead of the competition, possess a razor-sharp focus on your goals and uphold Tajness — a cornerstone of success in hospitality.
A glimpse of Shamiana, the all-day dine den at Taj City Centre New Town.
The newly revamped Wykiki is a great place to unwind after work with drinks.
Taal Kutir Convention Centre is also under your area of responsibility. What’s the road forward on that front?
Taal Kutir Convention Centre is an inspiring new icon situated at the edge of a tranquil 100-acre lake. It’s a stunning venue and we will ensure it becomes the most sought-after wedding destination with its turnkey offerings, expert wedding planners and culinary expertise.
What’s your favourite Calcutta hotspot apart from Taj CCNT of course?
Park Street always.
Is your family here with you? If yes, then how have they received the shift to the East?
They have embraced it actually— it’s a homecoming for all of us.
A hotelier’s life can be really exhausting. What’s your way to de-stress and unwind?
There is nothing better than connecting with people — hoteliering is a way of life — and of course, my family is my go-to comfort zone. I like to unwind with music — an avid fan of Pink Floyd — and I am a movie buff. I am also working on a script, which should hopefully turn into a motion picture.
Any favourite Kolkata memories that you’d like to share with us?
The cacophony of a bustling Calcutta morning, the mad rush to make it to work, yet, the spirit of joy that thrives in an impromptu conversation despite the race against time is what intrigues me. The ability to pick up a thread of conversation, despite the stress of impending chores and various issues of life, is what amazes me. The gaiety and fervour of Durga Puja and Christmas and New Year’s at Park Street — the decked-up thoroughfare heralds festivities. The food, the old-world charm, the good life… these are the things you only get in this city!
PROMOTIONS FOR THE ANNIVERSARY MONTH
Celebration Stay Package: Book a luxury staycation and experience the marvel of exquisite hospitality. Starting at Rs 8,000-plus taxes, the package includes breakfast and dinner, offers on food and beverage, confirmed late check-out, offers on spa treatment and many more benefits.
Royal Kitchens of Jodhpur: Travel to the diverse land of the Rajputs and Maharajas through iconic Rajasthani cuisine presented by guest Chef Chander from Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur, till May 13 at Shamiana. Buffet dinner at Rs 1,800-plus.
Spicy Flavours from the South: A culinary extravaganza to tantalise your palate presented by guest Chef Jabaraj from Taj Coromandel, Chennai from 20-29 May at Shamiana. Buffet dinner at Rs 1,800-plus
Express Lunch at Wykiki: Plan a bespoke epicurean lunch with the best of pan-Asian flavours paired with a glass of sparkling beverage from May 1st onwards at Rs 1,250 plus offers on the a-la-carte menu at Wykiki and on bakes and brews at Emperor Lounge till June 30 Sundowners by Wykiki Lounge with unlimited beverages for ladies and 1:1 offer on beverage for gentlemen till June 30. Available every day from 7pm-9pm.
Jiva Spa: Savings on any one of the treatments till June 30