Gather, Savor, Share

Chef Raghav Chaudhary is the culinary force behind Aiāna, one of Ottawa’s most celebrated dining destinations. Known for his innovative approach to cuisine, Chef Chaudhary blends bold flavors with a deep respect for tradition, creating dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. A graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America (CIA), he refined his craft in Michelin-starred kitchens, including COI in San Francisco and Faviken in Sweden. Over the past four years, Aiāna has earned significant recognition under Chef Chaudhary’s leadership. Since 2022, the restaurant has been honored with Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence for three consecutive years, showcasing its exceptional wine program. Additionally, Aiāna was named one of the best new restaurants by Ottawa Magazine, cementing its status as a cornerstone of the city’s vibrant dining scene.

Chef Vikram Vij is a celebrated culinary icon known for revolutionizing Indian cuisine in Canada through his acclaimed restaurant, Vij’s, which has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Restaurant of the Year award from Vancouver Magazine (2015). Renowned for an innovative approach that fuses traditional Indian flavors with local ingredients, Vikram’s culinary artistry has earned him a following and critical acclaim, including a spot on Top Chef Canada. His three previous cookbooks, written with Meeru Dhalwala, have been national bestsellers and have won several awards, including Cuisine Canada’s Gold Award for Best Cookbook, the Cordon d’Or Gold Ribbon International Cookbook Award, and a Gourmand World Cookbook Award for International Indian Cookbook of the Year. With a commitment to elevating Indian cuisine and promoting diversity in the culinary world, Vikram continues to be a beacon of excellence and creativity in the gastronomic landscape. He lives in Vancouver, Canada.