Meet OurTeam
Chef Siddhesh Parab
Executive Chef
Chef Siddhesh Parab is an acclaimed culinary professional celebrated for his innovative approach to modern Indian cuisine. Originally from the Konkan region of India and now based in the San Francisco Bay Area, he brings over two decades of experience spanning India, Dubai, and the United States. His cooking highlights bold flavors, seasonal produce, and artful presentation — blending the depth of Indian traditions with global influences.
“My culinary journey began with a simple love for flavor and community, which led me to professional kitchens across India, Dubai, and now the Bay Area. Over the years, I’ve explored how traditional Indian roots can harmonize with global inspiration, especially within modern Indian cooking. To me, every dish should tell a story — of culture, season, and soul — while celebrating the beauty of fresh, honest ingredients. I believe food should connect culture, community, and sustainability.”
Johan Hugoo
General Manager
Johan Hugoo is an accomplished hospitality professional with extensive experience across restaurant management, sales leadership, and event planning. With a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management from Vatel Singapore, Johan has built a dynamic career spanning international and U.S. markets. He has led teams at renowned establishments such as Ladera Grill, Silver Creek Country Club, and Riviera Events, and has driven sales performance for PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay division. Known for his strong leadership, customer service excellence, and strategic business development skills, Johan brings a results-oriented and people-focused approach to every role, consistently enhancing operations, guest satisfaction, and revenue growth.
Reshmi Nair
Co-Founder -Jalsa catering & events, Xari Mithai & Jashn
Reshmi is an accomplished leader with over 15 years of experience in the global hospitality industry, spanning food & beverage and event management. At Amber India, as Director Events & Catering, Reshmi spearheaded go-to-market, sales & account management functions. Over 7 years, she and her team have successfully managed numerous high-profile events, including weddings, non-profit & political fundraisers, and cultural events. In the initial years with Amber India, she has also played a key role in day-to-day restaurant operations and strategic planning. She has also been instrumental in setting up new branch locations across the Bay Area.
Before joining Amber, Reshmi worked in Singapore, where she managed a boutique Indian coastal restaurant specializing in South Indian coastal food.
She started her career in India, where she worked for Choice Hotels and held various management positions.
Reshmi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel management from Bangalore and has completed her Level 1 Sommelier Course from the Court of Master Sommeliers.
When she is not at work, she likes spending time with family and friends.
Vittal Shetty
Co-Founder - Jalsa catering & events, Xari Mithai & Jashn
Vittal, born and raised in Bangalore, India, learned at an early age to appreciate the food and cooking that remain such an integral part of life in that great city and his family. He pursued this passion, earning his bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management from Bangalore University and being formally trained at OCLD, one of the finest chef schools in Asia. After which he spent his culinary training in various hotels of the Oberoi group, including Oberoi Bangalore, Rajvilas, Oberoi Mumbai & Oberoi Maidens in various positions and kitchens
He started his culinary career in The Oberoi New Delhi as sous chef, later moved to Raffles Singapore, during his stay for a year, Vittal got hands-on training on the hundred-year-old restaurant “Tiffin Rooms” recipes & South Asian cuisines.
Now as Co-founder and chef of Jalsa catering & events, Xari Mithai & Jashn, he presents the menu with a “think outside the box “approach, by marrying traditional & authentic cooking techniques using seasonal, local, modern-day trends & experimenting with new versions of contemporary styles.
