Rasoi

Born in India in 1967, Vineet Bhatia was born into an educated middle class family in Bombay. His first passion in life was aeroplanes followed by his mother's first love, cooking. "Many of my influences in the creation of my recipes come from my mother. She had a fantastic imagination when it came to cooking and I have yet to taste food quite like it".

Qualified and trained Vineet arrived in London in 1993 and was immediately disappointed with the representation of Indian food in the country at that time. His determination and passion guided him through 7 years of restaurants starting with Star of India in South Kensington. At the Star of India his reputation grew and his loyal following began to increase.

London restaurateur Claudio Pulze and his business partner Raj Sharma were introduced to Vineet in 1999 and "Zaika" was born. Originally situated in London's fashionable Chelsea, they had to move to a bigger site in Kensington High Street as it gained popularity. In 2001 they were finally recognised by Michelin and awarded a star, the first Indian chef restaurateur to have been awarded this prestigious award since the inception of the guide in the late nineteenth century.

On 13th April 2004 Vineet resigned from the directorship of Zaika restaurant to start his own place - Rasoi Vineet Bhatia (which translates to Vineet's kitchen) along with his Life partner Rashima. Rasoi is situated near to Sloane Square and aspires to be a family run restaurant offering all the warmth and the personal touch and care so associated with that kind of operation.

They are also strong on vegetarian dishes, and set menus include a nine course vegetarian option, at both lunch and in the evening, for £55.

They mortgaged their house, but, given the immediate reaction that it has generated from customers and critics alike, they need have not have any fear of losing it. Since opening in June 2004, Rasoi Vineet Bhatia has already been shortlisted as the 'Newcomer of the Year' in the prestigious Harpers & Queen restaurant awards.

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"Our meal at Rasoi Vineet Bhatia was a delight from start to finish, enlivened by a delightful waiter, who understood the right balance between over-familiarity and charm, and a highly knowledgeable sommelier.

The food is modern Indian, far removed from the familiar rather greasy dishes served at the normal curry houses, but retaining the fine flavours and attractively presented on huge, strangely angular plates, though mine for the first course kept tipping up.

Highlights included assorted sea scallops - spice crusted, chilli, sesame and onion seed - and prawns poached in coconut and chilli masala, scented with lime leaves and served with steamed rice. But the pappadums, with three different, clearly homemade dips were tiny little circles, as crisp as anything, charming and delicious.

Definitely a star in the making, no wonder that it was packed."

Richard, Earl of Bradford