Hospitality

It is safe to say Christmas 2020 is easily forgotten. I’m not one to remember times of melancholy, or distress. It’s a terrible habit of mine. Ever since I was a child, any sad or unhappy experience has been swept under the metaphorical rug, and hasn’t been thought of since. Perhaps it’s a form of self-preservation, I’m not sure, perhaps it is even a blessing, a way for me to only experience the sorrow of an event once, and not again after it has passed. 2020 itself was a difficult year for all of us. Some, myself included, will argue 2021 was even more challenging in that new challenges were faced, the pandemic continued to stretch on, fueled by mutated strains of COVID-19 along with the mishandling and political mess that was left in their wake. More uncertainty, more unprecedented circumstances and instances, and worst off, even more time separated from our loved ones who live across borders from us. My hope from the very beginning of this pandemic has been to reunite with my family, my grandparents as soon as I possible could, and I am ever so grateful, thankful to be writing this today, sitting in our home in Gurgaon, with my grandparents just across from me.

I have a lot to be thankful for. While 2021 has certainly presented its fair share of worries, I’ll like to highlight the happier, joyful memories I have. All of which revolve around my family, my friends, and of course, food. Eats by Anya has brought me some of my closest friends, and has created a community for me that has made me feel at home in Singapore. The hospitality industry in Singapore especially has made the most difference, and this past year would have not been the same without the many friends I have made at the restaurants I visit, and on Instagram who share the same love and adoration for food as I do. Sharing a love for food and drink has allowed me to meet and speak with so many people, including those who I have known for years, but never got close to until now. From friends of friends, fellow foodies and Instagram bloggers around the world, aunts and uncles who were classmates with my parents, media personalities, restaurant owners, I have this outstanding community, that has bee brought together through Eats by Anya. Something has simple as liking the same restaurant, ordering the same cocktail, or even liking one another’s posts, has brought me meaningful relationships, which I would have never come across otherwise.

Christmas 2021 was already scores ahead of its predecessor, mostly as we were able to reunite with our family after nearly two years. However, it was made even brighter and more joyful thanks to Chef Manish and The Oberoi Gurgaon with their warm hospitality and generosity. For those hoping for a Christmas miracle, I’ll share you one now. The Oberoi Gurgaon has been a home for me and my family for the past decade during our visits to Gurgaon. Chef Manish and I recently connected through Instagram when I posted about my favorite achari paneer tikkas which I was yearning for, and little did he know that Eats by Anya was the very same girl who, with her parents, had been staying at The Oberoi Gurgaon all these years. Now about that miracle…my mother, notorious for not being able to keep a secret, surprised me with an extravagant Christmas hamper sent by Chef Manish and his wonderful team at The Oberoi Gurgaon. Waking up to the goodies and treats created by The Oberoi Gurgaon was the best Christmas present I have received. A hamper complete with handcrafted dark chocolate truffles, a stocking stuffed with candy canes and cookies, Christmas puddings adorned with fondant mistletoe, delicate macarons and of course, renowned stollen, it was an indulgent spread, and I felt absolutely spoiled and loved. It is a pleasure to know Chef Manish, professionally, as a friend and as family.

I have only learned the true meaning of hospitality and service this year, after having learning more about this industry and learning from so many industry professionals. Walking into a restaurant, and feeling at home, having that sense of comfort, is what I yearn for, strive for, and what I am lucky to have at a select few venues. What brings forth this feeling is most certainly the people. Moving to Singapore, my most significant worry, aside from finding a job, was finding friends, finding a sense of belonging, finding a community where I felt comfortable. Having Eats by Anya, and being introduced to the world of hospitality, and the food and beverage industry, has allowed me to do just that. Hearing from restaurant owners about their purpose, and motivation, hearing from bar staff, restaurant staff about the highlights of their shifts, has not only taught me so much, but has made me even more appreciative of every restaurant I visit. There are restaurants that feel like home, and I thank everyone in those establishments for welcoming me so warmly, so openly. You have made me feel at home in Singapore through your hospitality, and kind service.

It has been quite a year, but as I said, I am fortunate enough to remember only the highlights. Many, if not all, of which are lazy afternoons spent sipping on what was meant to be only one mimosa at bar Milano…long lunches followed by great conversation at Kotuwa…greedily eating a bowl of chicken soup after one too many drinks at Employees Only…munching on the warm, buttery chocolate chip cookies at Blue Label Pizza and Wine…ordering a third portion of buttered corn at Yujin Izakaya…these are just a few of some of the best moments of this year, all of which are fondly remembered not just for the food, but for the conversations, the jokes, the laughter shared among me, my family, my friends and the wonderful staff at all of these restaurants.

Thank you for being the highlights of 2021.

No, thank you to the shots of Fernet Branca.

Happy New Year, here’s to more good eats, good drinks and good convos in 2022. Cheers.