VATIKA TEAM

Jitin Joshi - Head Chef

Jitin graduated from the Institute of Hotel Management in Ahmedabad where the dream of becoming a Chef germinated. He was among the mere 15 students across India who were hand picked into The Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development. After training vigorously for next two years, he topped the class and won the coveted Ishran Devi Gold Medal.

Jitin Joshi then became Atul Kochhars anchor at Benares restaurant, Mayfair. Reviving his senses for spices and opening his mind to a new realm of cooking techniques and spicing. Atul Kochhar then decided Jitin would be the perfect option to be head chef at his new restaurant, Vatika, where he resides today.

Costanzo Scala - Wine Buyer

Costanzo Scala arrived in London in 2001, shortly after he became Restaurant Supervisor for the Westbury Hotel in Mayfair. It was here that he discovered his passion for fine food and wine.

Costanzo obtained his WSET qualification in 2003 and completed his Bachelor Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management in 2007. Costanzo manifested a strong company ethos of sourcing fine and rare wines. In addition he leads a team of sommeliers and holds continuous development of this discipline in the highest regard.

In 2006 Costanzo joined Atul Kochhar at Benares Restaurant as the Head Sommelier and Wine Buyer for the group, where he discovered the complexity of Indian cuisine and fine wine paring.