Global experiences equal culinary magic
Ashok Baghel, General Manager of The Westin Prince, Toronto is pleased to announce the appointment of Pradeep Batra as Executive Chef at the hotel. Chef Batra has spent over 19 years in culinary management inspiring hotel guests and patrons throughout Canada, the U.S., and international markets with his culinary creativity and expertise.
While completing his Bachelor of Arts, Chef Batra’s professional path began with learning the culinary fundamentals during the pre-opening of the Maurya Sheraton in New Delhi. From Delhi he began his international journey of culinary passion that has seen Chef Batra work in India, Bahrain, and the Sultanate of Oman before immigrating to Canada in 1994. At The Westin Calgary, he worked under the leadership of renowned Canadian Chef Fred Zimmerman, who captained Team Canada to a World Championship in 1992.
“We are all delighted that Chef Batra has joined the team at The Westin Prince,” said Ashok Baghel, general manager, The Westin Prince. “He brings a wealth of hospitality experience to this role and we know that his creative menus, inspired by his local and global experiences will help to recharge and renew our guests, whether at the hotel restaurant or a catered signature event or meeting!”
Pradeep has significant Starwood and Westin brand experience having served as Executive Chef at The Westin Waltham-Boston for the past seven years. He has also led culinary brigades as Executive Chef at the Sheraton Suites Eau Claire-Calgary, Executive Sous at The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Hotel and Executive Sous at The Westin Calgary.
Chef Batra possesses a comprehensive knowledge of Californian, South West American, Canadian, Indian, Arabian, Mediterranean and Asian cuisines. Throughout his culinary career, he was appointed to several task forces helping hotels in their pre-opening phase, including The Westin Birmingham, Le Méridien Beverly Hills, and The Westin Copley Place-Boston. He has participated twice in the Clinton Global Initiative at the Sheraton New York & Towers.
Chef Batra was recognized by Starwood Hotels & Resorts for his culinary expertise and management footprint, as the 2010 Leader of the Quarter, the 2008 Leader of the Year and recipient of the 2008 Award for Operational Excellence at The Westin Waltham-Boston. He is an active, professional member of the Academy of Canadian Culinary Federation.
