Today we’d like to introduce you to Shachi Mehra.
Hi Shachi, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story spans distance and time – I was born in India, raised in New Jersey and now call Southern CA my home. Passion and ambition fueled my journey in food and restaurants – I started in New Jersey and quickly made my way to Manhattan. I worked under the late Chef Floyd Cardoz at Tabla for several years, learning and working the line. I continued my journey to California with a stop in Washington DC and kept honing my skills and realized my calling was to share my Indian heritage and culture with people around me. Entrepreneurship started calling to me early in my career but I continued to work, moving from Palo Alto to Oakland, and to Orange County, following a new job with every move. The calling of entrepreneurship finally led me to open ADYA Restaurant almost 9 years ago. The journey and story of ADYA has been remarkable. We are an award-winning restaurant and I’ve had great opportunities to share my food and culture through television, appearances at Disney’s Food and Wine Festival, as well as a win on Food Network’s ‘Chopped’ with Indian-inspired recipes and dishes.
I launched ‘Spice Girl Sauces’ a little over a year ago as an extension of my passion for Indian food and desire to share it with people. The sauces are now available nationwide to be used on everyday foods but possess an Indian soul, similar to the food I create and the chef that I am.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road to success has certainly had some bumps and twists and turns along the way. It can be difficult as a woman of color in the culinary world – I have had to prove myself more than my male peers and explain myself and deal with sexism and harassment along the way. However, I do believe that every obstacle overcome and every hardship faced has made me into the woman, chef and entrepreneur that I am today. I am grateful for my journey, bumps and all.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
ADYA – fresh Indian flavors is a fast-casual Indian restaurant located inside the Anaheim Packing House. Our focus is street food – we have traditional items like Pani Puri as well as items inspired by our home here is SoCal, like our Indi Mex Burritos. We take great care in sourcing our ingredients and make everything fresh in-house. We’ve won numerous awards since opening almost nine years ago, including being named the Best Indian Restaurant in Orange County and being on multiple ‘Must Try’ lists for the region. I have had the opportunity to share my culture and food with people through television appearances, galas, cooking classes, and guest chef appearances like the one at Disney Food and Wine Festival. I was also victorious on Food Network’s ‘Chopped’ using my knowledge of spices and Indian dishes.
I was celebrated as one of Orange Coast Magazine’s “Kickass Women” and honored for my achievements and impact in the community. Most recently, I shared a Diwali celebration on Fox TV’s Good Day LA – the first of its kind for the show!
Spice Girl Sauces is my next venture in food. We have fans all over the country and have been featured in magazines and television appearances. In keeping with my focus of sharing my food and culture with people, Spice Girl Sauces are versatile, great for every day and shine with an Indian soul.
What does success mean to you?
Success is different for all of us – for me, success is not a destination, it is an ever-changing journey. I continue on my journey, unique to me, personally and professionally, celebrating wins along the way and striving to achieve more.
Pricing:
- ADYA $10 – 25
- Spice Girl Sauces retail $10 ea
Contact Info:
- Website: www.adyaoc.com www.spicegirlsauces.com
- Instagram: @chefshachimehra @adyaoc @spicegirlsauces
- Facebook: @adyaorangecounty @spicegirlsauces
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shachimehra/
