Nicole Gajadhar
NOHO, Manhattan
Nicole Gajadhar is a BOSS LADY, as her sweatshirt proudly declares. As the executive chef of Golden Age Hospitality Group, she carries a great deal of responsibility. Despite moving from restaurant to restaurant to oversee quality and explore new dishes, she brings a unique perspective to each one. Her kind, incredibly infectious personality also makes her a joy to work with. Elvis is the smallest of the restaurants she oversees—a cozy, red-and-orange hole-in-the-wall that you'd be lucky to stumble upon on a sunny afternoon. Enjoy the food and wine, and hopefully, you'll get the chance to say hi to Nicole.
Full name, age, where are you from?
My name is Nicole Gajadhar. I’ve lived in NYC since age 9, but was born in Trinidad and Tobago. 39-year-old lady!
What is your title and where do you work?
I am the Corporate Executive Chef for Golden Age Hospitality Group in New York City. Right now I’m spending a lot of time at our new restaurant and Parisian-inspired wine bar, Elvis!
What inspired you to work in the food industry?
I find a sense of love and satisfaction when creating food, experiences, and memories for people. The friendships built and the camaraderie amongst the teams in the kitchen are the best part of it.
What is your biggest customer pet peeve?
I have to say, when customers don’t share the difference between allergens and not liking something. There are so many deadly allergies out there and if someone doesn't like something or is sensitive they should just say it. I think most kitchens and chefs understand this, especially with the parameters that are taken for dietary needs these days.
Restaurants go through so much rigorous training with all of our staff to pinpoint allergens. We practice drills and precautions to keep our guests safe, so it’s best to know if it’s a serious allergen or a preference.
What is your most blissful food moment?
For me, it’s always sharing a really good meal with people I love. Oh man, and also eating or smelling something that brings back happy memories and nostalgia! It is the most special moment when a scent brings back bliss from another moment in time.
What dish do you want to perfect in the kitchen?
I'm such a tedious human in some ways. I am always trying to improve all the dishes I have on all of my menus. I swear I get bored at times when I'm not trying to change something, and I know it drives all the chefs crazy.
If you could shout out a colleague or friend in the industry who would it be and why?
There are so many amazing friends in this industry that I just love and adore.
Golden Age Hospitality's entire corporate team – We have such a small unit that does so much and is so talented at what they do. It makes me happy being around them, and they get shit done!
Aarthi Sampath – Everything she touches is inspiring. Her food is literally her soul, and I adore and love her so much.
Ignacio Jimenez & Masahiro Urushido – These are two of my favorite humans and Mr. Hospitalities. Their stories are truly inspiring, their smiles are infectious, and I love them to pieces.
Aya Ikeda and my long-time friend Paula Perlis – these ladies are just the most supportive, positive and the best cheerleaders to all industry folks. Truly special women in this industry.
What is the best food city?
I’m biased, but in America, NYC is possibly the best food city. Portland Oregon is also one of my favorites. Then Paris, of course, and Florence, but NYC has my heart always.
How do you relax outside of work?
Catching up with friends, cooking at home, going to Union Square, and, not going to lie, just doing nothing for a few hours. I just got into this, but weekly Pilates classes have been the best, and if I am truly feeling the need, a wellness spa is a must whenever I have the time.
What is your astrology sign (including moon and rising)?
Gemini
Moon - is in 26 degrees Cancer
Rising - is in 12 degrees Cancer
