Chef Pawan Bisht on working with Virat Kohli: ‘He never commands or gives strict instructions, only thoughtful ideas and suggestions’

In the heart of Juhu lies a seemingly ordinary corner, which holds an iconic status—the former residence of the late legend Kishore Kumar, now transformed into the meticulously curated restaurant, One8 Commune, by cricketer Virat Kohli. Balancing quirkiness with elegance and infused with culinary expertise, this establishment has become the talk of the town since its inception. With distinctive and artistic interiors, including a wall adorned with a lit-up signature of Virat Kohli, and a delectable menu featuring dishes inspired by the cricketer’s global travels, One8 Commune is Virat’s labor of love, bearing a special, personal touch.

In an exclusive interview with indianexpress.com, Pawan Bisht, the Corporate Chef and R&D Executive of One8 Commune, provides insights into Virat’s vision for the restaurant, his culinary preferences, and more.

**Key Points from the Interview:**

**Virat’s Vision for One8 Commune:**
Virat aimed to create a community space for people of all ages to gather, connect, and enjoy. His extensive travels and exposure to diverse cuisines inspired the menu, with Virat actively contributing ideas and preferences. Virat’s love for truffle oil and mushrooms, for instance, led to the creation of the popular ‘mushroom googly dim sums.’

**Menu Design:**
The menu was a collaborative effort involving Virat, the owners, and Chef Pawan. Virat envisioned a global cuisine that caters to all age groups, ensuring a diverse selection for everyone. Special attention was given to accommodate different preferences, with dishes like ‘Dal Khichdi’ tailored for those between 50-70 years.

**Tasting Non-Vegetarian Dishes:**
Since Virat is a vegetarian, non-vegetarian dishes were tasted by the owners, Chef Pawan, and others, including food critics. Feedback from sit-down dinners before the launch of new outlets helped refine and improve the offerings.

**Involvement in Interior and Ambiance:**
Virat actively participated in shaping the interior and ambiance of each outlet, ensuring a distinct vibe and regional dishes specific to each location. Attention to detail and a regional touch were emphasized in the creation of each outlet.

**Virat’s Favorite Dishes:**
Virat particularly enjoys the Avocado Tartar and the Mushroom Googly Dimsums, which were born from his suggestion to combine mushroom and truffle oil.

**Menu Recommendations:**
Virat advocated for a diverse menu, including options like vegan, sugar-free, and healthy desserts. He provided thoughtful suggestions without imposing strict directives, emphasizing that food, service, and ambiance should be top-notch.

**Future Plans:**

One8 Commune has ambitious plans for international expansion and further growth in India, reflecting Virat’s excitement about bringing the unique offerings of the restaurant to a broader audience.

In essence, One8 Commune stands as a testament to Virat Kohli’s passion for creating a culinary haven that reflects his diverse tastes and experiences from around the world.