A Michelin-Star Meal and a Mortgage Lesson I Didn’t Expect
A few of you asked about my dinner at Michelin-Star Chef Vikas Khanna’s New York restaurant, Bungalow.
Before I share what made that evening unforgettable, let me tell you a bit about the man behind it.
A Story That Begins in Amritsar:
From the narrow lanes of Amritsar to earning a Michelin Star, Vikas Khanna’s journey is nothing short of remarkable.
Born with a clubbed foot and facing early challenges, he found comfort in the kitchen, learning from his grandmother. That spark became a lifelong calling — one that carried him across continents and earned him a Michelin Star.
Today, he’s more than a chef — he’s an author, filmmaker, humanitarian, and a reminder that greatness is rooted in compassion.
His Feed India initiative provided meals to nearly 50 million people during the pandemic — proof that success is not just about status, but service.
Bungalow: A Sister’s Legacy:
Bungalow opened on March 23, 2024, on what would have been his sister Radhika’s 50th birthday. It isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a living tribute. Family photos line the walls. Many dishes are Chef’s interpretations of Radhika’s favorites. You feel her presence in the atmosphere, the food, and the intention behind every detail.
My Visit: A Birthday Gift Wrapped in Grace
For my pre-birthday celebration, my daughter and I dined there — and it became one of the most meaningful meals of my life.
Despite being a global figure with millions of followers, Chef Vikas greeted every guest like family. He personally checked us in, stopped by our table twice, brought out my dessert with candles, and shared warm, funny stories that made the night feel magical.
I also confessed something to him — that I wasn’t sure if it was appropriate to ask for onions at such an elegant restaurant. He laughed warmly and said: “That’s why we made sure your meal had pyaz, neembu, hari mirch, achaar, and papad.” (For my non-Desi readers: onions, lemon, green chilies, pickles, and papad — the essentials of every North Indian meal!)
I joked, “But we didn’t get any papad!” He replied with a twinkle in his eye: “Let me find out who was serving your table… he’s going to be in big trouble!”
It wasn’t just a dinner. It was a tribute. A memory. A reminder of the beauty that happens when passion meets purpose.
Where the Mortgage Wisdom Comes In…
What stayed with me most wasn’t the food (though it was incredible).
It was Chef Vikas’s empathy — the care he put into every detail, every interaction, every guest experience.
And it reminded me of something important in my own work – A mortgage is not just a transaction. It is someone’s future. Their security. Their dreams.
Just as Chef Vikas honors every guest with thoughtful attention, I strive to honor every borrower the same way — with:
- Patience when the process feels overwhelming
- Clarity when the numbers get confusing
- Reassurance when unexpected challenges pop up
- And the promise that I will always advocate for what’s best for you
Mortgages are about math — but home is about heart. My goal is to bring both to the table.
Bottom Line:
My evening at Bungalow reminded me that whether it’s a beautifully crafted dish or a well-structured mortgage, the true magic comes from:
- Empathy
- Understanding
- And a commitment to making the experience meaningful
Thank you for allowing me to be part of your homebuying and refinancing journeys. It is truly a privilege, and one I never take for granted.
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Blog post date: Monday, December 8, 2025
