When Purpose Meets the Plate: The Art of Living—and Cooking—with Intention

In this heart-centered conversation, Tambra sits down with Chef Rajni Menon, a former engineer turned private chef trained under Michelin-starred Jean-Georges. Together they explore Rajni’s journey from her roots in Kerala, Southern India — where cooking and prayer were daily rituals — to her leap from engineering into the culinary world and the creation of Soul Feast, their collaborative mindful dining experience. The episode blends storytelling, spirituality, and wellness culture, offering an inspiring look at how food can be both meditation and medicine.

Key Themes & Topics:
    •    Rajni’s upbringing in Kerala and her grandmother’s culinary influence

    •    The role of daily prayer, ritual, and meditation in her life and cooking

    •    Her professional pivot from engineering to creative entrepreneurship

    •    Training in Jean-Georges’ Michelin kitchen and lessons in precision and artistry

    •    The birth of Soul Feast — a communal, mindful dining experience pairing meditation and South Indian cuisine

    •    Shifts in modern dining culture: the rise of mocktails, vegetarianism, and conscious connection over consumption

    •    The intersection of Ayurveda, wellness, and soulful hospitality

Notable Quotes:
    •    “When I cook in the kitchen, it’s meditation to me.” — Rajni Menon

    •    “It’s about transitioning from the day and dropping into our heart center and this community element of connection.” — Tambra McCarthy

    •    “People are craving connection and clarity, not cocktails.” — Tambra McCarthy

Episode Length: ≈ 42 minutes
Featured Guest: Chef Rajni Menon (@creativerajni)
Host: Tambra McCarthy (@tambracollective)

Learn more about upcoming gatherings via @tambracollective and @tamimccarthy  on Instagram.

Follow Chef Rajni’s private dining experiences at @creativerajni.

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