Heena Patel - Besharam
Heena was always told her goals were too besharam, an Urdu word for shameless that is often used in South Asian culture as an insult, a label for a woman who dares to do things not considered “respectful” or “appropriate.” Chef Heena is reclaiming that word by naming her restaurant Besharam and personifying the meaning with a new attitude, dishes, and cocktails to show the community her creativity and technical culinary expertise. Grounded in traditional Gujarati food, the dishes on her new menu are meant to embody culture and hospitality. Bold flavors served family style, with a utensil optional approach in true Gujarati fashion! Heena’s soulful dishes, unmistakably hers, won the hearts of Bay Area chefs and luminaries such as Traci Des Jardins of Jardiniere, and Stuart Brioza & Nicole Krasinski of State Bird Provisions and The Progress, through collaborative pop-ups.