Valice Francis
| Valice Francis | |
| |
| Date of birth | 26 August |
| Place of birth | Delhi, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupations | Chef, culinary consultant |
| Years active | 2008–present |
| Title | Corporate Chef |
| Culinary style | Progressive Indian cuisine |
| Current restaurant | Barnaan Restaurant, Connecticut |
Valice Francis is an Indian chef and culinary consultant known for his work in progressive Indian cuisine and international fine dining establishments. He has served in leadership positions at notable restaurants including ROOH San Francisco, Indian Accent New York, Indian Accent New Delhi, and Masala Library New Delhi. Francis is recognized for combining traditional Indian flavors with contemporary culinary techniques inspired by global gastronomy, operating across India, the United States, Bahrain, and the Cayman Islands.
He serves as Corporate Chef at Barnaan Restaurant in Connecticut, United States.
Early life
Valice Francis was born on 26 August in Delhi, India. He developed an interest in culinary arts at an early age and later pursued a professional career in hospitality and fine dining operations.
Career
Early career
Francis began his culinary career in 2008 at the Trident BKC Hotel in Mumbai, working as an Assistant Chef. During his tenure, he gained experience in butchery and Italian cuisine at the hotel’s Italian restaurant, Botocino.
In 2011, he joined The Leela Palace New Delhi at the luxury restaurant Le Cirque, specializing in French and Italian gourmet dining. This experience contributed to his expertise in luxury hospitality and high-end restaurant management.
International culinary work
In 2013, Francis relocated to the Cayman Islands, joining Ragazzi Italian Restaurant as Sous Chef and later Outlet Chef, managing large-scale fine dining operations.
After returning to India in 2016, he joined Masala Library in New Delhi as Outlet Chef (Senior Sous Chef), working with innovative approaches to molecular gastronomy and modern Indian cuisine.
In 2017, he became Chef de Cuisine at Indian Accent New Delhi, overseeing kitchen operations for the restaurant’s large-format dining service.
Leadership roles
Francis later joined Hakuna Matata Ltd. as Executive Chef, managing culinary operations for progressive Indian restaurant Daarukhana and European-inspired bar dining venue Slide on 69.
In 2020, he was appointed Corporate Head Chef at Cucina Hospitality for The House of Celeste Restaurant in Gurugram, Haryana, leading menu engineering and brand operations.
In 2021, Francis worked in Bahrain as Corporate Head Chef and consultant for MAF & Co Hospitality. He supervised multi-concept restaurant operations, including:
- Raju Bhai – progressive Indian cuisine
- Butcher’s Knife – steakhouse restaurant
- Shawarma Mama – Arabic shawarma venue
Indian Accent and ROOH
In 2022, Francis joined Indian Accent New York as Head Chef under celebrity chef Manish Mehrotra, managing high-end fine dining operations.
In 2023, Francis assumed leadership as Head Chef at ROOH San Francisco, directing culinary operations for the progressive Indian establishment. During his tenure, the restaurant earned recognition in the Michelin Guide for its modern interpretations of Indian cuisine. He managed menu innovation, catering execution, and daily operations for a 90-cover dining room.
Corporate consulting
Francis subsequently joined Davol Restaurant and later Barnaan Restaurant in Connecticut as Corporate Chef. His portfolio focuses on modern Indian menu engineering, hospitality consulting, and international restaurant operations.
Culinary style
Francis's culinary expertise focuses on:
- Progressive Indian cuisine
- Molecular gastronomy
- Fine dining restaurant operations
- Multi-cuisine culinary management
- Menu engineering and recipe innovation
His philosophy blends classical Indian spices and traditional cooking methods with contemporary techniques drawn from global fine dining practices.
Media and recognition
Valice Francis has been featured across food and lifestyle publications for his contributions to modern Indian dining. His work has appeared across digital media and television platforms, including television features on FOX TV.
His career and culinary work at ROOH San Francisco received coverage associated with the Michelin Guide for progressive Indian gastronomy.
Personal life
Francis resides and works in the United States.