AlphaVector India CEO feels cooking is 'a neat way' to unwind

Sachin Chopra, co-founder and CEO of AlphaVector India, found cooking during the pandemic rejuvenating. He bought a fair amount of Le Creuset equipment. He said that getting the engineering done right can offer a lifetime warranty on kitchen equipment.

Bicycle tour
“I love exploring places on my Ninety One bicycle. There is nothing like riding your bicycle with the wind in your hair. It kind of gives you the freedom to pause and appreciate what you see. So, definitely looking forward to exploring some of my favourite wine regions like Chianti, Montepulciano and Burgundy on my bicycle and enjoying great food paired with even better wine.”

Next holiday
“My pick would be Slovenia and my vacation buddies would be my wife and kids. The pandemic has made me discover my love and admiration to be close to nature, be outdoors again. I plan to land in Ljubljana and cycle my way to Lake Bled over two weeks. I love the landscape; it has some great food, cheese and wine along the way, offering a great opportunity to spend a wonderful time with family, while soaking in nature, at its best.”

Fitness routine
“Frankly, I don’t miss working out in the gym anymore. I indulge in a mix of outdoor bicycling and indoor push-ups routine. I have gotten far better results and enjoy working out a lot more thanks to a splash of outdoors thrown in. However, the one thing I would not say no to is a spa treatment after a 100km bicycle ride. After all, those aching calves and shoulders would love treatment like that.”


Eating out
“My favorite place in Mumbai is Americano - they have some good food and great wines. But more importantly, I just love the ambiance there. It reminds me of my favorite restaurant in New York City - Gramercy Tavern that my wife, Ashani, and I would frequently visit when we lived there.”

Wine coolers and dishwashers…
“My favorite shopping destinations are Amsterdam and New York. I love that you can explore both big brands as well as boutique stores at the same location. Shopping in these cities is an experience in itself. Open-air markets are perfect for shop and stroll and the cozy cafes offer some amazing street food when you need a quick break. The one thing I did purchase before the lockdown is the Dyson vacuum cleaner and it makes you admire what good engineering is all about. In hindsight, it would have been great if I would have purchased a good dishwasher as well. I am looking forward to buying a high-quality wine cooler with multiple temperature zones. A red wine maintained and served at the right temperature is just so much more wonderful.”

Tech investments
“With 3 US patents in my kitty, I have always been a fan of good technology and engineering. I think my AirPods and Spectre laptop have helped me through the WFH period. The only thing I miss the most is a stable high-speed internet connection.”

New hobbies
“I have always enjoyed cooking and have found that a neat way to unwind. I think it is smart to invest in quality kitchen equipment; it goes a long way. I have purchased a fair amount of Le Creuset equipment. You have to have your engineering done right if you are giving a lifetime warranty on your kitchen equipment - and this brand is all about high-quality products.”