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The Union Bar & Grill

Chef Details

Giridhar Sastry

Chef / Owner

Chef Giridhar Sastry’s culinary journey is a testament to passion, dedication, and a lifelong love affair with food. Born in Calcutta, India, Sastry’s culinary adventures began in his childhood kitchen, where he often helped his mother prepare traditional Indian dishes. These early experiences laid the foundation for what would become a distinguished career in the culinary arts.

After completing hospitality school in India, Sastry honed his skills at prestigious establishments such as Ambassador Sky-chefs, where he mastered the intricacies of classical European cuisine. His thirst for knowledge and culinary excellence led him to the United States in 2000, where he pursued further education at a renowned culinary school in Connecticut.

With a solid educational background and a burning passion for creating innovative dishes, Sastry quickly rose through the ranks in some of the most esteemed kitchens in the United States. His impressive resume includes leadership roles at well-known brands such as:

  • The Ritz-Carlton, Washington D.C.
  • Passion Foods, Washington D.C.
  • The Mayflower Hotel by Marriott, Washington D.C.

These experiences allowed Sastry to refine his skills, develop his unique culinary style, and cultivate his love for creating food that combines flavors and ingredients from around the world.

The Union

In 2020, drawing from his wealth of experience and driven by a vision to make fine dining more accessible, Sastry and his partner opened The Union Restaurant. This new venture aimed to bring the exquisite flavors and techniques of 5-star dining to a more casual, approachable level.

Now, The Union Bar and Grill operates two locations in McLean, Virginia and  Hyattsville, Maryland.

 

Culinary Philosophy

Chef Sastry’s culinary philosophy is deeply rooted in his diverse experiences and global outlook. He believes in:

Blending global flavors with local ingredients
100%
Honoring culinary traditions while embracing the innovation
100%
Creating dishes that tell a story and evoke emotions
100%
Prioritizing fresh, wholesome ingredients in every creation
100%

Beyond the kitchen

When he’s not creating culinary masterpieces at The Union, Sastry enjoys a full family life in Fairfax with his wife and three children – a 6-year-old daughter and 2-year-old twin boys. His passion for food extends beyond the professional kitchen, as he loves to cook for his friends and family.

An avid traveler, Sastry continues to draw inspiration from his journeys, constantly seeking new flavors, techniques, and food concepts to bring back to The Union.

Join Us at The Union

We invite you to experience Chef Sastry’s culinary artistry at The Union Bar and Grill. Each dish on our menu is a reflection of his journey, passion, and commitment to creating extraordinary dining experiences for our guests.