Author Event: The Art of Hospitality with Molly Irani, Cofounder of Chai Pani

Molly Irani will be at the NCMA Café on Sunday, October 25, for an evening of conversation and food. She's the cofounder and chief hospitality officer of the James Beard Award-winning Chai Pani Restaurant Group in Asheville, and the night is built around her new book, Service Ready: A Story of Love, Restaurants, and the Power of Hospitality.

Irani started Chai Pani with her husband, Meherwan, and they've grown it into a group and a spice company centered on community, thoughtful leadership, and what they call "mind blasting" hospitality. Their portfolio now includes Botiwalla at Raleigh Iron Works, a homage to the bold flavors and spirit of Indian street food. Service Ready is her reflection on the people, passion, and purpose that go into great hospitality, so the conversation will likely lean into those themes.

On the night, Irani will be in conversation with Ayn-Monique Klahre, the editor of WALTER magazine, who'll moderate the discussion. The evening is rounded off with authentic Indian small plates and drinks, and books will be available for purchase and signing. It's a conversation that ends with a meal, which fits the subject.

General admission is $50. The event starts at 5:30 PM at the NCMA Café, located in the West Building of the North Carolina Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh.