Paawan Kothari is the owner and soul of Green Coriander. With this venture, Paawan has brought together her passion for sustainability and healthy lifestyle with her desire to be a social entrepreneur. Paawan has an MBA from INSEAD and is a seasoned hi-tech marketer and strategist. Paawan’s entrepreneurial experience includes founding The Chai Cart in Aug ‘09.
Our Team
Youssef El Amrani, the head chef, grew up in Marrakech, Morocco learning to cook from his mother and sisters. He received his formal training from the Technological Institute for Hotel and Tourism in Marrakech where he specialized in Moroccan cuisine. He developed his expertise in Indian cuisine more recently -- learning from his Indian mother-in-law. When not cooking for Green Coriander, catering private Moroccan parties, or tutoring French, Youssef can be found surfing the waves at Ocean Beach.
Our Advisors
Kristin Hoppe is the resident nutritionist. Kristin is a certified nutrition consultant, educator, and a natural chef. Her practice, Food Therapy, is dedicated to improving people’s health through an inspiring and comprehensive nutritional approach that celebrates food. Kristin takes a holistic approach to health, providing clients with coaching and nutrition programs designed to facilitate healing with lasting results. Kristin received her nutrition and culinary training from Bauman College.
Paddy Iyer, an entrepreneur himself, has been an advisor to Paawan since she started The Chai Cart. Paddy worked in the tech industry for close to 23 years, before embarking on a different career. His passion for coffee and tea and a desire to make a change led him to start Paddy’s Coffee House. In the span of 6 years, Paddy has made Paddy’s Coffee House a premier community gathering spot in Union City by supporting local arts and talent by hosting various events.
Kate Baron is a consultant at Green Coriander, helping the team with various tasks. Kate's experience in food began in Kings Beach California where she worked for 2 years as the Program Director for a Hunger Relief Organization. Kate has spent the next 5 years at Marin Organic, a non profit in Marin County dedicated to improving farming practices, promoting sustainable agriculture, and encouraging a preference for locally produced food. Kate attended the nutrition and cooking program at the Bauman College. Currently she is revitalizing a small, local, and community market as part of her consulting work in San Francisco.