Born and raised in South India, Preeti is the embodiment of what Cheeni is: a mix of Indian and American cultures, with a mission to better the world through good, homemade food. When she’s not at Cheeni Raleigh or Cheeni Durham (which is rare), she’s likely spending time with her family or reading a book. Nobody was more surprised than she was at being nominated as a James Beard Best Chef Southeast Semifinalist in 2023…and again in 2024!