Born in Inglewood, CA and raised on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, Govind is as unique a personality as he is a culinary talent. With his distinctive, seasonal approach to cooking and sustainability, he has garnered international acclaim for his restaurants in Los Angeles, Miami and New York (Chadwick, Table 8, 8oz Burger Bar, Willie Jane and Post & Beam). 

With Post & Beam, Govind established a strong, multicultural culinary voice in South Los Angeles. The restaurant has consistently been included in the LA Times’ 101 Best LA Restaurants. In August 2020, Govind and his partners received the LA Times’ prestigious fourth annual Gold Award, honoring “culinary excellence, intelligence and innovation.” 

In 2017, Govind received the Health Champion Award from the MLK Community Health Foundation. In addition to his restaurants, he is passionate about philanthropy and mentorship. He is a board member of Common Threads, a national nonprofit that provides underserved communities with resources to make affordable, nutritious and appealing food choices. He is also a culinary advisor for Abernathy’s at the LA Music Center, which provides opportunities to showcase emerging chefs. He is the curating chef for the MLK Community Health Foundation’s annual fundraiser luncheon. 

Govind currently serves as the culinary director of The Lobster, in Santa Monica. He is often recognized for his appearances on “Top Chef,” “Top Chef Masters,” “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” “Who’s Cooking with Florence Henderson,” “Iron Chef America” and “Home and Family” on the Hallmark Channel. He is also the author of Small Bites, Big Nights: Seductive Little Plates for Intimate Occasions and Lavish Parties, published by Clarkson Potter.