Breaking the Golden Handcuffs: Simar Anand's Journey to Authentic Living

After a day of providing strategic legal counsel to his clients, Simar Anand doesn’t just clock out. Instead, he steps into a completely different role—as the executive chef and owner of Resto Darbar, a cherished Montreal institution founded by his late father. Whether crafting vibrant dishes in the kitchen or making strategic decisions for his businesses, Simar embodies the blend of creativity and discipline that defines his approach to life.

“Life is too short to do only one thing,” Simar reflects. “The variety keeps me energized. If I were stuck in a single routine, I’d lose the passion that drives me.”

Simar's story is woven deeply into the fabric of Resto Darbar. Born above his parents' Indian restaurant, he spent his childhood immersed in the aromas and traditions of his family's kitchen. His father's influence wasn’t just about culinary skills—it was about understanding how food can bring people together and create lasting memories.

Although Simar initially pursued a career in corporate law, his father's unexpected passing pulled him back to his roots. “Taking over Darbar was never just about business,” he explains. “It was about honoring a legacy, continuing a tradition of hospitality, and keeping our family’s story alive.”

Chef Simar in action.

Simar's journey is a testament to stepping away from the so-called “golden handcuffs” of a conventional legal career. Many lawyers find themselves tied to a traditional path, drawn in by financial stability and the prestige of big law. But for Simar, fulfillment meant breaking that mold and finding a way to align his work with his values.

“Law school ingrains a very specific idea of success,” he says. “When you’re in a high-pressure firm, it can feel like the only option. The fast-paced environment and financial rewards create a powerful cycle, but not everyone finds happiness within it.”

While traditional legal careers suit many, Simar discovered a different path that allowed him to build a practice on his own terms. Through his own legal advisory firm and work with LawyersInHouse.com, he found a way to blend his legal expertise with the freedom to pursue his passion for hospitality.

“Many lawyers I meet feel stuck,” Simar notes. “They admire how I found a way to practice law without giving up my other passions. It’s a reminder that success doesn’t have to look the same for everyone.”

The challenges of entrepreneurship are real, but Simar approaches them with the same rigor he applied in his legal career. “I’m my own toughest critic,” he admits. “In law and in business, setbacks are inevitable. I’ve learned to see them as part of the process rather than a reflection of my worth.”

Balancing his dual roles as a transactional lawyer and a chef gives Simar a unique perspective on his clients' challenges. “Whether you’re helping a client grow their business through sound strategic legal advice or creating an unforgettable dining experience, both worlds revolve around delivering quality, building trust, and fostering long-term relationships,” he explains.Working with LawyersInHouse.com has offered Simar the flexibility to maintain his legal practice while overseeing Resto Darbar. “We’re breaking the mold,” he explains. “We’re showing lawyers that there’s more than one way to build a fulfilling career.”

Simar encourages others to explore their own paths, sharing advice from his own experiences. “Start small. Test the waters. You don’t have to dive in headfirst,” he suggests. “Network with people who’ve made similar transitions and take steps to validate your ideas before making a big leap.”

Today, Resto Darbar remains a vibrant part of Montreal’s culinary scene—a place where traditions are celebrated, and new stories are created through every dish. For Simar, it’s more than a business; it’s a living tribute to his family’s journey and a space where community and culture come together in harmony.

Through his story, Simar Anand is redefining what it means to build a career that is not only successful but also deeply fulfilling—proving that life’s greatest achievements often lie just beyond the comfort zone.

Check out the video below to learn more about Resto Darbar!