"No, Please continue in this profession itself. Just
keep on working selflessly. I also have faced lot of difficulties. God has
gifted you with a skill; make full use of the same" these words showered
by the General Manager of a small hotel in Kerala was the turning point in Chef Ratheesh's life. Presently he is
the CDP at Eastin, Ahmedabad. He is
the face of the South Indian Kitchen here.
Kerala born Ratheesh (36) hails from an agricultural
family. After a one year cookery course, he spent around 10 years in Kerala
itself in four different hotels before flying to Muscat. There, he worked for a
catering company for six years. One year
stint with a resort in Maldives. For the last five years he is working in
Ahmedabad. Joined Eastin in March 2014, as a member of the pre opening team.
"What makes me feel important in this hotel is this:
this hotel wanted a Chef born in South India only. So, I got selected. Secondly,
now I do focus only on South Indian food. Next month, we will be orchestrating
a South India Food Festival. I am really excited".
There is one thing common between Vincy Saigon, the
Reservation Manager of this hotel and Chef Ratheesh- both were born in Kerala.
Every day Vincy will meet Chef Ratheesh and share information on South Indian
guests. From there, Ratheesh will pick it up. This is the secret strategy of
Chef Ratheesh on pleasing and pampering the South Indian guests.
"Lots of South Indians especially Keralites, most of
them are corporate travelers, do stay with us. I will check with them proactively
during the breakfast sessions itself whether they need any South Indian dishes
during lunch or dinner. Accordingly, I will serve" quips Ratheesh.
His wife Manju,
a nurse by profession spoke to me over phone yesterday evening.
She is working as the ICU in charge in a renowned hospital here. When I
complimented her stating that her husband is a talented Chef; she politely accepted the
compliment; and then went on to add that Ratheesh hardly cooks at home ! Later on when I met Chef Ratheesh to interview him for my blog, I subtly suggested to him: " You should cook at your home
also sometimes". Of course that was on the lighter vein.
A loud laughter followed. Then Chef Ratheesh said "I
don't cook at home". He is a maverick Chef who cooks only for the guests ( I thought to myself)
Chef Ratheesh is blessed with a 6 year old daughter Aavani.
Tailpiece: During my five day stay in Eastin Ahmedabad,
every day, Ratheesh made and served me my favorite Kerala dishes. On 27th May, it
was his weekly off. Believe it or not, that day I really felt orphaned.
Importantly, that is the value of a Chef. You will know his value of a Chef
only when he is not there.
Text and Pictures: R Kesava Mallia in Ahmedabad
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