Western Chefs Spend Weekend in the North
IT IS THE FIRST TIME FOR ME TO BE AWAY FROM HOME AND TO WORK IN LABASA THIS CHRISTMAS
Rajnesh Gounder Chef
Two chefs from the Western Division will be spending Christmas at Sad’s Smiley Kitchen in Labasa Town preparing meals for their customers.
Rajnesh Gounder originally from Nadi and sous chef, Ravi Krishna of Lautoka arrived in Labasa two weeks ago when the kitchen opened.
With 13 years of work experience, Mr Gounder said he had always spent Christmas at his workplace cooking meals, and it turned out to be a blessing.
Although he can’t see the person who eats the meal he prepares, what matters to him the most is that he or she enjoys it and returns.
“It is the first time for me to be away from home and to work in Labasa this Christmas,” Mr Gounder said.
“Of course, I will miss my family but I see this as a good opportunity to gain more experience.
The 30-year-old graduate of Ratu Navula Vocational Center holds a Certificate in Commercial Cooking and has worked in many hotels, resorts and island restaurants in Fiji.
Mr Krishna
Likewise, for Mr Krishna, he has worked in numerous places having had eight years of experience.
Although his family migrated to New Zealand, he chose to stay back and work in Fiji because he loves what he is doing.
“Be it a public holiday, Labasa or any other place in Fiji, I like to work in the kitchen preparing meals,” Mr Krishna said.
“I was given an opportunity to work in New Zealand, but I thought I can still prepare overseas style dishes and provide the same service at my present workplace.”
The 25-year-old and the only son and chef in the family holds a Certificate three in commercial cooking from the Fiji National University.
Pursue your dreams
His advice to the youngsters who are planning to become chefs is to pursue their dreams.
Both chefs after completing Year 12 started studying and working simultaneously
They said being a chef was a challenging profession battling with deadlines daily and cooking delicious food.
Both chefs’ future plan is to operate their own restaurant.