As a new Southridge Voices blog feature, we will be profiling a faculty/staff member on a monthly basis. Our first profile features our school's new Food Services Director, Amal Bahuleyan.
Tell us about yourself and your food services background?
I am Amal Bahuleyan, I was born and raised in Kerala, India. I completed my hotel management diploma and worked in various hotels in India. Prior to coming to Canada, I used to work as a culinary faculty member in Kerala University. I came to Canada in 2010 and I worked as a chef for 4 years at Rogers Centre (home of the Toronto Blue Jays). I moved to Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge as banquet chef, and then to BC in 2018 and have worked with Shangri-La Vancouver, SFU, and Compass Group. I joined Sage at Southridge this past summer.
What are some of the priorities of the Café this year?
Our priorities are providing fresh-prepared, healthy food offerings to our students, staff, and faculty. We make soup to salad dressing to our pastries from scratch. Everything is made in-house, sourcing our produce, milk, and protein sources locally. Our goal is to provide healthy, sustainable food operations at Southridge.
How are you enjoying Southridge?
It is my first time working in a school. It is amazing to work with the Southridge community. Students, parents, and faculty, and all other staff are very respectful. My team members are really nice as well. I am happy to be here.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
My hobbies are travelling, reading, and exploring new foods and food trends.