An International Chefs Day Reflection
✍️ Authored by Mariena Dsouza, Chief Manager, HR & People Services, Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited
International Chefs Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the creativity, passion, and dedication that bring food to life.
Where My Love for Food Began
For me, as a culinary enthusiast and food experimenter, the kitchen has always been a place where curiosity meets creativity and every ingredient holds a new possibility. I remember how a little Mariena born to a Mother who cooked with love without measurements and a Father who loved to eat and feed without measurements would find tastes, measures so intriguing in the kitchen and that is how my journey began.
The Joy of Experimenting
What excites me most about cooking is the freedom to experiment. A different spice, an unexpected combination, a new technique, or even a happy accident can transform an ordinary dish into something memorable. There is always something new to discover.
Inspired by the Artists Behind the Apron
I have immense admiration for chefs who constantly explore new ideas while continuing to respect the traditions and techniques that form the foundation of cooking. Their creativity inspires food lovers like me to step beyond familiar recipes and confidently try something different.
Of course, experimentation does not always lead to perfection, and that is part of the fun! Every attempt teaches us something about flavour, texture, balance, presentation, and, most importantly, our own taste.
Every Plate Has a Story
Food also has an incredible ability to bring people together. Whether it is a chef creating a beautiful dining experience, a family sharing a treasured recipe, or a food enthusiast experimenting in the kitchen, every plate can carry a little story of its own, probably that’s what lead me to start my own Food Page “A Warm Stove and Love” on Facebook to record these sweet little things I understood from life.
A Little Love, A Lot of Possibilities
And I suppose that is what keeps my love for cooking alive. There is always another flavour to discover, another recipe to try, and another memory waiting to be created around a plate of food. For me, the kitchen will always be a place of happy experiments, familiar aromas, and the simple joy of making something that brings a smile to someone's face.
So, on International Chefs Day, here’s to all the chefs, passionate home cooks, food enthusiasts, and fearless experimenters who make the culinary world exciting. Keep creating, keep experimenting, and keep surprising your taste buds!