Introducing Deeya Palath - Class of 2023
Deeya Palath / Photo: Kathy Pitout Photography
Deeya Palath
1. What inspired you to enroll at Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine?
My love for cooking and desire to learn new things has inspired me to enroll at Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine.
2. What are you hoping to achieve here?
I am hoping to broaden my knowledge and skills, as well as gain experience regarding the culinary industry.
3. Explain what you are prepared to give of yourself?
I am prepared to give my time, effort, as well as patience, to this course.
4. What is your long-term goal?
I would like to open my own bakery in Cape Town.
5. In how many years do you hope to achieve this?
This should be achieved within the next five to eight years.
6. Are you aware the pressure you’ll be placed under during the course will help you achieve your goal? Elaborate on your ability to cope with pressure.
I understand that this can be a very stressful and demanding career but all the pressure that I will be put under will only help me improve my time-management skills, multi-tasking skills and ability to concentrate in a stressful environment. I try my best to stay organised to reduce the amount of pressure I am put under. Whenever I feel overwhelmed by all the tasks I have to complete, I take a few minutes to breathe, complete the task and, when possible, vent to someone I trust.
7. Do you shy away from hard work?
No. I believe that you cannot get anywhere in life without hard work. Hard work helps you build character and achieve your goals. It is the only way to become the best version of yourself.
8. Are you willing to perform all tasks assigned to you? Give a reason for your answer.
Yes. A person who is good at multiple tasks is more skilled and more likely to become employed than a person who is excellent at one task but cannot do other tasks.
9. Are you aware that the hospitality industry requires you to work weekends and holidays while guests `play`? Comment on this.
If you truly love and enjoy the work that you do, you won’t work a day in your life.
10. Who is your favourite international ‘foodie’?
Adriano Zumbo. I admire his work. His creations are very impressive, and I aspire to become as talented as he is.
11. If food had a personality, what dish would be most like you and why?
A chocolate cake. It is a simple, yet classic dish. I am a simple girl with classic values. Chocolate cake has been making people happy for years and this is something that I strive to do.
12. Where were you born and raised?
I was born and raised in Howick, and I have lived there my entire life.
13. Apart from food what hobbies do you enjoy?
I enjoy reading, drawing and other artistic work - and dancing.
14. What dish do you find least inspiring? Explain your reason.
Oatmeal porridge. Even though this is a breakfast staple for many people, I feel that if it’s not prepared properly, it’s bland. There are only so many things that you can do to add taste to this dish.Once you are bored with the fruit or peanut butter flavours then there is not much you can do to make this dish taste better.
15. Name four celebrities you’d like to have at your dinner table and explain why?
Celebrity chef Anna Olson. I have grown up watching her baking shows on the Home Channel and she has been one of my inspirations to enter the culinary field. Singers Atif Aslam and Arijit Singh. I grew up listening to their music and they are the reasons I enjoy music so much. Adam Sandler. He is one of the most successful actors and comedians in Hollywood. Yet he is still one of the most down-to-earth and kindest actors. He is humble and does not act entitled. He is one of my favourite actors and it would be an honour to have him at my dinner table.