02/06/2024
Dearest Customers, my mum Kay has requested that you please take some time to read this brief message that she has written herself for you all.
My story very briefly…
I was born a simple farm girl by birth, belonging to the 4th generation of my forefathers who hailed from India in the 1860’s. Through sheer commitment and versatility, they prospered and empowered themselves and became successful farmers. The Cheshire Homes in Bayview Chatsworth Durban where I grew up with my family was built by my grandfather the late Mr KC Reddy. This building now stands as a historical landmark that echo’s the sentiments of the past of how our people empowered the community through hard work and resilience. They built schools and created employment for many of people. I can proudly state that my great grandfather has his name engraved in the foundation of Bayview school now known as Depot High School.
My late father came from a great pioneering family and found his passion in cooking and baking. He became a well esteemed and most accoladed pastry chef at the Blue Waters Hotel and The Edward Hotel in the 1950’s this is where he let his culinary expertise come alive. Roughly 10 years later in the 1960’s land became available for housing and my family moved to the North Coast ( Tugela) making it possible to own land. My father then learned the art of farming and yet again became one of the most skillful farmers of his time winning many awards. When I think back to my childhood having experienced fresh vegetables taken from the farmland and turned into the most palatable exquisite dishes, I count myself extremely lucky to have experienced this in my lifetime. As I grew older, I also found love and passion for cooking.
Seven years ago, my late husband and I made the decision to move to Johannesburg and this is where my dream of owning my own restaurant was born. I cannot thank my daughter enough for the sacrifices she made at the time to ensure that my dream became a reality. I poured my heart and soul into creating delicious meals, not forgetting all my tasty treats that I tirelessly prepared. I am so grateful to have met you all, my wonderful and beautiful customers. I will forever be greatful to all of you who walked through my doors and contributed to my success at The Cooking Diva’s.
I have now made a decision to embrace the next chapter of my life. I want to spend a little more time with my loving children and grandchildren. We all know that time is something that does not wait for anyone. The Cooking Diva’s will therefore be run under new management from the 3rd of June 2024. I wish the new owner every bit of success that I had and more. The Cooking Diva’s will still be catering the same delicious meals, and my tasty treats will still be available for you there . I would like to thank my family for their support throughout this journey. Lastly, thank you to all my staff who joined me over the years and assisted me in my adventure and for becoming skilled in Indian cuisine.
Please keep in touch with me on my personal number 0637020388 I still look forward to chatting with all of you.
NB: Kindly note the Cooking Divas number will change to the following number 0840267433. The existing number 0713345990 will still be operational for the month of June as the transition takes place. Thereafter the 0713345990 will be utilised only for Charoz Chicken which will still be operational on Sundays from The Cooking Diva’s until further notice.
Love always, Kay♡
