12/20/2025
As I reflect on the year, I want to share a Diwali collaboration from October that deeply shaped how I see my work moving forward. In the middle of a full fall, I realized I never paused to properly share it ✨
This Diwali collaboration with dining was led by the vision and care of Executive Chef - Matthew Ward and an incredible team who understand that campus dining can be a place for culture, learning, and real nourishment. Together, we brought dal and rice forward not as a trend or token, but as food with history, meaning, and impact.
One of the core inspirations behind writing Dal Chawal was to create change and dialogue in university dining and institutions. To see that vision come to life on a college campus through thoughtful menus, education around pulses, and genuine curiosity from students was deeply affirming. Watching students from the Indian diaspora feel included through the food of home while living away from it touched me in a very personal way, especially as a mother of a college student.
This partnership set the tone for the work I plan to build on next year and beyond.
Grateful to Chef Matthew Ward and the entire team for their leadership, openness, and trust. A pivotal moment and so much more to come in 2026.
🪔🌾✨