Anyone in the restaurant industry will tell you that it’s a sacrifice. Imagine adding the late nights and physical demands, and you can see why many mothers aren’t involved. Take it from successful chef and restaurateur Asha Gomez.
"I went into this industry not knowing the tremendous hours that the restaurant industry commands of you. That's one of the major reasons that women aren't in this industry. My time as a parent was non-existent. The main reason I closed Cardamom Hill was I wanted to remain in the industry but be able to still balance my personal life and spend time being a mother."
Gomez adopted her son Ethan from an Indian orphanage when he was four years old. Ethan was severely malnourished, and it took a few years for Gomez to bring him to a healthy state. Ethan is 11 now, and Gomez has certainly made an impact on his life, but he’s also influenced his mom in a big way. Here we chat with Gomez about the light of her life.
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
How has Ethan inspired you?
Ethan has an impact on how I choose to live my life and choose to balance my personal life and work life. He’s a resilient child and he’s my hero.
How does cooking fit into family life?
My most memorable times that I remember have always been around someone cooking. For me, it’s about sustenance and family. Ethan is not inclined to cooking and it’s not a calling for him, but I do get him involved. I teach him every day where the source of his food comes from.
What are some examples of how parents can teach children about their food?
I think it’s important for kids to understand where the source of their food comes from so that they become stewards of the earth when they’re older. I take my son out to meet farmers and the purveyors, we tour the farms, and we grow our own garden.
Have you incorporated Indian culture into Ethan’s childhood?
I’ve lived in America more than I’ve lived in India (I was only there 16 years.) My roots may be Indian but I’m very much American. The only way that I could teach Ethan part of his heritage is through food. The classic dishes that I grew up eating are now the ones that Ethan loves, like my mother’s fish curry. And I love sharing those moments with him.
You're involved with CARE . Tell me more about that.
I’m so passionate about their mission to serve the poor communities of the world. I love the fact that women are more similar universally than we are not. Women are just resilient and I want the women that are empowered to be able to empower those that are not. I want them to become advocates for those who need to be heard and don’t have a voice.
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