Chipotle Black-Eyed Pea & Kale Stew

Vidya Mahraj has done it all, but what is most incredible is that she is doing it all –all at once now. Originally medical school bound, Trinidadian-born Vidya is a Biological Sciences graduate from Florida International University. She launched her career as a clinical research guest researcher and for over 12 years, Vidya worked as a Pharmaceutical Project Development Manager and Life Sciences Consultant, supporting several clinical research firms. Vidya is a prominent expert in pharmaceuticals and bio technology and is now the Vice President of Regenerative Outcomes, LLC.

After climbing the corporate ladder, breaking glass ceilings, and earning respect and recognition as a scientist, Vidya turned her sights to another challenge. She teamed up with her siblings to make another dream a reality.

In the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic closures, Vidya and her family opened the doors to their restaurant, Diya, an Indian Fusion restaurant. She debuted as Executive Chef, which she says is her true calling. She assures that she brings her meticulous and methodical skills, honed as a scientist, into the kitchen as she carefully creates mouth-watering recipes.

After a hard day’s work as a scientist, Vidya is keen to shift her mental processes and let her creativity shine – testing recipes, and designing beautiful food presentations. As a lifelong vegetarian, she is committed to the challenge of developing menus that tease the palates of all with the full spectrum of color and flavor of Fusion vegetarian concoctions with Indian notes.

Vidya continues to call upon her project management skills in her management of Diya’soperations and her knowledge of lab protocols to ensure rigorous sanitation procedures are followed in the restaurant.

Vidya is also a mother of a talented ten-year old girl, a happy wife, a devoted sister, a daughter, a loyal friend and a role model to her community.

Vidya, together with her brothers and sister in law is upping the ante yet again. She has teamed up with CookUnity to extend her flavors to a wider audience in North America kickstarting in Miami. Additionally, she has launched two of her manufactured products which is her signature hot sauce and an array of her cocktail bar syrups. All of which will be available via her website.

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