Ami Panchal and Kamal Panchal interview conducted by Jess Lamar Reece Holler, 2018-06-12.
Panchal, Ami, interviewee.
Panchal, Kamal, interviewee.
Holler, Jess Lamar Reece, interviewer.
Occupational Folklife Project, sponsor.
sound recording
Sound recordings. lcgft
Digital photographs Color 2010-2020. gmgpc
Interviews. lcgft
Oral histories. lcgft
Personal narratives. lcgft
eng
This interview with Banana Leaf Indian Restaurant husband and wife co-owners Kamal and Ami Panchal details the origins of the restaurant; the couple's previous lives and careers in Gujarat; coming to Columbus to be with their only son; the traditions, ethics and philosophy of Hindu vegetarianism; and the couple's beliefs about the importance of vegetarian Indian food to health. Kamal and Ami also detail Banana Leaf's "behind the scenes" catering world, decisions about the restaurant's menu and buffet, hiring and training "housewives" to serve as cooks in the restaurant, the couple's forays into leading Indian vegetarian/vegan cooking classes with Columbus vegan groups, and future plans to help bring vegan nutrition education into Columbus public school classrooms. Kamal and Ami also express their pleasure at being able to distance themselves from the kitchen at the Banana Leaf and spend time with their family and grandson.
Recorded at the side dining room at Banana Leaf Indian Restaurant, Columbus, Ohio, June 12, 2018.
Kitchen Workers in Central Ohio: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2017-2018 (AFC 2017/020: 04363) American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
To honor the memory of Archie Green (1917-2009), a fellowship program was established at the American Folklife Center in 2010. Archie Green Fellowships support new research in the contemporary culture and traditions of American workers.
Panchal, Ami--Interviews.
Panchal, Kamal--Interviews.
Family-owned business enterprises.
Food--Religious aspects.
Small business.
Vegetarian cooking.
Work and family.
Work environment.
Restaurants.
Food service employees--Ohio--Interviews.
Restaurants--Employees--Interviews.
Kitchen Workers in Central Ohio: Archie Green Fellows Project, 2017-2018
https://hdl.loc.gov/loc.afc/afc2017020.afc2017020_04363_sr01
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