An experienced chef and restaurant owner, Hatter Sourav Saha is excited to take over as the new operator of The Clubhouse Restaurant at Paradise Valley Golf Course.--NEWS PHOTO KENDALL KING
kking@medicinehatnews.com
When trained chef Sourav Saha first came to Medicine Hat in 2015, he found a position working at The Clubhouse Restaurant at Paradise Valley Golf Course. Now eight years later, Saha is returning to The Clubhouse, but this time, it’s as the establishment’s operator.
The current owner of Medicine Hat’s Rosewood Bistro and Rosewood Cafe, Saha was approached by Paradise Valley last year and offered the role of restaurant operator, as recent course expansions necessitated a larger operational team.
“I think owning the Rosewood Bistro and Rosewood Cafe probably gave (Paradise Valley owners) confidence in me, because I opened (the bistro and cafe) in the pandemic and I still didn’t close them,” Saha told the News.
“And I have worked in this kitchen for a couple of years – I worked here in 2015 and 2016 – so I know this kitchen in and out. So, for me, it’s like coming back home.”
Saha has more than 20 years experience working as a chef and two years as a restaurant owner. Having originally attended culinary school in India, Saha has earned several Canadian culinary certifications, and is near to completing his Certified Chef de Cuisine professional certification – the highest dedication available to chefs in Canada.
“I think cooking is not about recipes; it’s about how you see food,” he said. “For me, cooking is what I put out on the plate (with) heart. I don’t like to cook for myself. I like to cook for the guests. If I can make them happy, that’s what matters to me the most.”
While Saha does not intend to remove any items from the current menu, he hopes to introduce several new creations, especially as breakfast, lunch or dinner specials.
He is particularly passionate about integrating locally-grown foods into his creations.
“I try to buy from local suppliers and local people as much as I can,” said Saha. “I cannot buy everything, but I try. Then that way, we are keeping money in our local economy.”
Just two weeks into operations, Saha has received positive feedback from customers so far and feels both confident and hopeful as he embarks on his new endeavour.
“I’m so excited,” said Saha. “I know Paradise Valley Golf Course brings a lot of people in because it’s so picturesque here. So, I want to make sure we serve good food, and a variety of food from around the world, to Hatters, and I hope we can do a good job with that.”
The Clubhouse Restaurant at Paradise Valley is open year-round. Off-season hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekly. Hours may change during golf season.
For more information, to book reservations or for details of upcoming events, such as live music events, call 403-526-3330, ext. 2.
