Chef Series: Chef Diana Gray of Botte Persian Cafe

Saskatoon is well known for it’s amazing culinary scene! This new blog series will bring us past the dining room and behind those kitchen doors to meet the minds behind the magic! Welcome to Discover Saskatoon’s Chef series! 

We met up with Chef Diana Gray of Botte Persian Cafe 

What inspired you to be part of the culinary world? 

I would say my love for cooking and just experimenting with different herbs and spices, and entertaining. I like to make food for people because food is in every culture. I think it’s so amazing that people can find one happiness in food. 

And I enjoy it. It’s like a hobby for me. So coming to work everyday doesn’t feel like a job. It’s something that I love doing and that I play with. 

What makes Botte Persian Café unique? 

Botte is unique because I think it’s the only Persian café in Saskatoon.  and just the atmosphere and service we try to provide. To me it is special. When people walk in for the first time, they are like “wow”. 

We try to make our guests feel like they are coming to our house. Every guest is like a friend.  

Another thing that makes us unique is that we sell a nice variety of tea. You know most places offer coffee but we have a nice selection of tea and desserts. 

What is your favourite local ingredient to work with? 

In Persian cooking, I would say lentils. With Persian cuisine they don’t cook with a lot of spices, they use a lot of herbs. So, every flavor is subtle and very deep.  

Anything else you want to share? 

I just want people to come into Botte and try us! Especially our brunch!

Have you been to Botte Persian Café yet? Let us know!