Thomas George - Spicing it up, with passion

Spicing it up, with passion

Thomas George Vellaringattu

My tryst with IHMCTAN, Taramani happened in 1974-75, when i pursued my studies in Trade Cookery at the Institute. Subsequently, I worked at Sudarshan International Hotel in Egmore for three years, gaining valuable experience in various departments. 

In 1977, I moved to Dammam, Saudi Arabia, where I had the opportunity to work with Taylorplan Catering, a UK-based company, for four years.

In 1987, I migrated to the United States and initially pursued computer science in New York. 

However, my passion for culinary arts resurfaced in 1999 when I founded Spice n Flavor Inc. Under this brand, I created ten unique spice blends and introduced innovative packaging using metalized polyester with a zip lock. This packaging was highly regarded, earning us the Best Packaging Award from the Indian Institute of Packaging. Our unique packaging design, where the actual spice was enclosed in a sealed plastic bag within the outer metalized polyester ziplock pouch, has proven to keep the spices fresh for more than 25 years - I still use some of them to this day!

For several years, I exported our spice blends to the USA, but due to the high cost of shipping, I had to discontinue the practice. In 2016, I decided to embark on a new venture by opening a South Indian style restaurant in San Jose, California. Successfully managing the restaurant alone for five years, I also played a pivotal role in assisting two companies to establish homestyle food delivery services. I am particularly proud of the achievements of shef.com which has experienced remarkable success with venture funding and currently operates in over ten major cities in the USA.

Presently, I am in the process of developing a range of ready-to-cook spice blends in jars, aiming to offer convenience and authentic flavors to culinary enthusiasts. I live in Portland, Oregon now.

My experiences and accomplishments are a shade different from what I learnt at college. Not one to rest my oars, i am excited about future prospects and potential collaborations, especially in food packaging. If any of the Madcats feel that they can add value to what I am doing and have new ideas to toss up, drop in a word. Will be glad to work with you. 

Tom (Thomas) Vellaringattu, batch of 1975

spicenflavorusa@gmail.com