Jacob Sahaya Kumar Aruni, popularly known as "Chef Jacob", was an Indian celebrity chef born in Uthamapalayam, Tamil Nadu. He was known for his authentic South Indian cuisines. Jacob was a visiting chef at several leading hotels, and a consultant chef at some of the finest restaurants in India and abroad. He was also a dedicated food historian, spice collector and promoter of South Indian cooking.
Early life
Jacob Aruni was born in Uthamapalayam, Tamil Nadu in a family of doctors. His mother, Vimala, worked as a principal in CSI Jeyaraj Annapakkiam College of Nursing in Madurai. Jacob studied for a Bachelor of Science in physics at American College, Madurai from 1992 to 1995. Later, inspired by his mother's cooking, he went on to study catering.
Career
Aruni worked in various catering schools as faculty and went on to take an advanced degree in catering technology. Later he became head of the Department of Catering at Cherraan's Arts Science College, Kangeyam and was subsequently its principal. Before his death, he was director of the Catering Department at the Sankara College of Science and Commerce in Coimbatore. Aruni created a new Guinness World Record for the longest individual barbecue cooking marathon. He barbecued for 24 hours and five minutes, cooking a total of 485 dishes at Radisson Temple Bay's in Chennai on 14–15 March 2010. Earlier records on barbecue were performed by some chefs, so he was the first to perform the individual barbecue event. The event was adjudicated by a committee of 3 main and 24 sub-judges chosen by the Guinness Book of World Records. His other accolades include a felicitation from the former President Abdul Kalam for his extensive research on ancient cuisines of South India. He cooked Kongunadu food and served dignitaries at a week-long official dinner at Rashtrapathi Bhavan, the President's official residence in New Delhi. The Indian Federation of Culinary Associations also acknowledged his efforts, awarding him the Best Young Chef Instructor of the year 2005-2007. He was known for wacky television stunts. He once cooked up a mutton curry on a coconut tree and in another instance whipped up a prawn dish in a boat in the middle of a river. His eponymous restaurant, "Jacob's kitchen" in Chennai, focused mainly on traditional South Indian flavors and veered away from the mundane Chettinad fare commonly found in restaurants. The restaurant opened to much critical and commercial success. He was also popular for his TV show Aaha Enna Rusi, aired on Saturdays on Sun TV, a Tamil satellite channel every Saturday. He was an expert in authentic South Indian cuisine.
Personal life
Jacob Aruni died from a heart attack on 4 November 2012 at the Apollo First Med Hospital in Chennai. He was 38 years old.
