Originally from India, NC Culinary Management graduates and spouses Pawan Lulla and Niti Ruparel Lulla, who own the successful Niagara Falls bakery, Bittersweet Symphony, were recently accepted to a prestigious pastry program in Las Vegas. Niti is currently attending the ten-week program at The Pastry Academy by French-Swiss Chef, Amaury Guichon, who is known for his pastry designs and chocolate sculptures and host of the 2021 reality competition series on Netflix called, School of Chocolate.
“We are very excited to have been selected for this program,” said Niti, who traveled to Las Vegas on January 2. “In March, I will return to Niagara with a wider vision of pastry. We are constantly working hard to make sure we are adapting to the new trends in our industry, and we are always prepared to take our business to the next level.”
Pawan and Niti are married and opened their business in 2020.
The duo chose to alternate attending classes so that one of them could stay in Niagara to operate their business. In September, it will be Pawan’s turn to travel to Las Vegas.
The duo began their Canadian business in 2020 and have already helped boost the local economy by employing eight people, six of whom are also NC alumni.
“We opened our bakery when all businesses were closing in 2020,” said Pawan. “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were laid off and had to figure out how to pay our bills. My wife came up with the idea of selling desserts and cakes from our home, and people loved our products. We found a place to establish our business three months later, and everything started coming together.”
Niti and Pawan feel that NC played an integral role in helping them develop their business.
“It is an honour to be an NC graduate. The college helps every student climb the ladder of success and many NC professors, chefs, and staff supported us in our business by inviting us to their job fairs, advertising our job openings and connecting us with talented graduates.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the couple partnered with NC’s Quarantine Team to offer a holiday treat to NC students receiving quarantine support as part of NC’s Comprehensive Quarantine Plan. Treats made by the couple were delivered to students in quarantine for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Pawan and Niti’s culinary work has also been increasingly gaining traction in the Niagara community. Last August, Bitterwweet Symphony welcomed distinguished visitor, Niagara Falls Mayor, Jim Diodati, during the preparations for the 75th India Independence Day when Niti and Pawan baked a 75-foot cake for the celebration.
Despite working for several years in India’s baking and pastry industry, the duo believes their experience studying at NC helped them learn more about cuisine, as well as the Canadian culture they are now a part of.
“To international students coming to Canada, I would say that things may feel tough in the beginning but once you settle, you will love this life and community,” said Pawan.
