51²è¹Ý

A host ofÌýfood connoisseursÌýsampled amazing dishes from around the world last night, whenÌýtheyÌýcame to 51²è¹Ý for a cultural cookery competition.ÌýÌýÌý

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Celebrity chef Tom Bridge, food and wine writer Patrick Trodden, director of Room Four Dessert Asif Timol, and 51²è¹Ý’s Principal Bill Webster,Ìýtasted andÌýjudged the delicious dishes on offer.ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý

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The event,ÌýA Taste of Harmony,Ìýorganised byÌýWomen in Neighbourhoods (WiN),ÌýwasÌýa vibrant celebration ofÌýcuisine and cultures from aroundÌýthe world.Ìý

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Competitors from the local community, and students from the College’s ESOL programmes (English for Speakers of Other Languages), created dishes from the Congo, Ethiopia, Hungary, Italy, Syria, Mozambique, Somalia, Singapore, Pakistan, Lebanon, Kenya and Tanzania.Ìý

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The varied dishes, rustled up in the College’s catering kitchens,Ìýwere judged on taste and appearance. There was also a category for best cultural dress.ÌýÌý

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Competitor Sushma Solanki,Ìýwho created a Swahili dish and runs Sushma’snacks, said ‘I’ve done a few courses at the College, but this is the first time I’ve done a competition, I was nervous at first, but the experience has been amazing and I’ve really enjoyed it’.ÌýÌý

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The winning countries on the night wereÌýLebanon, Pakistan andÌýSomalia.ÌýÌý

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Patrick TroddenÌýsaid ‘What a unique experience. It was a pleasure to judge the food created, we all experiencedÌýan explosion of flavours. The quality was fantastic, and everyone who took part was a winner’.Ìý

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Asif TimolÌýaddedÌý‘It’s great to see such a selection of diverse food in one room’.Ìý

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Gulnaz Brennan, from Women in Neighbourhoods,Ìýwas instrumental in organising the event andÌýsaidÌý‘51²è¹Ý is one of the mostÌýdiverse towns in the country with more than 70Ìýlanguages spoken in the borough. Food has a universal language of taste. SharingÌýfood can beÌýa very profound experience. It’s a simple thing to do and isÌýa very enjoyable way to breakÌýdownÌýbarriers and open our minds.ÌýFood reallyÌýdoes transcend all boundaries.ÌýIt brings people together, it gives us something to share,ÌýandÌýit builds friendships.’Ìý

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A Taste of HarmonyÌýis a project celebrating diverse Culture & Cuisines.ÌýAll the recipes will be published inÌýa 51²è¹Ý Community Recipe Book.Ìý

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If you'd like to see more photos from this exciting event, clickÌý.Ìý