After the success of two previous editions in France in 2016, the Refugee Food Festival is now expanding to 13 European cities, including Athens – from the 18th till the 22nd of June! The REFUGEE FOOD FESTIVAL is a citizen’s initiative. Harnessing the universal power of food, the festival helps […]
After the success of two previous editions in France in 2016, the Refugee Food Festival is now expanding to 13 European cities, including Athens – from the 18th till the 22nd of June!
The REFUGEE FOOD FESTIVAL is a citizen’s initiative. Harnessing the universal power of food, the festival helps change our perceptions on refugees while enjoying delicious meals!
The concept is simple: during the Festival, local restaurants add new dishes to their menus created by chefs, in pairs or duos, and always tasty! The Refugee Food Festival highlights the refugee chefs’ skills through high quality menus created with good products to provide a unique culinary experience to its participants.
DISCOVER THE BEST OF SYRIAN, IRANIAN, SOMALI, KURDISH AND AFGHAN CUISINE
IN ATHENS RESTAURANTS:
Sunday June 18
Iranian cuisine by Mahboubeh Tavakoli * Yi Restaurant, Glyfada (1pm – 10pm)
Monday June 19
Syrian – Kurdish cuisine by Barshnk Haj Younes * Seychelles Restaurant, Kerameikos (dinner)
Tuesday June 20- Wednesday June 21
Somali cuisine by Hassan Hassan * Vassilenas Restaurant, Hilton (dinner)
Wednesday June 21
Syrian cuisine by Abdulrahman Al Hallak * 7 Food Sins Restaurant, Plaka (dinner)
Thursday June 22
Afghan cuisine by Reza Golami * IT Restaurant, Kolonaki (dinner)
All the chefs taking part in the REFUGEE FOOD FESTIVAL are qualified professionals and are using food as a gateway to their integration in their new homeland.
THE FESTIVAL’S OBJECTIVES
CHANGING perceptions on refugees
Behind each refugee there is a man or a woman with unique skills and special talent.
FACILITATE the professional integration of chefs from different countries
By putting refugee chefs in touch with committed restaurateurs, the Refugee Food Festival is a key platform for those who have decided to use their culinary skills to facilitate their professional and social integration.
EATING WELL, differently
The Festival showcases the best of world cuisines thanks to high quality menus and unique sharing experiences!
“Because it is the last bulwark against barbarism, loneliness, troubles. Food is life, love, family and friends” Luc Debanchet
THE ORGANISERS OF THE FESTIVAL IN ATHENS: A CITIZEN’S EVENT
Thanks to the methodological toolkit and the support of the founding team and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, each edition of the Refugee Food Festival can be organised by citizens wishing to harness the culinary potential of their city (restaurants, local actors and public services). In Athens, the Festival is made possible by the commitment, enthusiasm and energy of the Athens Insider team.
Athens Insider has been publishing lifestyle and general interest magazines and guides catering to international residents living and working in Greece and to travellers visiting the country for business and leisure since 2001.
www.insider-publications.com
The Festival in Athens is also supported by the Greek Refugee Forum, Solidarity Now and Melissa Network of Migrant Women in Greece.
FOOD SWEET FOOD, THE ASSOCIATION BEHIND THE REFUGEE FOOD FESTIVAL
Food Sweet Food designs projects by using food as a gateway to others and to the world. Having shared the food of dozens of men and women across the globe on their various home food world tours, Marine Mandrila and Louis Martin realised that sharing food is an incredible way to create bonds and discover other cultures. They designed the Refugee Food Festival together with other citizens, with the aim to remind the public that food breaks barriers and overcomes misconceptions. Sharing food is sharing something both singular and universal: it is an open door to the other. Marine and Louis are also behind the documentary TV series Very Food Trip. The second series aired on the 12th of May on Planète+. They also published the book Very Food Trip with French publisher ‘Éditions de la Martinière’. foodsweetfood.org
THE PARTNERSHIP WITH UNHCR AND ITS EXPERTISE
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, was established on December 14, 1950 by the United Nations General Assembly. UNHCR safeguards the rights and well-being of refugees and stateless people. In more than six decades, the agency has helped tens of millions of people restart their lives. UNHCR is on the front lines of the world’s major humanitarian crises, including Syria, Iraq, Central African Republic, Afghanistan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and countless other emergencies.
Apart from its humanitarian assistance programs, UNHCR is trying to help refugees rebuild their lives and find solutions for their future. Learning languages, the recognition of their skills and knowledge and the integration to the labour market are very valuable for the facilitation of their financial, social and cultural integration in the hosting communities. The related research speaks for itself: refugees are able to make their contribution to the economy of the hosting state if they are offered the chance to find a job and integrate. Civil society initiatives, such as the Refugee Food Festival, contribute to the integration of refugees by making good use of their talents but also through the social and professional encounters and cultural sharing that derive from them. See more: unhcr.org
Tell the world you stand #WithRefugees. Sign the petition now: www.WithRefugees.org
You can see more information about the Refugee Food Festival in Athens here: http://www.refugeefoodfestival.com/athens
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