On January 25 of this year, we were treated to a culinary delight both to see and to taste. Hon. Omer Siregar opened the luncheon with remarks about the foods and the featured guests. The first event was a traditional dance, the Pak Alam.

Mrs. Eurika Siregar welcomed the invited guests and presented the wives of the Consuls General of Japan, Mrs. Aurora Murabayashi; and of the Ukraine, Mrs. Okssna Tarasiuk who each warmly addressed the group.

The first live cooking event was the Indonesian chef. He delighted the group with the preparation of Gado-gado, an Indonesian salad with peanut dressing and an Indonesian dessert mix, a fruit drink called Es Teler. These taste treats set the mood for the live cooking and dining enjoyment to follow.

The Consul General of Angola was present with her team. They prepared a fabulous chicken peanut sauce stew. It was so unique and well done that even the Consul General of Japan praised it.

Following a video presentation on Tempe, the stage was set for live cooking from India. India. The chef treated us to Papdi, a famous savory street food. It would not have been complete without the sweet treat, rice pudding made from Basmati rice, slow-cooked milk, and saffron.

Everyone was more than ready for the chef from Japan who was ready with Sushi which everyone enjoyed; Macha Tiramisu, a popular dessert; and Hina Matsuri sweets.

Switzerland offered Toblerone Dessert. The Toblerone is an iconic chocolate bar, not only because of its unusual shape but also because it’s incredibly old - invented over 100 years ago. Theodor Tobler and his cousin Emil Baumann invented the Toblerone in 1908. The name Toblerone is a play on words, ‘Tobler’ being Theodor’s surname and ‘Torrone’ being the Italian word for honey and almond nougat.

The Ukrainian chef presented the guests with a main dish, Banosh, cooked cornmeal, goat cheese, and beef or lamb. A baked dessert called “nuts” finished the exotic treat.

A farewell address was given by Hon. Omer Siregar. I am certain that the invited guests hope to have such a luncheon experience again soon. Hon Siregar set a precedent that will be hard to follow.

If you would like to try some Indonesian foods, visit Warung Indo, the Rice Bowl, or Raki in Houston.

By: Heidi PP - iF Magazine