The Pender Harbour Rotary Club currently has two high school exchange students here: Helena Bohnen from Brazil and Dani Castillo Garcia from Spain. As part of the Rotary International exchange program, they are housed with families in the community and rotate every few months.
Both Helena and Dani have an excellent command of the English language and both love to cook. They wanted to show the Rotarians and friends food from their country, and actually cook it. Knowing 30 plus people could be expected to attend, there was a need for a venue with a professional kitchen and sympathetic owner/chef.
Pender Harbour runs on its volunteer spirit, and Lisa Johnston of Mad Park Bistro offered her restaurant as well as chefs Malcolm and Martin. Then Jen D’Amour of Upper Deck in Secret Cove and Brittany Sheppard of Euspiria in Madeira Park asked to come as unpaid guest chefs and help Lisa with running the evening.
The students picked the recipes and Chef Malcolm guided them as to availability of products and volumes required, with a target set at 40 maximum.
The social event was held on Feb. 13, and volunteers started mid-morning with food preparation. The young chefs were on their feet a long time that day.
Chef Martin arrived after lunch and supervised the cutting and carving. No fingers were lost; he was impressed!
Guests arrived, and at 6 p.m. the first item, a drink from Brazil, was served to 35 people. This was followed by a main course from Brazil, a second main from Spain and a joint dessert with elements from both countries. The food was amazing and the 35 guests had a great time.
Also part of the Rotary International exchange program, two Pender Harbour Secondary School students are in South America for the full school year.
– Submitted
