Wednesday 4 December 2013

big hearts for the Philippines

In November 2013, the Philippines were hit by an incredible typhoon.  It took so many lives and razed towns and villages to the ground.  The images we saw on television, didn't fail to upset and left a lot of us with a great desire to help.

I took the opportunity to make use of my loyal diners, whose big hearts have already made a difference for my causes in Vietnam, and auction off one of my charity dinners for four people to hopefully raise enough to make a meaningful contribution to somebody in the Philippines.  

So with a little bit nervousness I posted on my supper club Facebook page the offer.  I felt nervous as I felt sure my post would just hang embarrassingly in the cyber void.  Wondering if anyone would want to be cooked for by me.  But to my absolute joy and excitement the bids came in thick and fast, and I managed to auction off the dinner for £150.  Then even greater excitement it turns out the diner who won, decided to match the final amount - so we raised £300.

It was so touching to know that my little supper club could make a little difference - amongst those who are the bigger heroes.

I hope the Philippines are soon back on their feet.



From the Facebook page:
**HELP WANTED***
Papaya Verte would love to try and contribute something to the Philippines, and I know you would too.
So, if you haven't already contributed to the various charities for the Philippines - which I know many of you have. How about this; I would like to AUCTION off a Papaya Verte special meal for two diners (may be *4 diners). I will cook a four course meal in your home (however, if you do not live in Norwich we may have to negotiate and perhaps find you a romantic spot up here).
The Auction starts today, with the amount starting at £30. and will finish at midnight this Friday 15th of November, 2013. I only ask that when you make a bid, to keep the amounts sensible i.e., no less than £5. increments.
Let the fun begin and pass the word on!
Jaki x
(fingers crossed!)
*4 diners: perhaps bid for a meal with some friends

Tuesday 5 November 2013

Endings and Beginnings

It seems extraordinary to start writing again,  a little over one year later from when I started the charity suppers, almost like a flash forward in to the future.

Since the first supper I have successfully held four more charity suppers.  With each supper I have gained a little more confidence with my cooking.  I can make a dish without too much panic and am happy in the knowledge that I have encompassed the flavours of Vietnam, the best I can.  I have even managed to be more organised with the budget and quantities.  For someone who failed Mathematics so spectacularly, at school, this is quite an achievement.  However, make no mistake I am not an expert or a 'foodie' even, as is the current popular term.  I had strived to make some kind of connection with who I might have been culturally.  The ability to cook some Vietnamese dishes has not made me feel anymore Vietnamese.  I am still standing in the shade there and must accept that.

I always say my last supper club was my favourite.  They are favourites for all sorts of reasons, the dishes went out on time and plates return empty, the wonderful comradery in the kitchen with friends who volunteer their time for me and most especially our diners.  Who by the by the simple act of attending the suppers touches me.  However, my favourite supper to date, really was the one we held in last September.

The fifth supper club was dedicated to a particularly special cause, I feel.  We committed ourselves to raising funds for Operation Reunite.  An organisation which has been set up by a fellow adoptee and ..'is the vision to reconnecting mothers, adoptees and possibly birth fathers with the past by using a DNA database' .   The DNA test kits are expensive, even by western standards, so the money we raised was donated to the birth parents and families, to enable them to have a chance to be on this important register.  It was incredibly heartwarming to have raised enough money to buy 6 test kits.

There will be no more supper clubs this year and only one more to be held for entire project.  I feel a little sad about that, as I miss the build up to the event.   I will also bizarrely miss the feeling of fear I experience, just as I hear the diners arriving.  I have discovered I do love cooking Vietnamese food.  I love it, but still can't shake the feeling it isn't authentic.  May be that feeling will never truly leave me.  We are all saddled with some insecurity or a feeling that we have lost out on something,  but as difficult as it may seem you can only look forward to the future.   With that in mind I have started to teach my daughter how to cook.  My daughter has a natural gift for cooking and despite my tendency to be impatient with my children, there is a sweet joy in our time together in the kitchen touched with the irony that she is incredibly fussy and will not try the food she has made.

So, I plan to finish up the charity suppers with a bang and what could be more perfect timing than to finish in the month of TET 2014.  Vietnamese New Year.





Thank you friends old and new



Beautiful little menus and place cards by Lucy Loveheart




Chilli & Lime garnish and dipping sauces




Pho Bo/Beef Noodle soup