Yash Mansharamani (centre), explains to classmates Zachary McKillop (left) and Parys Nembhard, how Indians prepare Tandoori chicken, during the International Lunch. - Photos by Noel Thompson

WESTERN BUREAU:

As a happy bunch of children frolicked on the nicely manicured lawn and in and out the building, several parents were kept busy dishing out meals.

It was a special date as parents, their children and teachers gathered at the Heinz Simonitsch School at the Half Moon Shopping Village in Rose Hall, Montego Bay, on Friday, November 28 for the second staging of the International Lunch. For the past two years, parents of different nationalities whose children attend the school, gather to prepare and share cuisine representing their cultures.

Funds from food and refreshment sold will be used to assist upcoming projects for the school. The experience was one of a kind - with persons from about 24 different countries gathered in a small hall to exchange a taste of their countries' cuisine.

Annual event

Countries that were represented include Jamaica, Israel, the United States of America, Canada, Nigeria, India, European member states, other African countries and Caribbean islands. Dishes that were served include babagamush and pita; plantain fritter in bean stew; jollof rice; cream of Irish potato soup; cereal pork; pita and cabbage rolls, among others.

Pam Connolly is organiser of the event. She told The Gleaner, "This is something we wanted to do for our children and to introduce them to other cultures and cuisine. We want to make this an annual event, as parents and children now look forward to it since we started last year," she said.

Monica Hudson gets ready to feast on pumpkin stew, while attending the International Lunch at the Heinz Simonitsch School in Rose Hall, Montego Bay, on Friday, November 28.

Nancy Poon (left) and Cant Huang, from the Dragon Court China House Restaurant in Montego Bay, show off some of their Chinese cuisine and baked products.