DIPLOMATICALLY bilingual. photo: Courtesy of Ikar |
This must have been the sort of meal that led to the creation of Cooking with the Ambassadors, a bilingual cookbook written by female ambassadors to Slovakia and the wives of the male ambassadors living in Bratislava. In January 2003, these women attended a lunch where everyone brought a traditional dish from her homeland that she prepared herself. Impressed by the wide range of culinary skills, they realised that they had on the tables before them a wonderful way to do a little informal diplomatic work and some significant charitable fundraising.
Kudos to Kyra Parker del Balzo, wife of the Italian ambassador, who led the team of 19 contributors.
THERE is nothing like good food to encourage cordial relations. photo: Kyra Parker del Balzo |
The contributors were obviously asked to share recipes for dishes that are typical of their countries (the French section includes a recipe for soufflé, the Americans share how to barbeque spare ribs, and the Russians offer blinis). The ingredients are not too exotic, nor do the instructions require a degree from the Cordon Bleu. Many recipes include wine recommendations and cultural notes about the dish. There is no index of recipes, which is inconvenient: I have had to page through the book looking for "that recipe with red peppers" because I could not remember what country it came from. But that is another chance to discover something else to make for dinner.
AT the Indonesian table. photo: Kyra Parker del Balzo |
If you can't boil water but want to eat like a diplomat, Mezzo Mezzo restaurant, Rybárska Brána 9, will be offering a selection of dishes from the cookbook during the week of May 17 and will contribute a portion of the proceeds to the foundation as well. For more information about the menu or to make a reservation, contact them at 02/5441-4342 or at mezzo@mezzo.sk.
Cooking with the Ambassadors was published by Ikar. The book is available in most bookstores for Sk499 (€12.5).
