Over the last few days the internet was bombed with ‘All eyes on Rafah’, which reflected people's views on the attack by Israelis in Gaza. But what about India's north-eastern state Manipur? Did it receive the same attention?
It was a heart-warming story which led the owners of Taste, a restaurant based in Panjim, to come up with a unique concept of dine and donate at their restaurant.
It all began on a hot summer day, when two young hungry kids landed on the doorstep of Taste, a restaurant serving a mix of Japanese, Korean and Filipino street food.
Talking to Gomantak Times Digital, Flavel Monteiro of Taste narrated the story of how they decided to take up this initiative.
“On May 26, we had two young hungry guests aged 10 and 12 years at the door of Taste asking for food and water. We cooked them a meal for lunch and a take-away for dinner. Watching them eat led me to want to do more. So, we decided to have a dine and donate event where all the proceeds will go to NGOs,” says Flavel Monteiro of Taste.
Working in UAE for over four decades, Flavel has worked tirelessly for the upliftment of people and children in need and in India, he felt that there is a need to give back to society.
Flavel adds, “What’s surprising is that the last couple of days the focus by Indians on social media is on supporting a cause outside India. If only people with their posts and stories would lean inward to highlight the suffering in Manipur, they would not only help in Manipur getting the right attention, but they would also lend support to the people of the North Eastern State.”
Having approached two NGOs in Goa via email, telephone and Whatsapp messages, they decided to have the proceeds of the dine and donate go to Ya All Manipur (www.yaall.org), where it would be used to feed children affected by the floods. “You dine and we will make a difference, it is all about feeding children,” adds Maria Aquino, chef and co-owner of Taste.
The 3-course menu on June 8 and 9 is a culinary fusion of blending elements of Japanese, Italian (Itameshi – fusion cuisine from Japan that combines traditional elements of both Japanese and Italian food), Korean and Filipino flavours.
“This fusion results in a perfect balance of spice, sweetness and savoury umami deliciousness. The mains will be braised chicken with gochujang marinara udon noodles and the dessert is a mango graham,” says Chef Maria Aquino.
CONTACT DETAILS:
WHAT: Dine and Donate
When: June 8 and 9, (7.30pm onward)
WHERE: Taste, Caranzalem, Taleigao
For reservations call: 8446732832