In Amstelveen, one of every two residents has a migration background. Half of them have a Dutch passport. There are major cultural differences between us, which makes it difficult for us to visit each other. The Bovenkerk Foundation wants to do something about this and so the idea of a food festival was born.
Last Saturday was the day and everyone was welcome at the North Dam Center from 4:00-7:00 pm. There were 12 dishes from 8 different countries waiting in colorful stalls. This ranged from poffertjes and swirl fries to satay with nasi, from goulash to spring rolls and from macaroni to sushi. Something for everyone.
The visitors were a mixed reflection of all cultures. Over 400 people attended the food festival. That is far more than the organizers had dared to hope for. For some stands - such as the rotisserie fries - visitors had to be very patient. As soon as portions came out of the fryer, they were gone right away. Other booths sold out a bit earlier than anticipated due to the large influx.
Chris van den Helder was organizer host of the Bovenkerks Food Festival. After an introductory talk, Chairman of the Bovenkerk Foundation Rob van den Helder spoke. He advocated bridging cultural differences to meet each other. The Noorddam Center therefore wants to be a place, where all cultures can come together. Mr. Henk Jurriansen of the Rotary Amstelveen and Nieuwer-Amstel, as sponsor, handed the first copy of the Bovenkerks Recipe Book to Rob van den Helder.
The Bovenkerks Recipe Book came into being last year. Initiator Edwin Barentsen passed the book through the neighborhood like a chain letter, and so Bovenkerkers filled the book with favorite family recipes that have a story attached to them. The Bovenkerks Recipe Book is available in Dutch and English. There are still some copies for sale for € 6. Order by e-mail: receptenboek@bovenkerk.me.
The organization of the Bovenkerks Food Festival can look back on a very successful afternoon. It strengthens the organization to organize the event more often and to incorporate the learning points of this first edition.
Thanks to all the sponsors:
