ALAPPUZHA: The Malayali’s culinary uniqueness created a flutter in the US the other day when as many as a100 American citizens tasted traditional sadya seated on the floor with their legs crossed in typical Kerala style.
Dressed up in traditional Kerala attire, the Americans literally fell flat for the quintessential taste of Malayali cuisine coupled with salt and pepper on November 15 at Worcester Technical High School, Massachusetts.
The ‘Sadya event’ was held as part of a programme called ‘A Journey to Kerala’ conducted by Ivy Child International, a non-profit organization, located in Massachusetts.
‘We had a wonderful day that in fact made us jubilant through an innovative way. Many of those who took part in the programme were partaking of Sadya for the first time.
The hot dishes and sweet payasams took the Americans to a fantasy world. A special shout out for Chef Asha Gomez, one of the 50 mainstream chefs in the US, who prepared sadya for the participants.
Her dedication to the programme added more taste to it. “I am indebted to the volunteers, performers and sponsors including Worcester Technical High School for their students”, said Rose Pavlov, Founder of Ivy Child International.
As an American of Malayali origin with roots in Alappuzha, Pavlov ventured out to the rare event in the US after being inspired by the spices of Kerala with a view to raising funds for the Mindfulness Movement being held under her organisation in the US and beyond.
“All guests were asked to wear cream and gold, honoring Kerala’s colors. The event started at 6 p.m. and wounded up at 9 p.m. As many as 30 people sponsored the programme attracting several people to the event.
We think this event will help unite communities towards peace-building efforts and to create awareness about the positive impact of mindfulness throughout New England here. All benefits from the programme will go to Mindfulness-Based Learning programmess in Worcester schools”, she says.
