From 16 to 26 June, refugee chefs are invited into Cape Town kitchens to collaborate with resident chefs to show off their skills, and tell their stories through the food of their home country. The chefs are also hosted by markets, cooking classes and corporate events.

The Refugee Food Festival is a non-profit international organisation that is currently in its third year. It will be holding events in France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, and San Francisco and New York City in the United States of America.

Three of the restaurants involved in the Cape Town leg of the festival are owned by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna Chef of the Year Liam Tomlin: Chefs Warehouse at Maison, Chefs Warehouse and Canteen, and Thali. Also involved are The Power and the Glory and Reverie Social Table. The chefs cooking at these restaurants are Bilolo Sendwe, Patrick Nzinga and Hamidul Hoque, respectively. Patrick already works at Chefs Warehouse and Canteen, but on this night he will be bringing more of himself to the plate.

Liam was excited to join in on the initiative. “It’s a very good cause,” he says. “Many talented refugees are not allowed to demonstrate their crafts as they aren’t recognised for the jobs they’re qualified for in their home countries. There are qualified mechanics cleaning bars. They deserve an opportunity to showcase their skills.”

– Source: www.eatout.co.za