Buffalo Rising Online

Sep 19th 2005, 11:12am By queenseyes

The International Cooking Club (ICC): A Story of How It All Began. A Story to Whet Your Appetite.

When I first moved to Buffalo, I was struck by the vast number of cultural festivals the City had to offer: everything from the small and traditional Puerto Rican Grease Pole and Lebanese festivals to the larger scale Juneteenth and Italian festivals. As an iout of towner,i I was captivated by these events. In the past five years that I have lived here, I have attended most, if not all, of the festivals the City has to offer.

Yet, despite all of the rich, diverse culture that the City has to offer, I have also observed how segmented each of these ethnic and racial populations are neach concentrated in certain pockets of the City.

Ever since I was a child, I have always been fascinated by multiculturalism and have always dabbled with different recipes from around the world. Prior to moving to Buffalo, I read on the internet about a cooking club. I put the idea in my iback pocket.i

Much like many people who move to Buffalo and Buffalonians themselves, there is unquestionably a strong sense that this area has so much to offer and so much potential. I, too, have found myself caught up in the allure of trying to get iBuffalo back on the map.i Then it occurred to me. What better a way to bring Buffalonians together than through multicultural food! And so the concept of the International Cooking Club was born.

The International Cooking Club is designed to create a unique dining experience. Every month a volunteer chooses a theme based on a country, culture or region. The volunteer cooks the main dish and the guests bring homemade foods pot-luck style which fit the theme. Each participant will bring recipes of their dishes and will provide one bit of information regarding the customs, traditions or family folklore pertaining to the theme. It is a great way to meet and connect with other Buffalonians while immersing yourself in a cultural adventure and while eating some of the best home-cooked meals that you simply canit find anywhere else.

Now that you have heard the sales pitch, donit simply take my word for it. Come join us at for a sampling of international foods at our Grand Opening on Sunday, October 2, 2005, at 189 Saint James Place in Buffalo. It is right along the route for Forever Elmwoodis Tour of Kitchens also taking place that day. Why not stop along the way?!? - Chari-Lynn

(If you know of any facilities willing to volunteer their space monthly (for 10-75 people) to host an International Cooking Club event (even if on a one-time basis), please have them contact Chari-Lynn at www.buffalointernationalcookingclub.com.)