Cooking From The Heart in a nutshell…….

'Cooking From The Heart is a celebration of food, music and culture from across the Arabic, Muslim and Jewish traditions of the Middle East. We aim to bring different people together through the sharing of food and music, creating collaborations between Arabic, Muslim and Jewish cultures which may not have previously existed.
Delicious food created from recipes passed down through generations of mothers to daughters, will be shared with guests in a wonderful evening of food, stories and song.....'



Feedback from first Cooking From The Heart event,
St Ethelburgas, June 29th 2008


‘It was a wonderful special evening, and I was gutted to have to leave before the end. I spoke to loads of really interesting people, who I definitely wouldn't have met under any other circumstances and it was such a warm, friendly atmosphere - one in the eye for those who want to turn loving decent people into enemies. The food was fantastic and I would definitely like to be involved in future HAFLA events - more power to your collective elbows! With very best wishes, Sarah (the one who made the almond passover cake).’


‘Thank you for putting together this great night!’
Regards,
Anat.


‘Last night (29 June) I attended “Cooking from the heart”. It was a wonderful event
And I enjoyed it very much. I understand you took a leading part in organising it.
Congratulations.’
Cllr.Shuja Shaikh
Deputy Leader Conservative Group
London Borough of Hackney


“….there was a huge cornucopia of food & a mixed array of people from different ethnic and religious backgrounds the atmosphere seemed rather magical almost with an 'Arabian night' like feel to it under the twilight zone. The music really add to the ambiance of the evening & afterwards has we all interacted and mingled with each other devouring all the delicious & sweet goodies from each and every culture. I particularly enjoyed the filo pastry almond cigars they were absolutely devine and I also loved the smooth mouthwatering mohalibyia…..which was quite sumptuously delicate.

The Venue was very discreet and did not at all seem like that we were present in the hustling & bustling City of London yet it had a rather villagey and a homely kind of aura to it which made everyone feel comfortable & relaxed.

This event was an excellent showcase of integration and a union of all faiths and Cultures as opposed to segregation. The evening for me was just summed up iu three simple words which are FUN FOOD & FROLICS.

I most definitely will be returning to all future events and would highly recommend everyone to participate in these kind of events in order to promote unity & tolerance amongst all humankind.

Finally a big heartfelt thank you to all the organisers for all their endeavours in making this event happen.” Razi Shaheen



‘Thank you so much for a truly wonderful event.
It was a mammoth project and you undertook it with such love, energy and enthusiasm.
We were honoured to be included in the project and so much appreciated the publicity you gave to our book.
We were a bit shell-shocked at having to speak into the mike, but that you for the opportunity….
When you are ready, it would be great to talk about another project
together.’

With love

Renee Salamon


’Thank you again for organizing such an event. It was very enjoyable and interesting meeting different people from different religions, backgrounds etc.
Its a shame that we arrived very late!!! well, at least we got to know where st ethelburgas is just in case its at the same place again.
Look forward to another Hafla event soon.’
Take care
Best Wishes
Sumaya


‘We had a splendid evening and met some very pleasant people. The event
was very well organized and I would be more then happy to get
involved/attend future events.
It was an absolute pleasure meeting you and I look forward to the next.’
Kindest Regards
Zeinab


‘That you invest your compassion and creativity to "break down barriers" could not be more important in this time - The Citizens' Century.
The synergy you speak of already exists.
If small, loosely connected collectives maximize their gifts, imaginations and initiative within their available circle of citizens, life and culture on the planet will surely shift.
It already is.’
With our admiration and affection,
Libby and Len Traubman


‘Well done for organising such a meaningful and great event.’
Amanda Fairnington

‘It was really good, congrats on all your hard work.’
Sally Jacobs


‘It was fantastic. If I were you I would seriously contemplate the possibility to make this principal of healing and peace through food sharing a bigger and bigger and regular event across the world. I’m not kidding you (I really think there is a beautiful possibility there for you as well as the world…’
Kalinka Poulain


‘Really enjoyed the warmth. Thanks for inviting me.’
Magdi Abdelhari