Congolese Cuisine and Culture Shared at Global Tastes Event Oct. 22

Area residents can learn about the cuisine and culture of the Democratic Republic of Congo directly from members of the Congolese refugee community in Scranton at a “Global Tastes of Scranton” event Saturday, Oct. 22. The University of Scranton, Terra Preta, Catholic Social Services, the Scranton Cultural Center and other community partners organized the event that begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Scranton Cultural Center.

Through music, dance, displays of traditional Congolese attire and information presented, the event will highlight the culture of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The menu for this event will feature fufu (a type of cornmeal dish), pondu (a Congolese stew), rice, fried fish, plantains, beef kabobs and beans, all prepared by the Congolese “guest chefs” at Terra Preta Restaurant in downtown Scranton. Recipe cards featuring pondu and beans will be shared with participants. Students from the Lackawanna College Culinary Arts program will assist with food service at the event and host an exhibit highlighting other staples of Congolese cuisine. A special presentation, prepared by University of Scranton students, will highlight photos of art and artifacts from the Everhart Museum’s collection from the DRC, along with other displays about the refugee crisis.

Tickets for the event are $35 with proceeds benefiting the refugee resettlement program of Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton and future Global Tastes of Scranton events.

In recent years, the City of Scranton has become home to many new communities, including Bhutanese, Congolese, Syrian, Afghani, Somali, Burmese and other refugee groups resettled here by Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton. “Global Tastes of Scranton” was first held this past spring, highlighting Syrian cuisine.

“The Global Tastes events provide opportunities for connection and exchange with these new refugee populations who bring rich traditions and culture to our region,” said Julie Schumacher Cohen, director of the Office of Community and Government Relations at the University. “The great thing is that more and more organizations and individuals want to get involved, which is a testament to the welcoming nature of our community.”

To register, visit Scranton.edu/globaltastes. The reservation deadline for the event is Friday, Oct. 14.

For more information, contact the University’s Office of Community and Government Relations at 570-941-4419.

Event partners include: Catholic Social Services, Everhart Museum, Lackawanna College Kiesendahl School of Hospitality, Lackawanna County Department of Arts and Culture, Lackawanna Heritage Valley, One Point, Scranton Cultural Center, Terra Preta Restaurant, and The University of Scranton (Office of Community and Government Relations, World Languages and Cultures Department, Philosophy Department, and Women's Studies Department).

Women who participate in this project are also invited to join existing small business development activities through The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center & Women’s Entrepreneurship Center and the Scranton Area Community Foundation.

Women of the Congolese refugee community in Scranton will share their cuisine, music, dance and culture at The Global Tastes of Scranton event on Saturday, Oct. 22, at 6:30 p.m. in the Scranton Cultural Center.