On the picture Sido de Brabander, chef at Crowne Plaza , Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, Publisher of Diplomat Magazine, Patrick Aarsman, General Manager of Crowne Plaza, H.E. Konstantine Surguladze, Ambassador of Georgia and chef Natalia Chaduneli and her sous-chef Georgi Khvistani.
By Thomas Fleisher.
On the 12th of April, the Embassy of Georgia collaborated with Crowne Plaza and Diplomat Magazine’s monthly Gastronomic event to celebrate Georgian cuisine and culture, whilst, simultaneously, celebrating the Centenary of the birth of their fledgling democratic republic in 1918.
Taking place at the luxurious Crowne Plaza Promenade dining room, varied members of the international diplomatic community, distinguished guests from the Dutch foreign ministry and the Senate, and personal friends began arriving at 18:00.
For additional Kim Vermaat’s pictures please open the following link:https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157692911398642
With a few kind opening words of welcome and gratitude to those attending by Patrick Aarsman, General Manager of the hotel and Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, Publisher of Diplomat Magazine, H.E. Konstantine Surguladze began the event with an introductory speech, wherein Ambassador Surguladze thanked Bavaria and Tikatours for their assistance in co-sponsoring the event.
His Excellency then introduced the fine chefs behind the soon to be served gastronomic masterpiece 3 course meal, Ms, Natalia Chaduneli and her sous-chef Georgi Khvistani, thanking them for “their exquisite hands and for bringing Georgian flavours to the Netherlands”. For their work, they were presented with a framed memorial certificate.
The musical side of the gastronomic event was led by the Ziryab World Music Event, who traveled to the Netherlands for this occasion to present us with the best of traditional Georgian music, a pleasure the ambassador profusely thanked them for in his opening remarks.
The Ambassador then outlined the second of the two reasons why this event was held: one hundred years ago the Democratic Republic of Georgia came into being, existing for 3 years until 70 years of Soviet occupation began, until Georgia finally achieved independence 27 years ago, becoming a country in their own right.
However, the Ambassador was clear to point out that Georgia’s aspirations to full freedom and unity have been hampered by the continued occupation of 20% of Georgia’s sovereign territory by the Russian Federation. Despite this, H.E. Konstantine Surguladze believes he and his people remain optimistic for the future.
After a raising of glasses, the evening properly began. With wine flowing freely and Georgian music filling the room, guests enjoyed a plate of diverse entrées, including a particularly delicious dish called Acharuli Xachapuri, followed by a main course buffet ranging from meats such as beef and chicken to baked potatoes and brown beans, and delightfully ending with dessert comprising of cake and yogurt.
All in all, a lovely evening of free conversation and good food, celebrating Georgia’s unique gastronomy was had.
