Word is getting around that the free international dinners offered by the Regina and District Jewish Association isn’t to be missed. “In future we may have to ask for an RSVP,” said organizer Helen Kesten who was busy adding tables and chairs to the dining area. The event is advertised solely by word of mouth. Tables were set to accommodate 100 guests, but 130 showed up.
This is the fourth in the series all designed to show how Jewish cuisine has influenced and continues to influence cuisine in many countries. It also serves to bring together people of many faith traditions and cultures to enjoy a meal together. The Sunday, October 31 offering, A Taste of Spain, showcased, of course, Spanish cuisine with a Jewish influence. The Jews were expelled from Spain and Portugal in 1492 but their influence on the cuisine remained.
Unique Bistro Chef Kamal Gensgat, said in an interview with the PM that he was born in India, raised and took his culinary training in India. He later moved to London, England then to Paris before arriving in Regina seven years ago. He and his business partner, Bubba Singh, recently purchased the former Melrose Place Restaurant in south Regina, changed its name to Unique Bistro and introduced an upscale menu for the evening crowd.
Guests sat down to a table with Tapenade/Cimichurri and a bread basket. The tapenade was made with Kalamata Olives. Service began with a half glass of saffron and almonds milk. Manestra, a Spanish stew was offered with couscous/ saffron with root vegetables. Then came Pelpel Mamoli stuffed peppers with rice; Dag Charaimy a spicy fish (Tilapia, said Chef Gensgat because Nile Perch is not available here) served with tomatoes and Spanish Paprika, followed by Salmon Paella.
Desert was Vanilla Bean ice cream with a Rhubarb jam created by Gensgat. “They like their ice cream with jam,” said Gensgat, referring to Spanish/Jewish customs.
The whole idea of offering free food is to bring together people of all faiths and cultures to enjoy the food of many nations, said Kesten. Guests are not charged and no voluntary contribution is requested. The entire cost is borne by the Regina and District Jewish Association and Beth Jacob Synagogue. There is no regular schedule for the events. The last one, A Taste of Russia, was offered in April 2015. Kesten had said in a previous interview that if the crowd gets much larger RSVPs may be requested and a voluntary donation bowl may be placed at the entrance.
