Everyone needs good neighbours ... even chefs. Joseph and Natalie Abboud of Rumi and Moor’s Head are the latest chefs to offer their time and skills to Railway House in North Carlton, giving a motley mix of locals a free cooking class (and lunch).
‘‘Community Kitchen’’ is held the first Wednesday of each month and organisers hope more chefs will step up to spread the gospel of good food. The Abboud’s Rumi restaurant may be just up the road from Railway House, but many who frequent the neighbourhood centre are unlikely to ever eat there. While Railway House has million-dollar homes to one side, there’s public housing on the other.
Community development worker Yasmin Khan said the monthly Wednesday lunches were as much about bringing people from all walks of life together as they were about a free lunch and cooking class. Last month Sugardough baker Praveen Vegunta made a simple Indian curry, while the Abbouds opted for baked trevally with spiced tomato sauce.
Joseph Abboud appealed for other chefs to make time for their neighbours and said he was happy to talk them through the experience. ‘‘It’s a pretty basic set-up; you don’t have access to the usual commercial equipment.’’ On that note, Railway House would welcome sponsors able to provide funds or kitchen appliances.
Contact admin@railwayneighbourhoodhouse.org.au
JANE HOLROYD
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