Celebrating Culture In Laramie Apr. 16-20 Through Flavor And Story
The 3rd Annual Laramie International Flavor Festival will occur April 16-20 throughout Downtown Laramie. 24 Laramie venues will offer flavors and events inspired by international students and community members.
Through collaborations, international flavor, stories and conversations, Laramie International Flavor Festival celebrates diverse international residents and influences. The volunteer-run event is organized by Laramie Main Street Alliance. The festival partners with University of Wyoming’s Office of Global Engagement to encourage the participation of the international community.
This year’s festival features menu items inspired by stories. The Laramie community, including international students and scholars, was asked to describe how foods or flavors connect them to their international heritage or favorite international experiences. More than 60 “flavor ambassador” entries were received, representing over 40 nations.
Throughout the festival week, over 20 participating downtown restaurants will infuse menu items with flavors inspired by these entries, and the stories will be displayed on tables at each venue.
The festival website at laramiemainstreet.org/international-flavor-festival reveals essays, photos, events and these menu items: traditional dishes, such as Egyptian Koshary at Sweet Melissa’s, a traditional English Breakfast at Accomplice, and the rose-infused Malaysian Air Bandung drink at The Grounds Coffeeshop. Creative fusions are as varied as the Italian-Mexican items from Chacho’s Taco, and Pakistani Chai Tea Ice Cream at Big Dipper.
“Everybody has a story. Often, it’s foods that connect us to our heritage, memories, and traditions. The idea is to connect the Laramie community through the sharing of these stories and celebration of heritage,” says Laramie International Flavor Festival Co-Chair Ali Grossman, “A great way to learn about your neighbors is to start a conversation about food.”
Laramie resident Silvia Aguirre-Peppers submitted this entry, “As I was the 13th child of 14 children born to Victor and Rosa Aguirre. My parents were from Ecuador. There was always some wonderful aroma coming from our kitchen. There was delicious potato soup (Locro de papa). An after-school snack at times was potato cakes with a peanut sauce (Llapingachos). We were truly blessed to have my beautiful mother home to greet us from school or coming in for dinner after a cold day of snowball fights. My mother missed her country but was happy that she was able to continue to cook many dishes from her country for us.”
Aguirre-Peppers’ memories, including potato pancakes with a peanut sauce and the potato soup, will be represented by 2nd Street Deli.
Euna Go, an UW International Student in Computer Science submitted this essay, “When I was young, I asked my mom if we could have galbi (Korean Ribs) at home. She responded, “That takes too much time and effort. We could go to a restaurant but making it at home is too much. You need to know that homemade galbi is a labor of love from your aunt. She makes those time-consuming dishes to see how much you enjoy them.” From that moment, galbi held a special place in my heart. “
Go was delighted to receive news that take-home Korean ribs will be available throughout the week at 307 Market.
“We are always gratified to be able to find arms into the Laramie community!”, wrote Go’s UW English as a Second Language instructor Marian Stordahl, “Such fond memories carry lasting joy,”
Daily events will provide opportunities to explore world culture through poetry, story readings, international disco, trivia, and dance.
University of Wyoming international students will share their cultures and talents with the Laramie community on Saturday, April 20, from 2-5:30 at the WyoGlobal International Culture Adventure at The Collective, 100 South 2nd Street in Downtown Laramie. This free capstone event will end with a showcase of community stories that inspired this year’s Laramie International Flavor Festival.
“The Laramie International Flavor Festival adds to our Great American Main Street Town’s climate of welcoming and belonging,” says festival co-chair Deborah Ross, “We hope the community discovers new neighbors, new flavors, and new community connections at this year’s event.”