Local talent simmers

By CHARLIE BUTERBAUGH

HONESDALE, PA — In times like these, when the world seems to confront new international conflicts each day, a grand display of local talent is helpful.

Especially when 50 local cooks prepare their favorite recipes and invite you to feast for an easy 10 bucks.

Moreover, when a rural setting like Wayne County presents an opportunity to enjoy cultural diversity on a scale as grand as the one available at last weekend’s International Food Tasting, the world begins to look brighter.

For the third year in a row, the Wayne County Arts Alliance (WCAA) hosted its annual culinary exhibition at the Central Methodist Church on May 15. The event raises money for the WCAA’s Open Studio Tour, which happens every year in August.

Some 400 people attended the Sunday afternoon feast, which offered even more variety than last year’s event.

At the beginning of the buffet was Jet Mermell, a resident of Wayne County born in Holland. Next to her was Jeffersonville, NY attorney Jacob Epstein.

Luybou Lander of Bethany offered Blini, a Ukrainian dish, and next to her was Warren Schloesser, a candidate for district judge in Wayne County, with his Polish Hunter’s Stew.

As people made their way around the room, they learned new things about cultures by talking to people and sampling their authentic foods and sauces.

The man who organized the tasting this year, John Kascht of Honesdale, offered a Thai dish, Larb Gai. Jill Padua of Jill’s Kitchen presented some spicy sesame noodles, and Pauline Glykokokalos served her Moroccan chicken.

Atul Pranchand, the head baker for the Himalayan Institute’s Main Street Café, brought Saag Paneer with wild leeks and nettles. Herbs grown at the institute’s garden were used in the dish, and the institute plans to sell its herbs at the Wayne County Farmers Market this summer in Honesdale.

Near the end of the collection were Serge David and his wife Marie, who served crepes with butter orange sauce, an obvious hit for everyone.

For more information about the studio tour visit waynecountyartsalliance.org.