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Rishma Govani has discovered that the way to the heart – and the mind – is through the belly. The advocate for multiculturalism has created a thriving dinner club that is breaking down barriers by introducing participants to both the cuisine and culture of countries all over the globe.
Rishma, the daughter of Ugandan refugees, launched the Toronto Food Luck Club (TFLC) six years ago when she persuaded a group of friends to try out a different ethnic restaurant each month. “The club works in a subtle way by encouraging people to try something new, something they may be scared of, and by challenging their preconceived ideas,” says Rishma. Word travelled among friends, and now the TFLC boasts 150 members who come from diverse walks of life, demographics and professions. About 20 people attend each monthly dinner, and to date they have visited more than 65 restaurants. “I am surprised how successful it has been,” says Rishma. “It really was a humble beginning.”
TFLC’s philosophy is to think globally by acting and eating locally. Rishma selects restaurants that are family-run, reasonably priced and offer authentic cuisine. “We go to places where there is some ethnic colour in the restaurant and family or staff can answer questions about the food and culture,” she adds. So far participants have had a taste of Tibet, Goa and Tunisia, to name a few countries.
While Rishma knows that Toronto offers a plethora of ethnic places to visit, she says her club is a concept that can be adopted anywhere. All you need is an appetite for adventure and an open mind.
Rishma’s Me to We Award money will go to World Partnership Walk, which helps fight global poverty, and Sunshine Dreams for Kids, which makes dreams come true for children challenged by severe physical disabilities or life-threatening illnesses. If you are interested in joining the club, visit www.tflc.ca.
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