About this Event
Gathering Around the Table: A Lao Celebration of Life & Remembrance
What if food could help us celebrate life, honor those who came before us, and reflect on the connections that make us who we are? This Halloween season, join The Lao Project for an intimate, hands-on Lao cooking experience exploring the beautiful relationship between food, life, death, and remembrance in Lao culture.
About the Class:
We’ll share stories of Lao traditions, including the Baci ceremony, a meaningful gathering that offers blessings and calls the khouan, or spiritual essence, back to a person during life’s important moments. Rooted in community, care, and connection, the tradition reminds us of the importance of gathering for one another through life’s transitions.
Together, we’ll prepare Lao dishes, share a communal meal, and reflect on the people, memories, and traditions that nourish us.
This is more than a cooking class. It’s an invitation to explore how food keeps our stories alive and brings us closer, even as we reflect on life’s impermanence.Come cook, share stories, and celebrate the connections that make life meaningful.
About the Nibble Culinary Entrepreneurship Program:
Nibble Kitchen and the Nibble Program are an initiative of the City of Somerville Arts Council. Our goal is to support multicultural exchange and cultural representation through food and storytelling. Our program also supports workforce development and equitable economic development, for more information or to learn more about our partner businesses visit www.nibblesomerville.com!
About the Chef:
Vekonda is a first generation Lao American and creator of The Lao Project, a series of photo essays rooted in Lao American culture with the goal of sharing Lao and Lao American stories, fostering community, uplifting Lao voices, and celebrating the dynamism of Lao culture here in the United States. As a partner of the Nibble Culinary Entrepreneurship Program since 2022, Chef Vekonda has hosted dozens of cooking classes, supper clubs, cooking demonstrations, and more! Click here to learn more about Chef Vekonda and The Lao Project.
Event venue & nearby stays
Nibble Kitchen, 1 Bow Market Way, Somerville, United States
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