Women from all walks of life enthusiastically participated in the unique culinary skill event titled “My kitchen...my creativity and success” to learn the art of cooking. Successful chefs skillfully guided the participants on various steps and techniques involved in creating a new dish. — Courtesy photo
JEDDAH — Experiment, creativity and success are what made Goody Kitchen Academy reunion a jovial experience, which was attended by a number of enthused Saudi women, who all share an undying passion and intense love for food and cooking. Driven by its passion to support women who enjoy a happy well-fed life, Goody Kitchen Academy sought to promote women empowerment by celebrating unique culinary skills in its one-of-a-kind event titled “My kitchen...my creativity and success.” The occasion brought together cooking enthusiasts and highly motivating stories from experts, professionals, guests and ordinary women, as they all listened to TV interviews and speeches of opinion leaders and shared their respective kitchen moments with their newly found kitchen buddies. The academy's loyal graduates were also present at the event along with employees and affiliated companies. Other significant personalities in attendance were respected public figures and several members of media. Among the special guests were Dr. Aisha Natto, a successful businesswoman and a board member of Jeddah Chamber of Commerce. Goody Kitchen Academy, the culinary expert that pioneered this celebration, was resolute to drive and make a difference. Its genuine mission has always been to help women live their dreams, become accomplished entrepreneurs and play key roles in the field of culinary arts. True enough, through this once-in-a-lifetime and rare occasion, Goody Kitchen was able to enforce Saudi women's potential and help them achieve satisfaction and greatness. It was able to motivate and influence participants to explore their creativity and experiment on the countless opportunities cooking has to offer. Goody Kitchen, through the two-hour event, encouraged women to change their negative perception about cooking. The event helped them ward off the idea that cooking is a tedious and boring activity and a mere responsibility. Instead of contemplating on the pessimisms, the institution honed them to treat the craft as a passion. Women don't only cook but they also feed the soul in their small universe called kitchen where they can innovate and be stars. The event also guided them to view cooking as a joyful experience and an interesting pursuit. Most of all the academy wanted cooking to be an integral part of any woman's life, regardless of her profession—whether she is a teacher, a doctor, or a housewife. Goody Kitchen is driving the difference! Maha Yamani, a Radio Jockey, was among the attendees to share her experience, she said: “It was a great venue to mingle and learn more. The academy had assembled like-minded women who have incessant enthusiasm for culinary arts.” “Women who are active, interesting, optimistic, creative, quality-focused, health-conscious and those who welcome innovation should look forward to such events because the gathering is all about them,” Natto said. One housewife who was interviewed said that the event made her even more interested in cooking. “I suddenly became inspired to cook more and learn more. I think Goody Kitchen has a noble objective and I will support it all the way. Perhaps I can start by attending their classes.” Amira Al-Seni, a successful chef in Goody Kitchen Academy, affirmed that cooking has changed her life. “I used to be a regular fan of Goody Kitchen Academy that consistently posted innovative recipes online. After I graduated from food science and nutrition degree from King Abdulaziz University, Goody's team encouraged me to join them. I didn't hesitate because I knew that Goody has a noble objective and I wanted to be part of it. As one of Goody's chefs, my creative and delicious recipes are being used in Goody kitchen magazine, website and cooking academy courses. It's a life changing experience and I'm very happy.” The success stories of the three guests as well as the women who contributed to the celebration were proofs that a woman's love, interest and passion for the culinary arts could help fulfil her life. And, hopefully it will inspire many women to take a keen interest in the dynamic field of cooking. — SG
