Week of Tastes starts today!

… and runs until 24 October.  I love being part of this fantastic initiative to involve and educate 8 and 9 year olds regarding food identification, preparation and taste.  More than just school visits, the program includes events and special restaurant menus that aim to teach kids about using all the senses when they eat – sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami as well as expanding their food vocabulary and showing them that trying new, unknown foods is not scary.

A board of senses and tastes at St Francis School, Paddington (participants in 2009)

As I previously mentioned I’ll be at Willoughby Primary School on Friday 22 October from 10am. This year over 120 school classes are participating – a record!

If the school your children attends is not involved with the program, there are a couple of other ways you and your family can get involved.

Week of Tastes menus
As part of Sydney International Food Festival a number of restaurants including Bathers’ Pavilion and Glass Brassiere are offering child-friendly menus (often designed by the chef’s children), served at family-friendly hours, designed to be both educational and enjoyable.

Tickle your Taste Buds
A few of Sydney’s top chefs, including Justin North and Alex Herbert, together with well-known journalist Simon Thomsen will guide this hands-on family workshop on Sunday 17 October between 10:30am and 3:15pm at the Powerhouse Museum. Click here to book.

For more details visit the Week of Tastes website.