Making a Difference in Rural Nepal

This winter, the Wedge will offer a unique class featuring traditional Nepali food prepared by staff from St. Paul's Everest on Grand restaurant. Traditional Nepali fare incorporates the curries of India and the noodles and dumplings of its other neighbor, Tibet. Nepal is the world's only officially Hindu country. Its food makes use of fresh vegetables, greens, lentils, chutneys and grains, but little meat. Experienced staff from Everest on Grand, the restaurant known for providing the 'tallest taste' in Minnesota, will be demonstrating how to prepare a variety of these traditional dishes. Proceeds from the class will support the Center for Community Development and Research (CCODER), a Nepali non-governmental organization that helps rural villagers improve their lives.

For most people, the mention of Nepal conjures visions of the soaring Himalayas. Nepal has captured the imagination of travelers for decades; it is one of the most picturesque, romantic destinations in the world. Nepal is also one of the poorest countries in the developing world. Most of its 24 million people are subsistence farmers, ekeing out a living growing rice, millet, buckwheat or other crops. Average per capita income is just $220/year in U.S. dollars. In remote mountain areas, poverty and lack of infrastructure contribute to a life expectancy as low as 37 years.

CCODER helps Nepalese villagers improve their communities. The key to CCODER's approach is local control. CCODER staff trains villagers to create schools, banking systems and health programs. CCODER also organizes off-the-beaten-path adventure treks to remote villages that have implemented CCODER projects.

For more information about CCODER's programs, email Diane Rydrych at diane.rydrych[at]state.mn.us or visit either www.ccoder.org or www.ccoder-usa.org. We hope you can join us for this very important fundraising event to support CCODER while learning how to cook delicious Nepali food.

Exploring Nepali Cuisine
Demo w/Tasting
Wednesday, January 24
7:30-9:00 PM
$55/$50 members