All things eco-friendly were on the menu when 20 Agents joined Excite Holidays, Tourism Authority of Thailand and OzHarvest for a Thai Cooking Class with a difference.
The unique collaboration, which took place at Highgate Perth recently, was in celebration of Excite Holidays’ new 9-page guide Thailand: Open to the New Shades.
First off, the OzHarvest team shared a brief insight into some of the amazing work they do collecting quality surplus food and distributing it to people in need.
Next, it was time to slip on the OzHarvest, Excite & Amazing Thailand aprons to create and plate up some delicious Thai favourites.
Once the chicken laksa, pad thai, son in law eggs, five-spice flourless chocolate cakes, gado gado, green bean and citrus salad green Thai curry paste and vibrant orange and rocket salad were whipped up it was time to send the food somewhere special.
Over 120 meals were packed into containers and delivered to those in need, including to residents of a local women’s shelter as well a crisis accommodation centre.
For a sweet finish, each attendee was able to write a message on the containers that the recipients would receive that night.
Good deed done, the Agents walked around the corner to a private dining room at Must Wine Bar (where they received a Thai-themed Siam Sunrise welcome cocktail on arrival) for a sit down to dinner of their own.
This was followed by a presentation from Sherly Handjojo from TAT.
Sherly spoke about the amazing work being done by the Thai Government to reduce the carbon footprint of both locals and tourists.
Among the most significant, was the annual seasonal closures of many attractions and national parks across the Land of Smiles in order to preserve biodiversity and natural resources.
She also shared a few responsible Thai tourism operators for different types of experiences, from dining, wildlife to local communities, before dinner was served.
In keeping with the sustainable spirit, the food was eaten off bamboo plates, with bamboo straws and among candles made from recycled wine bottles.