World Peace Day at Monk Bodhi Dharma
This year’s International Day of Peace was made even more special with dinner at Monk Bodhi Dharma.
The delightfully intimate space made for the perfect location for a friendly dinner with strangers, with all proceeds from the evening being donated to Aboriginal Benefits Foundation and International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons.
Chef Kate Shaw and Michael Hewstone, her co-conspirator for the evening, prepared an amazing array of vegan indian dishes which were perfectly complimented by Monk Bodhi Dharma house chilli jam and mango chutney. Sambal, spiced potatoes and dal were particular favourites and were beautifully balanced with coconut rice, kitchitari, cauliflower poriyal and a soft steamed banana. All simply served on a banana leaf, the range of flavours and ingredients were designed to be combined and were easily shared across communal tables.
With Nathan Wakeford of Somage providing beautifully subtle teas through out the meal the conversation flowed, new friends were made, and more than one person may have been converted to the marvels of a menu free of any animal products.
The final treat of vegan vanilla and rich chocolate “love cakes” were the perfect end to a spectacular dinner.
Taking a moment to reflect on the meaning of World Peace Day made the dinner so much sweeter and I couldn’t help but think that if everyone in the world could eat so well, surely peace would prevail.
If only it were Peace Day everyday.