For Immediate Release: May 30, 2016

PRESS RELEASE

A collection of writings and a series of images of Gorontalo food and culture travel.

(Jakarta) - Trailing the Taste of Gorontalo, published by Omar Niode Foundation wins Best in the World - Gourmand World Cookbook Award 2016 for Asian Cuisine from Asian Books category.

The book is in English and contains a collection of writings and a series of images of food and culture travel in the Province of Gorontalo. Initiated by travel journals of 16 people who traveled with a group called Kelana Rasa Gorontalo led by Arie Parikesit, this book develops with additional articles from those who live in Gorontalo that are proud of their culinary delights and the beauty of the area, and never get tired of assisting others in discovering the taste of Gorontalo.

A total of 24 articles, 57 images, nine recipes and 10 testimonials from thought leaders in food and tourism, among others Chef William Wongso; Alessandra Usman, Miss Indonesia Tourism 2010; and Elena Aniere of Slow Food International, became a reference for those who are interested in Gorontalo culinary travel.

The writings in the book include, among others traditional foods of Gorontalo, diving paradise in the Gulf of Tomini, the amazing Saronde Island, traditional markets of Gorontalo, exploring the fish market, street food tasting, the "Eiffel" tower in Gorontalo, the sweetness of milu pulo local corn, Pinogu coffee the favorite of Queen Wilhelmina, and preserving Gorontalo food.

Erik Wolf, the Executive Director of the World Food Travel Association contributed two articles on food travel update at the global level as a reference for the development of culinary tourism in Indonesia in general and Gorontalo in particular.

According to Gourmand Awards organizers, this year there are 209 nations competing in 92 categories in cookbooks and food culture books, as well as 29 categories for wine and drinks.

Trailing the Taste of Gorontalo was a finalist in the category of Asian Cuisine from Asian Books, competing with books from Iran, Malaysia, Maldives, Singapore and Thailand. This book was also a finalist in the category of Best Cookbook Charity and Fund Raising in Asia along with books from Cambodia, Lebanon, Malaysia and Singapore.

At the awards ceremony in Yantai, China on Sunday, May 29th, the jury announced that Trailing the Taste of Gorontalo is the top winner in the category of Asian Cuisine from Asian Books.

Amanda Katili Niode, the Chair of Omar Niode Foundation, who is also the Ambassador of the World Food Travel Association in Indonesia, is very pleased because the award is an appreciation for Gorontalo food and culture.

"Gorontalo is a region that has stunning landscapes and food varieties that are fresh and tasty, but the place has not yet become a popular food tourism destination. This book is an example of an ideal collaboration between various stakeholders to raise global awareness about Gorontalo. As a nonprofit organization that works in the fields of agriculture, food and culinary arts, we expect to continue collaborating with various groups and individuals to explore Gorontalo cuisines and their benefits for local communities," she explained.

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BOOK SUMMARY

Title: Trailing the Taste of Gorontalo

Editor and Publisher: Omar Niode Foundation

ISBN: 978-602-96401-9-9

Dimensions: 14.5 x 18 cm. Softcover, 144 pages

Year published: 2015

E-book is available on amazon.com

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The Gourmand Awards began in 1995, initiated by Edouard Cointreau with Cointreau and Remy Martin family lineage. The awards aimed to honor the culinary writers and publishers and to build bridges between cultures. Journalists often compare the Gourmand Awards with the Oscars in the film industry because of its glamor, television role, and deep emotion on the stage when winners are announced. Last year over 12,000 exhibitors from 205 countries competing in 109 categories (79 cookbooks, 27 wine and drinks, 3 television), 92 countries managed to become finalists and 49 countries are in the top positions. See the list of winners of the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards 2016 here.

Omar Niode Foundation is a nonprofit organization in Jakarta, Indonesia, that works to increase awareness on the quality of education and human resources in the fields of agriculture, food and the culinary arts. Some Omar Niode Foundation programs include thesis scholarships, travel awards, books publication, seminars, and public awareness campaigns. In carrying out its activities the Foundation collaborates with individuals and organizations at home and abroad. For articles about travel, agriculture, food and culinary arts please visit its blog here.

PRESS CONTACT:

Dian Anggraini, Program Manager

Omar Niode Foundation

Email: dian@omarniode.org

SMS/WhatsApp: +62816944314