For years, BrazilFoundation has held a talk series with leaders from the nonprofit sector. Last Friday night, David Hertz spoke about the organization he founded, Gastromotiva, which uses gastronomy as a tool for social inclusion. The organization offers culinary training for young adults living in low-income communities; 93% of Gastromotiva graduates have found employment upon course completion. Gastromotiva was a BrazilFoundation grantee last year.
To illustrate a number of the concepts that his culinary project promotes, David – with friend and chef Alex Atala of D.O.M. restaurant – prepared a “xinxin de galinha.” Alex himself is in New York for the launch of his book “D.O.M.: Rediscovering Brazilian Ingredients”, published by Phaidon, which has a preface by chef Alain Ducasse. During the talk, Alex spoke about his book and his experience in the Amazon, and the importance of selecting the appropriate ingredients. “I believe that cooking is the most important link between culture and nature”, said Alex.
David Hertz is also preparing for the first Gastromotiva benefit dinner in New York, which will take place at the 11 Madison Park restaurant on February 10th. The dinner will be hosted by another celebrity from the culinary world – chef Daniel Humm.
Photos: Leandro Justen
