"El Pollo Comes to Hanoi"
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| Two amateur cooks, Don Mattingley and Joaquin Monserrate, serving a chicken dish and inviting participants to taste |
The American Center became a socio-culinary extravaganza on June 19, when internationally-renowned chefs and little-known diplomats Don "El Pollero" Mattingley and Joaquin "El Gallo" Monserrate presented their take on "Culinaria Americana," a discussion on how Americans approach their food, the kitchen and the table. No topic was off-the-table, from the American's squeamishness when eating abroad, to Vietnamese men's reluctance to get involved in the kitchen, to why doorknobs and food are a bad mix. Noting their countrymen's affinity for blending and molding international dishes, the Chefs drew comparisons between American and Vietnamese tastes. To underscore the point, the presenters set up a tasting table to introduce their new recipe sensation "El Pollo Loco." The participants, drawn from the audience, shared their likes and dislikes of the banquet laid out for them at the tasting table. This was the last presentation by Chefs Pollero and Gallo, who will be departing Vietnam in July, with fond memories of their exchanges with their Vietnamese audiences.
Biotechnology: Addressing Global Challenges
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| Mr. Bobo presenting on biotechnology at the American Center |
On June 18, 2009, Jack Bobo, Senior Advisor for Biotechnology from the U.S. Department of State, addressed a standing room only audience of over 120 participants on the topic: Biotechnology: Addressing Global Challenges. Mr. Bobo’s lively and comprehensive presentation covered a range of key issues related to biotechnology including how it can help protect the environment, mitigate climate change, and help provide a sufficient food supply around the world. As Vietnam moves forward with research, development, and field trials for biotechnology in agriculture, there are many opportunities for cooperation and partnership with the U.S. The participants asked a range of challenging questions about the economics, safety, ethics, and opportunities of biotechnology. Mr. Bobo’s speech was met with great enthusiasm and interest.
Understanding American Business Culture
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| Ms. Friedman explaining some frequently used business terms to more than one hundred participants at the American Center |
On June 17, 2009, Marcie Friedman, Economic Officer, met with approximately 120 Vietnamese college students and teachers at the American Center. She presented “Understanding American Business Culture” a discussion of why the U.S. is so business oriented and how the U.S. encourages and promotes business growth and innovation. The presentation included a history of the development of the American business culture as well as keys to understanding its strengths and weaknesses. Marcie also discussed the current economic downturn in the U.S. and how the American people and businesses are responding. The audience responded enthusiastically with lots of questions. Everyone especially enjoyed the “informal quiz” on commonly used American business terms as well as hearing about what to expect in working with an American company. While few participants had previous experience in working for an American company, the majority were interested in doing so in the future.
