In early April, ETA Andrew Shifren was given the opportunity, with two of his students, to showcase the culture of his region to all of Indonesia. There is a chef in Labuan Bajo who was born on an island near Komodo National Park and cooks seafood at her restaurant in a traditional Flores style with local ingredients like coconut, banana blossom, white pepper, and grouper.

Trans7, an Indonesian television channel, was filming her for a program on the diverse cuisines of Indonesia and the chef contacted Andrew to ask for help. With two of his most dedicated English Club, members Andrew went to the beach and spent the day cooking a traditional Flores coastal feast. They shucked shellfish, chopped garlic, and smiled for the camera. A lot.

The highlight for Andrew was meeting fisherman with a big catch of shellfish, which the chef bought and added to the menu. Trans7 filmed for hours as Andrew’s students spoke in English and bahasa Indonesia about preparing and eating the fantastic meal. Eeeenaaak.

Andrew Shifren is currently teaching at SMK Stella Maris Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara