The Hospitality of Macedonia
A Charity Lunch to aid Persons with Intellectual Disability

H.E. Mr Nikola Dimitrov, Ambassador of Macedonia, H.E. Mrs Vesela Mrden Korac, Ambassador of Croatia, H.E. Mr Gazmend Barbullush, Ambassador of Albania, Mr Wim van Wijk, Director of Sligro VEN, The Hague, Chef Marko Karelse, Patron-Cuisenier - Restaurant Villa La Ruche, Voorburg, Chef Bobi Mileski, Balkan Restaurant Macedonie, Groningen, Mr Marko Korac, spouse of the Ambassador of Croatia, Mr Atilay Uslu, Director-Engineer of Corendon, Mr Edmond Fokker van Crayestein, Mr Arwin Paulides, GM-Carlton Ambassador, The Hague, Ms Cvetanka Sozovska, Musician, Ms Elena Nakovska, Musician and Students from the Mondrian Hotel School, The Hague

Thursday, 10 November was a perfect and fine day. Not only was the weather very pleasant, it was the 12th edition of the Sligro-VEN series of Country Charity Lunches. This time we travelled to wonderful Macedonia. An name that evokes images of an ancient, great civilization couple with exotic adventure. It is also a warm and welcoming modern-day republic in the very heart of the South Eastern Europe…where the sun always shines!

As the guests arrived at the Sligro VEN establishment, in the Leidschendam Forepark, The Hague, they were welcomed with a fine glass of Champagne, a selection of Canapés topped with the delicious Macedonian spread (Ajvar) and the strains of Macedonian melodies by Ms. Cvetanka Sozovska and Ms. Elena Nakovska.

Our host, Mr. Wim van Wijk, director of Sligro VEN, and our honored guest, H.E. Mr. Nikola  Dimitrov, Ambassador of the Republic of Macedonia, welcomed everyone (International Women’s Contact, Rotary Club The Hague Metropolitan, SociaPB & the Indonesian Ladies’ Club) and sincerely thanked them all for their presence and support of a most worthwhile charity.

Lunch was served, from a scrumptious Menu. The dishes were prepared by Patron-Cuisenaire Marko Karelse of the restaurant ‘Villa la Ruche’ in Voorburg, which features Macedonia cuisine, assisted by three students from the Mondrian Hotel School, The Hague

Chef Bobi Mileski, of the Balkan Restaurant Macedonie in Groningen, prepared the Macedonian cake 'Bajadera' which was fantastic! There were umpteen requests for the recipe for the 'Bajadera'. It comes from a very traditional cuisine that combine Balkan flavours with Mediterranean characteristics, inherited largely from Turkish tastes that prevailed in the region during the long centuries of Ottoman rule.

Proceeds from the Lunch, a Raffle and an Auction go to the PORAKA Center for Support of Persons with Intellectual Disability. Auction items of Macedonian Paintings, along with Wines, Figs and the Ajvar spread were specially trucked in from Macedonia.

In total we raised €3,500 for the PORAKA Center in Macedonia.

As an additional surprise we were entertained by Mr. Edmond Fokker van Crayestein, who played his violin to completely entranced audience.

All agreed that it was truly a wonderful day. They had a fantastic introduction to Macedonian food and culture, and at the same time helped the PORAKA centre to continue their work. Thank you all.

Patricia M. Hollamby