The Foreign Service Journal, March 2019

48 MARCH 2019 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL embassy’s public affairs section. The 27 guests included leading Danish food critics and restaurateurs, food scientists, cultural writ- ers, school teachers, principals and Denmark’s Vice News crew. Chef Harold believes in empowering children, teaching them to tell their stories through cooking, and showing them that there are few injustices in the world that cannot be over- come through dedication and self-reliance. Only two things are forbidden in his kitchen: unsafe behavior and self- doubt. The students functioned incredibly well; mistakes happened but were addressed with adroitness—and not a single dish was dropped. Group handshakes and high-fives were common throughout the evening, and the team cheer of “Yes, Chef!” resonated throughout the residence. When the event was over, the children were all smiling, displaying pride in their accomplishment. Promoting food justice, empowering the young and the marginalized, and telling your cultural story through food are all hallmarks of culinary diplomacy. Embassy Copenhagen’s partnership with the culinary diplomats of Insurgo changed these children’s lives and has inspired us to do more. We are currently looking for ways to work with them again and to spread their concept of self-realization and improvement through food and entrepreneurship. n Chef Harold, center, with the Copenhagen “Meal With a Purpose” program’s students and staff. IVANHALPERN/INSURGOPROJECT