26 november 2009 - Before going in, Cursor takes a peep through the kitchen window. People are working hard, but having a lot of fun as well. Eating is a party with these three Colombian Master students (Business Information Systems and Industrial and Applied Mathematics). We are welcomed by Vanessa Restrepo Uribe (27), Yeisson Figueroa Burbano (26) and Paula Marin Zapata (23).

The three chefs do not have a tight organization. Which immediately makes for a congenial and relaxed atmosphere. While Yeisson controls the oven, the ladies are getting their laptop: “Especially for you we shall play some traditional Colombian music. It’s just part of the whole enchilada!”. While listening we are sampling some starters: cakes of flour and baked banana with home-made guacamole and tomato salsa. The two students tell us about the music: “These songs are from our ancestors. They form part of the standard curriculum at school.” There is a special dance to go with the songs. Paula puts on a traditional skirt and shows us. The tone has been set!

Our bellies are filling up nicely. “There’s more to come”, Vanessa warns us. “Colombians are great eaters. It goes on all day.” Then Yeisson shows up with plates full of rice, salsa, brown beans, onion, chorizo, egg, baked bananas and avocado. “Our mothers are much better chefs, you should know. Even the best restaurant cannot touch their cooking.” We do not notice this at all, for the dinner is delicious.

Enjoying a Colombian aniseed liqueur we talk about cultural traditions. With the December month coming up the students cannot stop talking. Parties usually take place in the street, among the people. “At Christmas we have a tradition of roasting a pig in the street. Everybody can chip in for a share”, says Vanessa. New Year’s Eve is also one big feast. With a special touch: “Colombians are rather superstitious. We make life-size dolls and put fireworks inside them. In this way we shoot everything that is bad into the air. Some people fill their coat pockets with beans, for it means that you will make a lot of money”, the three inform us. One last tip: “Put on yellow underwear, for it will bring good luck!”.

The recipe may be found in the forum of www.tuemeetingplace.nl.
Would you like to let us relish your skills as a chef? Mail to engcursor@tue.nl.