What I See with Peter Fiorenza: Unexpected invite leads to feast for the senses and the soul

Sometimes I like it when something unexpected comes along. Recently, a friend of mine sent me an invitation to a unique gathering. “Dear Peter, you are invited to a Mediterranean Feast prepared by international chef, Nadem Turkia, at the Monsignor Hawes Centre.” My friend didn’t give me much notice, because the event was to take place the following night. But I quickly replied, somewhat intrigued. The next evening, I rolled up to the event at the forecourt of the centre, not knowing what to expect. And indeed, it was a wonderful surprise. It seemed I was one of a select group of about 30 people who had been invited to a Middle Eastern dinning experience. Following some casual mingling, Nadem, a big burly happy character was introduced to the group by Father Robert Cross and returning local, Terry Mills. Terry has spent 30 years of his life in the Northern Territory, a portion of that in politics. Terry told us that he first met Nadem when he came to Australia as a refugee several years ago, fleeing Jordan as the war raged in Syria. Because his father was Syrian, the Turkias were denied support in the way of work and education in Jordan. Nadem believed he wanted a better life for his family (mum, dad and siblings) and looked to Canada and the US, without any success. Somehow, he discovered the Australian Embassy was processing visas. “Two months later I received a phone call. The voice on the other end said he was from the Embassy and he wanted to talk to me further about going to Australia,” he said. Nadem, who had been disappointed he had not had any luck to this point, put the phone down believing the call was a hoax, or his friends playing a trick on him. “But, the phone rang again, and the man said the line had dropped out, and, did I still want to go to Australia,” Nadem recalled. “ I still did not believe him, but it was true.” So, after leaving his life and friends in Jordan, Nadem and his family eventually arrived to settle in Darwin. After a chance meeting with Terry, the two became good friends, with Terry helping him to start up a small food business. Which brings us to Nadem and Geraldton. Terry believed this big, friendly fella might be a good fit here in the Mid West, bringing with him his culinary skills. Nadem loves the place. And I’m hoping that once the locals taste his food and hospitality, they’ll love him too. Peter Fiorenza hosts Fiorenza on Sunday between 10am and noon on Radio MAMA