Ceviche is a classic Peruvian dish made by marinating raw fish in citrus, often lime juice. Try some from Panka during the CultureALL Ball. (Photo: Panka / EatFuti)
By Jinessa Lewis
While culture can be shared through many mediums, there is one in particular that can transcend barriers: delicious food.
Experience cross-cultural tastes from around the world at this year’s CultureALL Ball. CultureALL is a nonprofit focused on sharing cultural experiences and fostering connection across different perspectives. They create spaces for people of all backgrounds to learn and share with others. This year’s festival will mark 20 years of CultureALL, meaning the organization plans to go ALL out.
The event has dozens of activities on the roster, including fashion shows, dance lessons and live music. But a major space at the event will contain the vast spread of dishes from a diverse cast of local chefs, including Mariela Maya of Panka, Nathan Bohn of Home Touch Kitchen, Haris Zuljevic of Tito’s Lounge, Phanh Theppanya of Haiku and Dheneswaran Anna Duran of Amruth Indian Grill.
All of the food items are part of a curated menu to showcase dishes from around the world. Think cheesy and flavorful paneer tikka masala served with naan from India; arroz chaufa de pollo, a Peruvian chicken fried rice with Chinese influence; cevapi, a Balkan grilled sausage; and even attiek, fermented cassava couscous from Africa. Plus others you may recognize like fried plantains and tres leches cake for dessert.
“This was really a way to see how many cultures can be represented in one night,” said Jesse Orton, executive director at CultureALL. “We want to present the entire globe in bite size pieces throughout the evening.”
The CultureALL Ball will be held Saturday, Sept. 20 at the Hilton Des Moines Downtown. Guests are encouraged to show up early to taste each dish, as some might sell out. For tickets and more information, see the event listing online.
