Record audience and interest in FAO's inaugural insect-themed frood celebration

(KPL) The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is very happy to announce that the restaurant that emerged as the winner of last Saturday�s edible insect cooking competition was Sticky Fingers, runner up (second prize) was Makphet Restaurant and the third place went to Simply Me Cafe.

The eminent panel of judges were 1) Ms Aluna Thavonsouk, who was also the Official Media Star of the Event, II) H.E. Dr. Bounthavy Sisouphanthong Vice-Minister for Planning and Investment III) Mr. Mixay Somsanouk, Vice-President of the Lao Journalists Association, and IV) Mr. Ilari Sohlo a representative of FAO. The favourite dish of the audience, prepared by Kokxay Restaurant, was based on a poll of the visitors to this event.

SAEP LAAI LAAI! 2010 � A Celebration of the Delicious Lao Insect" was held on Saturday 28 August at the International Trade Exhibition and Convention Centre (ITECC).

The objective of this event was to pay tribute to the native Lao cuisine and to encourage the continued use of edible insects in the Lao diet for improved nutrition and food security.

SAEP LAAI LAAI! 2010 was the first major food celebration in Lao PDR that focused on the use of insects as a main element in local and international cuisines.

Fifteen major restaurants and eateries from around the Vientiane capital prepared their best insect-themed dishes in Lao, Japanese, Chinese, Singaporean, Western, fusion and other international styles � for free public sampling by event-goers as well as for presentation to the invited panel of four eminent judges who voted on their favourite dishes. The winning chef from Sticky Fingers will have the opportunity to showcase his dish, the insect tacos, at the United Nations Pavilion of the Shanghai World Expo 2010 in late September together with FAO staff.

SAEP LAAI LAAI! 2010 is the first of a series of promotional activities that will be organized to create awareness of the benefits of consuming edible insects.

The event is part of a two-year technical cooperation programme, titled "Sustainable Insect Farming and Harvesting for Better Nutrition, Improved Food Security and Household Income Generation", which the FAO in Lao PDR has launched in partnership with the Lao Government in May 2010.

"Not only do insects offer an excellent source of nutrients, they have also been a part of the human diet for a long time. Hence, we saw the need to celebrate the use of edible insects in our food and to encourage restaurants and eateries around Laos to explore more insect menus� says Mr. Serge Verniau, FAO Representative in Lao PDR. �The event also provided a great opportunity for Lao families to sample the innovative insect cuisines for free."

To raise awareness among Vientiane residents about the benefits of consuming edible insects, FAO has appointed Ms Aluna Thavonsouk, popular Lao singer, to be the Official Media Star of SAEP LAAI LAAI! 2010. �As Aluna is a very familiar face among the Lao people, known for her friendly and healthy image, the FAO believes that she is the perfect Lao celebrity to endorse the event. And, of course, like ninety-five percent of the Lao people, she eats insects!� Mr. Verniau comments.