Good
evening and welcome to the opening of the "Festival
Gastronómico Americano." It is a pleasure to
be with you tonight at this celebration of American cuisine.
America’s strength is in its people and our people
are immigrants who began their journey from every nation
on earth. The richness of the American melting pot is reflected
in our variety of foods.
As a diplomat who enjoys fostering the relationship between
the United States and Uruguay, I find it appropriate that
our two countries have come together tonight to celebrate
food. The sharing of food is one of the most common means
of developing a bond. Whether sharing mate on a chilly winter
morning, chatting over coffee laté into the night,
or making important family decisions at the kitchen table,
food is at the heart of many relationships. As Chef Grodet’s
dishes will show tonight, food is also a delicious reward
for bringing people together.
Once again, welcome and thank you all for coming to open
this culinary festival. I would like to thank Manager Jorge
Stein and the Sheraton Hotel for organizing this event.
I know you will enjoy the cuisine, and I encourage you to
eat up. Bon apetit!
