In Bulgaria, Goodwill Seas-onings

Features

30 November 2011

USS Philippine Sea shares culinary techniques with high-school students in Eastern Europe.

By Petty Officer 2nd Class Gary Prill

Culinary specialists from the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea met with culinary arts students of the Burgas High School in Burgas, Bulgaria, to provide techniques and training as part of a community service project, October 26.

During the event, the crew worked alongside the students making cultural dishes, desserts and appetizers that they later enjoyed at lunch. The event also gave the sailors a chance to meet with local residents and experience the rich history and culture of Bulgaria.

“The lunch was amazing,” said Lt. Jonathan Black, command chaplain on Philippine Sea. “It was a great chance for us to enjoy another culture while also embracing the idea of hospitality towards our host.”

Every sailor was given the chance to take part in preparing the meal. Some worked with the culinary students preparing the main course, while others showed the students how to prepare dishes like ceviche and cherry turnovers.

Interactions with the local community can help build cultural understanding and trust and strengthen the relationships between Bulgaria and the United States.

“I really love the opportunity to go out and display our talents and learn from other people who also love to cook,” said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Eber Barraza. “I was given the opportunity to share a little of my local culture by making ceviche for people who have never tried Hispanic foods.”

Following the meal, the crew toured the school’s dining facility, where the students have the daily responsibility of providing lunch for all of the students.

“I’ve always wanted to be a chef, and it was very interesting for me to see U.S. Navy chefs work,” said Desislav Lilov, a Bulgarian culinary student. “I enjoy learning about other countries’ food, because my dream is to cook true Bulgarian food in Japan someday or even America.”

Philippine Sea is on a regularly scheduled deployment in the Black Sea and serves to promote peace and security in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Gary Prill is a mass communication specialist with Navy Public Affairs Support Element-East Detachment Sigonella. Article courtesy of the U.S. Naval Forces Europe, 6th Fleet Public Affairs.

Photo: Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Eber Barraza explains to Bulgarian culinary students how to make cherry turnovers, during a community service project at the Burgas High School. Philippine Sea is on a regularly scheduled deployment in the Black Sea and serves to promote peace and security in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. Courtesy Petty Officer 2nd Class Gary Prill.