By sharing a meal, you share not only food, but also your culture, your story, and your customs.

Situated at the crossroads of the Orient and the Occident, between Africa and Asia, Syria’s capital city, Damascus, is considered to be one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. Syrian chefs will take over the kitchen at Al Medina Restaurant and guide its guests on a cultural and culinary experience to the old city of Damascus. Following the traditional Syrian buffet, we will engage in listening to stories from Africa and the Middle East in Al Medina's garden and Shisha bar.

We aim to foster an evening of togetherness and connectivity, beyond borders and stereotypes. One story will take us live to Damascus and explain how scouting and art have been utilised as educational tools to enhance the lives and provide psychosocial support to children in Syria. The founder of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, Kon Karapanagiotidis, will share his story of why it is important we put community, love and compassion at the centre of our lives. The evening will be enriched with stories from Eritrea, Ethiopia, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq and the kitchen at City Plaza Refugee Solidarity Space in Athens, Greece. Local Brisbane man will also share how he has connected refugees to volunteers for convenient and authentic language practice.

Dinner in Damascus is an intimate and unique evening to treat all of your senses and create memories, forge friendships and be a part of raising funds for a local Brisbane organisation helping resettled Syrian Refugees in Queensland.

Please be advised that there is a no-refund policy. In the event that you cannot find a replacement, we will accept your ticket as a donation. Thank you for understanding, we hope to see you at Al Medina Restaurant.

Program:

6 pm - 8 pm: Traditional Syrian Buffet

8 pm - 9 pm: Story-telling and Short Video

9 pm till late: Scheherazade Belly-dance Academy Gold Coast and Shisha