Egypt's chef leading a 'kitchen uprising'

[Sherman A1]

Heard this while driving to work this AM. Thought it a good story of hope.

When an Egyptian news channel reflecting the aims of the Tahrir Square revolutionaries introduced some light relief to the schedules, it inadvertently created a new star more popular than the news coverage.

Until last January's revolution, her life consisted of little more than cooking and cleaning for her employer and caring for a demanding family back home in Warra'a, one of the city's poorest suburbs.

But then Set Ghalia's life, like Egypt's, was caught up in revolutionary currents. Soon after the downfall of President Mubarak, her employer's brother - the founder of a pro-revolutionary TV station - had an idea.

He wanted a new show - something entertaining - to leaven the diet of news and current affairs, and his mind turned to Ghalia, much loved for her delicious food and her gift of the gab.

The concept was simple. Ghalia could lead a kitchen uprising on television - no more fancy cuisine using unaffordable ingredients and complex recipes but plain fare for plain folk. Tasty and cheap.

A year on and Set Ghalia's cooking show on 25TV is an extraordinary hit.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-17843985

[dballance]

1. That's Awesome

People need a break from depressing drone of much of the news and a break from the horror and gore of war and revolution.

What a great way to provide them a break and something useful too. A nice, typical person - not one of those prima dona chefs using spices and tools none of us have in our kitchens.

Smart TV station owner. I bet her show increases his ratings all around. And good for her too!

[Sherman A1]

2. I gathered from the report

that the success of the show took everyone by surprise, but as you stated it is awesome. I too have concluded that we need some breaks from the constant barrage of negative stories (not that we should just ignore what is going on and stick our head in the sand) so I am planning on looking for some things more uplifting to post along the way. May find them, may not, but we all need to pass along some positive reports as we find them. People are doing good things, but I believe they are vastly underreported.