INESC TEC closes year with food from around the world

Multicultural party brings together record number of collaborators

On 16th December 2011 INESC TEC celebrated the year with festive foods and flavours from around the world. Once again, collaborators from various different cultures were invited to share delicacies from their countries with their colleagues. Part of the festivities included paying homage to  José Ruela, the coordinator of the Telecommunications and Multimedia Unit (UTM), celebrating those put in the Limelight this year and awarding prizes for the Photography contest “Holidays 2011”. With the turnout beating last year’s record, this party took Inesqians on a journey of favours around the world of INESC TEC. The Communication Service would like to thank everyone that participated and wish you all a very Happy New Year! 

Coming year means consolidation

INESC TEC is a multicultural and international institution and to celebrate this fact the Communication Service once again organised a Multicultural Party on 16^th December. The turnout was certainly positive! Prior to the “attack” on the delicacies displayed on the table, 17 collaborators were awarded the “limelight” prize for their outstanding contributions in 2011. Furthermore, the two winners of the photography contest “Holidays 2011”, Luís Coelho (popular vote) from the Optoelectronics and Electronic Systems Unit (UOSE) and José Carlos Caldeira (Jury’s vote) from the Board of Directors, were also awarded their prizes.

José Manuel Mendonça, the president of INESC Porto, gave a speech to summarise the events of 2011, in which, despite the economic challenges, INESC TEC was able to grow. According to José Mendonça, the coming year will not be marked by “growth but by the strengthening of the INESC TEC institutional model” and the conclusion of the new building that will be inaugurated half way through 2012.   

The celebration was also an opportunity to pay homage to José Ruela, the UTM coordinator who has decided to step down from his role in 2012, although he will continue working with the Unit. José Manuel Mendonça highlighted José Ruela’s 26 years of professionalism and how he was “in the driving seat of an area that was fundamental for the growth of the institution and that resulted in the formation of the largest and most diverse area of intervention”. The Board of Directors at INESC Porto publically recognised José Ruela’s valuable contribution.

A journey of flavours marks the end of year celebrations

After the initial speeches it was time to “attack”. The table was laid with delicacies prepared by various chefs from around the world and party-goers were eager to dig in. The hungry and slightly curious guests were faced with treats from Iran, Brazil, China, France, Germany, the UK, India, Pakistan, the US, Turkey, Egypt, the Congo and of course Portugal.

On the flavourful table there was no shortage of treats from around the world, including British scones, Fubá cornmeal cake (Brazil), peanut butter kisses (EUA), sweet rice and red bean cakes (China), ‘Far Breton’ (France), candy floss from Iran, Pashmak, ‘Börek’ with spinach and feta cheese (Turkey) and ‘baklava’ (Egypt). In amongst the international delicacies there were also Portuguese goodies to be found that included typical smoked sausages from Miranda do Douro, honey cake from Madeira, cod fritters, sweets from Régua, pão de ló cake from Ovar, aletria sweet noodles, meat bread and finally, traditional Portuguese Christmas cake (Bolo-rei) all served with chilled sparkling wine.  

The turnout was far better than expected, as was the number of “chefs” that were all packed into the Auditorium on the day. With a few pushes and shoves everyone had the opportunity to taste the delicacies prepared by our chefs. It was a real pleasure for the INESC TEC community to enjoy this special occasion and promote interaction within the institution. We would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year and to those who shared their recipes with us, obrigado, thank you, merci, danke, شما تشکر از , शुक्रिया, teşekkür ederim, شكرا, xie xie!

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