Inspired by the culinary diversity and culture of the shops around the world which offer a wide variety of different and multicultural dishes Help Yourself (food event) gives the opportunity to every citizen of Plovdiv and guest of the city to get closer to their richness.
Many variations of this neighbourhood shop exist around the globe. Whether called bodega (Spain), épiceries (France) or an off-license (England, Ireland, New Zealand) each of these convenience stores is a unique vessel shaped by the local demographics, cityscape and culture. The team will utilise this truly globally recognised and yet locally influenced format.
By its nature Help Yourself is shaped by the identities of the chefs and designers that bring the project to life in combination with the temporary microcosm of One Design Week in Plovdiv. The store will offer delicious food produce to pick from alongside other curiosities that tell the story of the ever more global nature of our culinary identities.
The core collective is broadly based in Europe with many influencers around the world. Alexander Taralezhkov (London) is a Hospitality designer, currently working with a global Thai restaurant brand. Bora Hong (Berlin) waives from her design and art studio, but often spends time in her native Korea, where her culinary passion is fuelled. Chef Jenny Phung, who graduated from London College of Communications with a degree in Interactive and Moving Image, now curates and executes supper clubs around Britain inspired by the Chinese cuisine of her father’s restaurant. During her studies she met Florance Creffield, who apart from cooking at the community vegan and vegetarian café Bonnington is also half of the video production company Aperio films. The Plovdiv native Chef Petko Sharankov (London) , currently head chef of the popular burger joint Honest burgers, also consults on the project.
The food event is supported by Lidl Bulgaria that inspired the curators with their diversity of multicultural products which they offer. The aim of the event is to present food as a connection to and between different cultures, communities and people.