Meet the Graduates

Sharon Giraud, BA, MBA is a Canadian currently living in Penang, Malaysia. She has lived in France, Germany, Malta, Canada, and Bermuda. She has travelled widely as a single person and approaches world cultures with a passionate curiosity.

Professionally, she worked in legal services for over 30 years with an expertise in evidence management. During her career Sharon presented to audiences across Canada, the US and Bermuda and has led workshops in Thailand, Australia and Dubai as a consultant.

As an intrepid adventurer, Sharon has a passion for food and travel. With 66 countries stamped on her passport, Sharon finds her smattering of French, Maltese, and Spanish has helped her to develop a unique understanding of world cultures in her extensive travels. She is currently learning Argentine Tango when she is not on the golf course.

• How Culture influences Cuisine historically to present day
• The food and drink and the people who enjoy(ed) it
• Traditions and Customs from the region
• Adventurous eating with curious stories

1. Oodles of Noodles – From Mee to Spaghetti
Noodles make their way on to our plates almost daily, with many interesting shapes and tastes. Noodles are a base foundation that convey luscious sauces and flavours that tickle our palettes. Join me as we follow the journey of the humble yet mighty noodle and see how this simple food became a worldwide staple.

2. Feast of Feasts – The most expensive meal in the world.
Ever wonder how these amazing chefs come up with the most luxurious and ostentatious meals? From black truffles to wagyu beef to fold leaf and gems – what makes up an incredible meal? Find out what the most expensive meal in the world is and what let up to its creation!

3. Food Stalls, Stands and Trucks – Takeaway tidbits.
We discover how roadside cooks from the Ancient Greeks and Romans to today have influenced what we eat and where we eat – reimagining fast food from around the world.

4. Dangerous Dining – Deadly bites
From Adam and Eve to present day, find out about the dark side of dining, nefarious uses of ingredients, and the precautions taken by famous and infamous characters in history.

5. Bread, Wine and Salt
Bread, wine and salt hold a significant place in various cultures and historical events. The Last Supper, the French Revolution, the Bread Riots, the Salt March are but a few instances where the most basic of foods were fought and died over throughout history.

6. Diets of Heroes and Heroines
From the Vikings to the Gladiators, from Genghis Khan to Napoleon and all the great explorers– what sustained these heroes and heroines to accomplish great deeds over long distances?

7. The Spice is Right
The history of spice trade dates back to ancient times, with the Middle East and Asian regions serving as a major hub for the trade of spices such as cumin, coriander, and cardamom. We are going to trace the history of spice trade from the Middle East and its impact on local cuisines, including the use of traditional spices and ingredients.