‘Discover America’ to give Oman residents better opportunity to know more about US cuisines

When it comes to food and dining, what do you know about America? We asked a few people recently on the streets and it wasn’t surprising that they automatically associated America with McDonalds and some other fastfood outlets. While the association is hard to change, there is something more to what the US has to offer food-wise and this has been central theme of the Discover America Festival designed by the Oman American Business Center (OABC) in partnership with the US Embassy.Other than highlighting the strong economic relationship between the US and Oman, the festival put into the spotlight the many regional cuisines of the United States. Now in its fourth year and with over 150 OABC member companies participating, residents of the Sultanate will be treated to events such as Big American Brunch, “Taste of the American South”, and even an evening BBQ event with a movie showing on the beach. At the festival’s press launch held October 2 at the Hormuz Grand Hotel, Rebecca Olson, Executive Director of OABC, excitedly shared that the event is the perfect opportunity for people to know things they haven’t known before. As she also shared in a press release, “Many people don’t realize the variety of cuisines available in the US — we’re proud to help OABC’s member hotels highlight everything from Tex-Mex to Cajun foods this month, and hope the Oman public will come taste the many flavors and delicacies presented. Sometimes it’s nice to try something totally different.” She added, “We’re also proud to support events featuring what some say the US does best — USDA steaks and Angus burgers at outside BBQ events. With the weather changing, now is a great time to treat the family to a nice meal and experience the culture and cuisine of the USA in Oman.” “The official launch reception of the Discover America Festival 2018 will be on October 8 at the Hormuz Grand Hotel. The OABC will host this event for member companies, festival partners, and other VIPs, with special guest US Ambassador Sievers. Lincoln is the official sponsor of the event, with Oman United Agencies (OUA) and Lulu Hypermarket providing a selection of US products for the evening,” as per the organisation’s press release. For details about the event, people can visit oabc.org/discoveramerica. You can also follow their socialmedia (@oabcoman #discoveramericaoman) for events, discounts and other initiatives and promotions. YERU EBUEN & TITASH CHAKRABORTY