Michael Reinhold

The neighbourhood center Bilgisaray (Turskish for “Information Palace”) is located in the middle of Kreuzberg, the heart of Berlin. It embodies diversity and contrast. Living, working, and culture are intertwined in this urban, lively neighbourhood. Many residents of this Kiez (district) have to contend with considerable economic difficulties. Unemployment and limited education contribute to the neighborhood’s poverty. A few passionate residents started a self-managed and self-financed neighbourhood kitchen in 2016. Every Tuesday a group of volunteers meets in the Kiezkantine to cook for people in need and spend a sociable evening together.

A group of friends and I decided to launch a solidarity cooking as a cap project and serve Gyoza to the community. It was fascinating to see how hand-rolling the dough together unified the diverse people of the neighbourhood. Cooking transcends language barriers. Social hierarchies can be overcome here. Everybody is welcomed and feels welcome.
In total, we were able to make over 500 dumplings for more than 60 people experiencing homelessness. It was a great pleasure to put on the TOY cap for a cause that matters, and we look forward to contributing even more delicious dishes in the future.

Thank you Michael. The way to a man's heart is through his stomach.

Much love and TOY Monique