Lewis to dish up cuisine from around the world

Traveling around the world has never been easier or so inexpensive.

You can stop by the Lewis University's International Food Fair 2009 today to sample the cuisine of 24 different countries while enjoying the music of The Inti Raymi Band (Festival of the Sun), which will play South American folk music.

The school's International Student Union is sponsoring the event. The entire fair, including the food, is free, but donations will be accepted. Proceeds will benefit the De LaSalle University's efforts to clean up after the flood in the Philippines.

"It's a free opportunity to learn about a different culture," said Andre Siffert, international recruitment and student services counselor. "You just pretty much grab a plate, go see what you want to eat and try it."

Siffert said past events have attracted 300 to 400 people and he anticipates the same this year. Donation amounts vary because the students never set a monetary goal.

"We don't want to pressure people," Siffert said. "We make it free because we want people to come. If they want, they can donate to the cause."

Local restaurants and Sodexo, Lewis University's campus food provider, will prepare the dishes. Faculty, staff and students alike will wear the traditional clothing from the country they represent. The represented countries all have students that currently attend Lewis University.