Name

Shannon Bennett

Restaurant

Vue de monde, Café Vue and Bistro Vue, Melbourne and Vue by Shannon Bennett, Muscat, Oman

Life is about eating, exploring and travelling, and A Taste of Harmony opens up that door to you without having to leave home.

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What is your cultural background?

When I was growing up I used to get a lot of stick for being Irish. But now I am proud of it, particularly because the Irish are very proud of their food culture – especially when it comes to Black Pudding, Irish stews and soda bread.

Does food help people from other cultures understand each other better?

Food breaks down barriers absolutely any issue when it comes to cultural diversity. Food is very different in all different cultures, but at the same time it unites because everyone can relate to it.

How have your travels and career impacted on your perspective on cultural diversity?

Having a restaurant in the Middle East, in Oman, has been eye-opening because the country has got a very different culture from what I’ve experienced. But I love the country as the people are so hospitable and always want to feed you, and I love the stories that are told from their food.

As an employer, how do your restaurants embrace cultural diversity?

In Oman, we employ at least 40 per cent locals and train them, which is hard work but at the same time it’s really rewarding to see them learn a new skill. Staff from Australia who have visited or worked there come back with some amazing stories of how different Oman is and it has an influence on what we do in all our restaurants.

Why should Australians get involved in A Taste of Harmony?

Life is about eating, exploring and travelling, and A Taste of Harmony opens up that door to you without having to leave home.