Habiba Bennani “1001saveurs are heading to the gastronomic journeys”

1001saveurs is a cooking workshop, which opened its doors in 2010. Since then, the house has come a long way: organizes workshops, provides “team buildings” introduces children to unexpected flavors, etc. Entretien- balance with Habiba Bennani, promoter 1001saveurs. By Amel DJAIT

1001tunisie: The workshop 1001saveurs is a project launched in October 2010, how is it doing since then? How many workshops have you organized? How many participants  were involved there?
Habiba Bennani: 2010! I feel as it were yesterday, so I am always in the same spirit and enthusiasm. The cooking classes were on the rise. This is a huge daily work: Search for new ideas and new leaders, tests and tastings …
For numbers, the truth, I do not like! But let’s say hundreds of introductory workshops for adults, teens, children and “team building” were organized.

Who are your clients ?
Customer profiles 1001 flavors are very different: There are those who registered by curiosity and have become “addicted”. There’s also the insiders, eager for novelties and innovations. There are ‘Finally, the “first times”, those who discover the pleasure of cooking. You know, some children have asked their parents if they could come to the cooking workshop every day instead of going to school!

What is your assessment after 5 years of 1001saveurs?
If it were to be redone, I would re-launch the same project! I’m thrilled by watching and sharing unforgettable moments with people to prying eyes, broad smiles, to the astonishment expressions, exclamations, exchanges with the leaders, as I think back … “Hmm … “and reminds me of the silences when tasting…

How have you gone through the revolution?
I remember that the schedule of the workshops was modified, sometimes the same day, following the announcement of a curfew. We canceled the program some workshops following the attacks … The heart was not in it ! But we always put double overtime to not give in to the gloom and keep this “gourmet bubble” in “on” mode.

The 1001saveurs Workshop offers introductory courses in the culinary arts. What are the most original workshops you organized?
We are initiating the food styling, organize photo sessions and also develop recipes for brands of food products. Exotic cuisine workshops are very attractive and are usually full. Tunisian cuisine addressing local revenue also sold out. It has a return to Grandma’s dishes.

There are special talents that were discovered during your workshops? Have career changes been made by some participants as a result of workshops 1001saveurs?
Some people registered, or are on the list, without being very convinced. They have discovered a hidden gift and are then put in the kitchen. Small caterers projects hatched in 1001saveurs. Younger, were able to convince parents of the importance of a chef. Parents discussed with our leaders the prospects of this business, schools and opportunities to recommend …

1001saveurs organizes a garage sale. What is it about ? How many people do actually take part in it? How many transactions are made there? How many potential customers come from it?
The idea arises in arranging the dishes of the workshop! I wanted to change dishes or exchange! I told myself that this desire was to be shared by others. And that became the event dedicated to the dishes, utensils and kitchen livrex.
Throughout a weekend, the cooking workshop becomes Consignment. Items deposited are highlighted and assembled by theme … And it brought joy to everyone. The Garage Sale Gourmand is a success in which we record thirty custodians. 93% of the items offered are sold.

1001saveurs is a space for creation and relaxation that is unavoidable in the square. What is your agenda for 2017? What are your projects ?
Gourmet trips, as they combine my two passions; the discovery of new lands and tasting local cuisines. These are trips that we will discover authentic cuisine, visiting markets, cooking with chefs, settle in starred restaurants … And discover the “slow food” of each region. To date, the Spanish Basque country and Naples simmering …

What did you learn about people through your experiences? What has surprised you most about workshop participants in 1001 flavors?
In all the workshops of foreign cuisines, Tunisians always try to compare the newly discovered local equivalent to a dish! It never fails

Finally, what would be the craziest workshop to organize?
The most crazy project! Organize practical cooking lessons and “healthy” at the municipal markets in the neighborhoods!