April 2008 (Vientiane, Laos)

Neal Bermas, Ph.D., founder and president of STREETS INTERNATIONAL, was recently welcomed in Vientiane, Laos by Ambassador Vang Rattanavong, a Vice Chairman of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, (pictured to the right), to discuss the STREETS project.

Ambassador Rattanavong was pleased to learn about the project's planned initiatives for SE Asia. Tourism is rapidly growing in Laos and considerable government effort is being expanded to further develop the country's infrastructure to serve this important sector.

Bermas said, "I was taken not only with the Ambassador's perceptive observations and instructive ideas but also by his gracious warmth. Our meeting concluded with the Ambassador extending an official welcome and invitation to STREETS to come to Laos with our planned project." Discussions between STREETS INTERNATIONAL and the Laotian government will continue.

June 2007 (New York, NY)

On June 28th, 2007, The Launch Party - Friend & Fund Raiser was held at the Institute for Culinary Education (ICE) in Manhattan. The event was a tremendous success, surpassing attendance and fundraising goals. Everyone enjoyed the gourmet fare: award-winning guacamole with signature pomegranate margaritas from Rosa Mexicano's; barbecue, beer and mouth-watering desserts from Danny Meyer's Blue Smoke; and cocktails by Dumante Liqueur.

Among the over 100 guests were notable New York chefs and restaurateurs, members of the press and many culinary professionals.

One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the Dumante Recipe Contest awards, that went to Trevor Hardwick for his Foie Gras with Verdenoce Sauce, Candied Pistachios, and Grilled Figs, Melissa Gorris for her Caramel Pistachio Tiramisu with Dumante Verdenoce Liqueur.

Another highlight of the event was the silent auction, with over thirty items. It included dinners, gift baskets, a day with a personal chef, a variety of culinary walking tours and much more. The participation was heavy and required us to extend the bidding time to allow everyone to complete their bids.

We would like to thank our sponsors, contributors and volunteers for making this event a huge success.

We look forward to seeing everyone at our next event. If you would like to be notified of our upcoming events and news, sign up to on the top right to receive our mailings.