Sharon Giraud, BA, MBA is a Canadian currently living in Penang, Malaysia. She has lived in France, Germany, Malta, Canada, and Bermuda. She has travelled widely as a single person and approaches world cultures with a passionate curiosity.

Professionally, she worked in legal services for over 30 years. During her career Sharon presented to audiences across Canada, the US and Bermuda and has led workshops in Thailand, Australia and Dubai as a consultant.

As an intrepid adventurer, Sharon has a passion for food and travel. With 68 countries stamped on her passport, Sharon finds her smattering of French, Maltese, and Spanish has helped her to develop a unique understanding of world cultures in her extensive travels. She is currently obsessed with pickleball and learning Argentine Tango when she is not on the golf course.

More video clips:
https://youtu.be/O0AHcIlXW3w
https://youtu.be/eXpVER1zWHY
https://youtu.be/B_rWxORhLX4

A Morsel of Food Culture - All presentations are adjusted to include specific regions within a global perspective.
Enjoy the mystery and deliciousness of the society and you will get a true taste of the people.

• How Culture influences Cuisine historically to present day
• The food and drink and the people who enjoy(ed) it
• Traditions and Customs from the region
• Adventurous eating with curious stories

1. Oodles of Noodles – From Mee to Spaghetti
Noodles make their way on to our plates almost daily, with many interesting shapes and tastes. Noodles are a base foundation that convey luscious sauces and flavours that tickle our palettes. Join me as we follow the journey of the humble yet mighty noodle and see how this simple food became a worldwide staple.

2. The Food Influence of Britain on Hong Kong
Hong Kong's Food culture is a captivating blend of Eastern and Western influences shaped by its colonial history. As a former British colony, this prolonged rule merged British culinary traditions with local flavours creating a unique gastronomic experience.

3. Eating China
Eating in China can be a mind-broadening and enjoyable cultural experience with plenty of surprises along the way. From noisy environments to dining etiquette, we will delve into the exotic dishes and with a flavour of what to expect.

4. Sip, Savour & Silk Road: Liquid Legends of China
In this enchanting labyrinth, we'll unravel the secrets of sippable delights along the ancient Silk Road. From chrysanthemum tea to osmanthus wine, each libation echoes centuries of culture and whispers tales of tradition. So raise your cups (preferably with both hands—it's polite) and let's embark on this liquid escapade!

5. Food Stalls, Stands and Trucks – Takeaway tidbits.
We discover how roadside cooks from Ancient China to the Ancient Greeks and Romans to today have influenced what we eat and where we eat – reimagining fast food from around the world.

6. Dangerous Dining – Deadly bites
From Adam and Eve to present day, find out about the dark side of dining, nefarious uses of ingredients, and the precautions taken by famous and infamous characters in history.

7. Bread, Wine and Salt
Bread, wine and salt hold a significant place in various cultures and historical events. The Last Supper, the French Revolution, the Bread Riots, the Salt March are but a few instances where the most basic of foods were fought and died over throughout history.

8. Feast of Feasts – The most expensive meal in the world.
Ever wonder how these amazing chefs come up with the most luxurious and ostentatious meals? From black truffles to wagyu beef to fold leaf and gems – what makes up an incredible meal? Find out what the most expensive meal in the world is and what led up to its creation!

9. Diets of Heroes and Heroines
From the Vikings to the Gladiators, from Genghis Khan to Napoleon and all the great explorers– what sustained these heroes and heroines to accomplish great deeds over long distances?

Talks focus on conveying a passionate curiosity about food and its effect on cultures and history around the world such that guests are excited about tasting or knowing about something new as they explore the world. I believe food connects each one of us on many levels.
Speaker on Viking, Virgin and P&O Cruises.

Virgin - April 17-24, 2024 - Cape Town to Barcelona
P&O - Mar 25 - 31, 2024 - Mauritius to Cape Town
Viking - Feb 28 - Mar 13, 2024 - Bali to Singapore
P&O - Mar 17 - 26, 2023 - Penang - Dubai

The following recent Cruise History has been recorded for this candidate.