Nana Bernadette’s Kitchen

Celebrating heritage and community

By Sarah Kittle

In the heart of West Bloomfield, a new culinary space is bridging generations, cultures, and flavors. Nana Bernadette’s Kitchen, a demonstration kitchen at the Chaldean Community Foundation West, stands as a tribute to the late Bernadette Sarafa, mother of Anmar and Haithem Sarafa, prominent community leaders and philanthropists.

Nana Bernadette Sarafa was known for her unwavering commitment to family, faith, and community. Her kitchen was a gathering place where stories were shared, traditions were passed down, and the rich tapestry of Chaldean culture was preserved through food. Her legacy lives on in this space, which not only honors her memory but also serves as a hub for cultural exchange and culinary education.

A Culinary Bridge to Chaldean Heritage
The Chaldean Community Foundation West, a $20 million facility, is dedicated to preserving and sharing Chaldean culture. The center will house various programs to enrich, education and inspire the community. Nana Bernadette’s Kitchen plays a pivotal role in this mission by offering cooking classes, demonstrations, and community meals that showcase traditional Chaldean cuisine.

More than just a cooking space, Nana Bernadette’s Kitchen is a place where individuals of all backgrounds can come together to learn, share, and celebrate. The kitchen will host a variety of programs, from hands-on cooking classes to cultural events, all aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of Chaldean traditions and the role of food in community building.

For Anmar and Haithem, naming the kitchen after their mother was a way to honor her life and the values she instilled in them. A mother’s kitchen is where family stories are told, their traditions are upheld, and where love is expressed through food. Naming this space in her honor ensures that her legacy continues to nourish both body and soul. “We hope Nana Bernadette’s Kitchen helps teach and continue the Chaldean traditions our family grew up with; focusing on faith, family, food, fellowship and fun,” shared Haithem.

As the Chaldean Community Foundation West continues to grow, Nana Bernadette’s Kitchen will remain a cornerstone of its efforts to preserve and share Chaldean culture. Through its programs, the kitchen not only honors the past but also builds a bridge to the future, ensuring that the rich culinary traditions of the Chaldean community are passed down to generations to come.

For those interested in experiencing the flavors and stories of Chaldean cuisine, Nana Bernadette’s Kitchen offers a welcoming space to learn, share, and connect. It stands as a testament to a mother’s love and the enduring power of food to bring people together.