“When money loses its value,
the goodwill and kindness we extend
to each other will emerge as the ultimate
and most sustainable currency of exchange.”

Shanaka is often hailed as a modern-day revolutionary in his advocating of his unique perspectives on business and on life, which have led to the founding of the Lentil As Anything community restaurants.

Entrancingly honest and refreshingly candid, Shanaka’s memoir hints at the roots of his early social awakening with tales of a 1970s childhood in Sri Lanka. From his upbringing within an eccentric extended family living in a residential compound populated with a throng of memorable characters, we accompany Shanaka on his travels from Australia to Asia to South America and back as he explores new ways of living his life.

Shanaka’s example of what can be achieved based on an inclusive ‘people-first’ philosophy will inspire, challenge and provoke insights and questions that are undeniably worthy of attention.

“Fernando is one of those rare pioneers who are prepared to live by their convictions, flaunt social convention and challenge the status quo. The story of his lifelong quest for meaning – and the ‘experiment in generosity’ that became Lentil as Anything – is inspiring and challenging in equal measure. Few autobiographies are likely to evoke the senses and soul quite as much as Fernando’s tale of global travel, self-exploration and cultural innovation”

- Dr Wayne Visser, Director of Kaleidoscope Futures and author of “The Quest for Sustainable Business” and “The Age of Responsibility”

Help us spread the Lentil message by printing more books:

Support Shanaka Fernando and Greg Hill in their

Lentil As Anything: Everybody deserves a place at the table CROWDFUNDING project on www.indiegogo.com/lentilbook

For updates www.facebook.com/lentilbook & www.youtube.com/lentilbook

Winner Australia 

Lentil as Anything: Food, Culture, Community is a beautiful, hard-cover book celebrating food, stories, and the cultural diversity of the Lentil as Anything community—with profiles of key chefs at the Lentil as Anything restaurants and their favourite, mouth-watering recipes, interviews with staff members and friends of Lentil as Anything, as well as writings from highly esteemed Australian authors Arnold Zable, Alice Pung, and Tara June Winch.

Through the lives, struggles, and triumphs of many wonderful people, Lentil as Anything: Food, Culture, Community captures the essence of community in a unique cultural and culinary work of exceptional depth and beauty. The stories and images provide an intimate snapshot of an extraordinary organisation that has helped shape our cultural identity for more than a decade and that continues to do so today.

All publisher profit from sales of the book goes to Lentil as Anything and its many community projects, helping Lentil as Anything to continue its pay-as-you-feel philosophy, based on trust, respect, kindness, and generosity.

You can order the book directly through www.ilurapress.com or pick it up at any of the Lentil as Anything restaurants at the price of $54.00. 

Lentil as Anything took Mr NGom on as a volunteer not long after his arrival in Australia. He quickly became a cultural ambassador and mentor for many of Lentil’s volunteers and staff, who range from the socially marginalised, newly arrived migrants, refugees (some straight out of detention centres), and in particular young Sudanese and Ethiopian men and women.

Mr NGom was promoted into the role of Restaurant Manager at the new Lentil as Anything restaurant in Footscray in 2009. The Footscray restaurant is a rare place that combines a neighbourhood and community focus with hospitality and great food with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Through Mr NGom’s commitment and hard work, it has become a place that recognises and celebrates cultural diversity. His ability to embrace community and cultural imperatives is making a significant impact on the surrounding community as well as with his diverse staff.

Mr NGom is an excellent example of the difference one person can make to the lives of many. His leadership qualities and willingness to donate his time and skills make him an inspiration to us all.

Source: www.multicultural.vic.gov.au