Workshops with Alice (mamanoaji)

Food has a way of bringing people together, and that’s exactly what happened at Vivistop during two delicious and joy-filled workshops led by Alice from Mamanoaji.

On February 23, we hosted our very first Dumpling Party, which also marked a special moment for Vivistop — it was our first workshop that included kids under 10 alongside their parents. The vibe was warm, fun, and hands-on. The counters were filled with ingredients, kitchen tools, and conversation as families and new friends learned how to mix fillings, fold dumplings with care, and make enough to enjoy and take home. Some came for the food, others came to try something new, but everyone left with full bellies and big smiles.

We were also lucky to have support from Gwyneth, Alice’s friend and content creator, who assisted during the dumpling workshop. Her thoughtful presence and extra hands helped the day feel even more welcoming and smooth, especially for our youngest participants and first-time cooks.

On March 1, Alice returned for the Roll Cake Workshop, guiding participants through the process of making a soft, fluffy roll cake completely from scratch. From whipping cream to carefully rolling sponge cake, the workshop focused on technique and personal touch. Each participant got to customize their cake with as much (or as little) strawberry and cream as they liked.

What made both workshops unforgettable wasn’t just the recipes, it was Alice’s presence. She led with calm, care, and joy, all while carrying her baby, teaching while pregnant, and having her oldest son join the dumpling workshop as a participant. It was a beautiful picture of real life, creativity, and community happening all at once.

Big mahalo to Alice for reminding us that food can nourish more than just our bodies. It can spark joy, build confidence, and bring people together one bite at a time.