Community Dinners

SOLD OUT Having used her home as both a boarding house for visiting international students and an event venue for her hobby of catering, Sinhá founder Jorgina Pereira decided to do something more. She recognized the lack of restaurants in her neighborhood and embarked on the conversion of her brownstone to a mixed used zoning…

Founded on the premise that art, culture, food, and beer would (and should) be enjoyed by the community, Marz was created as a platform for ongoing experimental collaboration. You’ll hear from the Marz team about how they combined their love of craft beer with their desire to make Chicago a better place to live, work,…

Founded in 1987, Marwen offers free visual arts education to young people from Chicago’s under-resourced neighborhoods. You’ll be awed by a stunning space and inspired by the young people and artists who have built a deep community at Marwen. Along with a tasty meal, you’ll be part of an artist-led experience that utilizes the tools…

It might pique your curiosity to know that Pearl’s Place has deep culinary ties with the Obama Foundation, but the restaurant’s history is even more interesting. Serving the Bronzeville community and Chicagoland for more than 30 years, owner Darrell Green hires and promotes members of the community. You’ll learn about how the artwork outside of…

SOLD OUT Inspiration Kitchens has a simple philosophy – “Dine Well. Do Good.” With a belief that delicious food can change lives, founder Lisa Nigro, a former Chicago police officer, began a business designed to help Chicago community members overcome homelessness and poverty. Over dinner, you’ll learn how the business model helps to increase self-sufficiency…

SOLD OUT Located in Pilsen’s dynamic Art District, DeColores is a Mexican restaurant celebrated for its award-winning Mole Pablono – made with a 20-ingredient recipe that is claimed by owners Sergio, Priscilla, and Soleil Reyes as top secret. When you’re not busy eating – and fixating on the tasty secret – you’ll enjoy an intimate…

Owner Kenny Johnson is a serial entrepreneur with a passion for public service. His four restaurants, including Bureau Bar, serve a community that generally doesn’t have a lot of options to frequent and patronize. The restaurants primarily employ Black and Brown people who traditionally have been locked out of this profession. In addition to a…