A group of Toronto chefs and food creators are collaborating to host a Mexican–Palestinian BBQ fundraiser for Gaza, a first of its kind in the city.
The event will be hosted on Nov. 16 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Paradise Grapevine, 218 Geary Ave., with 100 per cent of proceeds being used to support families in Gaza.
The event is being organized by several local chefs and food industry professionals, including food and drink content creator Aashim Aggarwal, Chef at Cascabel Barbecue Mariel Gonzalez, Barbecuer at Cascabel Barbecue Matt Bod, and Chef Elias Hashem.
Although the blend between Mexican and Palestinian dishes might be unfamiliar to some guests, Gonzalez – who brings her Mexican heritage to the event – says the two cuisines have a deeper connection than one may realize.
She says in the early 1900s, a large influx of immigrants from Palestine and Lebanon settled in places like Mexico City and Puebla.
“Immigrants started opening their own food businesses with Middle Eastern flavours… to cater to the Mexican palate, they started mixing in Mexican condiments, like salsas on their shawarmas,” Gonzalez said to Now Toronto.
Those attending the event will find a wide range of foods blending the two heritages, such as tacos árabe with shawarma-spiced, slow-cooked beef chuck; arayes tacos with spiced ground beef; and musakhan tacos with smoked sumac chicken.
A vegetarian menu is available and will include items such as a chip and dip of totopos with smoked nabulsi and muhammara.
Hashem, who brings his Palestinian heritage to the menu, says working with other chefs, especially for a good cause, is always deeply rewarding.
“We know that we’re donating the money directly to families in Gaza, directly to people who need it, directly to people who are doing work in their community to support their community,” he said.
While the event aims to raise funds, the organizers say food remains one of the most powerful ways to bring people together.
“Our food made sense for us,” Bod said. “If we want to raise money for a cause that we feel passionate about, this is just the, you know, the way that makes the most sense… it brings people together.”
And although the event is still only days away, Aggarwal says the response has been enormous, with messages and offers of help pouring in.
“There’s a lot of people that can’t make it that have asked if they can donate directly. There are people that are volunteering their time, their products, their food… to see the community come together, it’s been really amazing,” he said.
The event has been months in the making. Those unable to attend can donate funds directly online to support families in Gaza.
Aggarwal says he’s grateful the group has been able to use their platform and talents to build community and support, something they plan to continue, and encourages others to do the same.
“If we have these talents, let’s come together, let’s collaborate with others, and do something that is community-oriented with the gifts that we do have,” he said.
