An Arlington nonprofit is launching a new program that invites underserved local residents to enjoy a three-course meal planned by guest chefs.
Kitchen of Purpose (KOP) is repurposing its former cafe space at 918 S. Lincoln Street to host “Meals with Dignity,” a monthly three-course meal “prepared with love” by chefs from local restaurants and the bilingual culinary school’s students, CEO Brian MacNair told ARLnow.
About 10 people from the Arlington homeless shelter Bridges to Independence sat down to the program’s first dinner last night (Monday). Guests included Taneka Shoemaker, who enjoyed the restaurant-like atmosphere with her teenage daughter.
Over a plate of empanadas, Shoemaker told ARLnow she felt “blessed to be here.”
“I’m blessed that they invited me out, blessed for all the things that they’re doing for me and my daughter,” Shoemaker said. “It takes a village to raise a child. Just to get me out and experience a dinner like this with my daughter, it is amazing.”
MacNair said the new program is inspired by Refettorio, a model of food assistance founded by global nonprofit Food for Soul. The model prioritizes hospitality and recipients’ dignity.
“Our goal is to serve folks that normally don’t get a chance to come to a beautiful three-course meal and a beautiful, peaceful space,” MacNair said.
Last night’s menu, served by volunteer waitstaff, featured Latin American flavors from Taco Bamba Chef Victor Albisu, including Peruvian pollo saltado for the main course and pineapple-topped tres leches for dessert.
Albisu, who also founded food and health care nonprofit Smile on the World, is a longtime friend and collaborator of MacNair’s.
“Service is just as important as any other success differentiator in your life,” the chef told ARLnow. “You just can’t live without it. For me, it’s a staple in my life and my family’s life.”
Future guest chefs include the James Beard-nominated Erik Bruner-Yang, as well as Scott Drewno and Danny Lee from The Fried Rice Collective, a D.C. hospitality group.
MacNair came across the Refettorio concept during the 2016 Rio Olympics, when he assisted in a meal as the former executive director of World Central Kitchen.
“We cooked two nights in a row for 100 people,” MacNair said. “I was so inspired that it stuck in my mind, to be able to really serve a three-course delicious meal to folks who don’t get the opportunity.”
Meals with Dignity currently plans to host its dinners on the third Monday of each month. MacNair hopes to continue partnering with Bridges to Independence and extend invites to other nonprofits in the area.
“I would love it if it was every Monday,” MacNair said. “We’ll see how it goes. We want to set the stage, see what the responses are.”
People interested in volunteering can visit KOP’s website to learn more.
