You’ve heard the phrase that goes something along the lines of “food brings people together”, right?

Hopefully you have. In this field of food reviews, I’ve heard the phrase many times and I love it. I don’t love it because of it’s simplistic notions. It’s not to say that plates, bowls, and utensils send out invitations inviting you over to dinner with those you like. But if they could I would RSVP ‘Yes’. Instead, I value the phrase because in its profound detail it expresses the ways where we join others at tables over appetizers and entrees for the camaraderie. For the moments to catch up with someone, to share stories with another, and to be in the company of those we yearn to be near. Those instances are ones we cherish and look forward to whenever we get the chance. Just as beautiful as those times are, there is a time where it’s even better. On the days and nights where a restaurant is full of familiar faces and a few we have yet to know, when the purpose of the gathering is to bring awareness to a social movement then the food tastes just a bit better.

I was lucky enough to have such an evening.

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I sat inside of Spread Mediterranean Kitchen in Downtown Los Angeles for the New Arrival Supper Club hosted by Miry’s List. Miry’s List is an organization that provides direct assistance to refugees upon arrival to a new country. They offer housing and integration into community activities, but one of their unique services to new arrivals is Wish List creation. With this, the organization encourages new arrival families to design lists curated of items that will make their transition as smooth as possible. Whether they’re looking for rugs, furniture, cookware, or one of the many items you and I have in our homes which we often take for granted, the families can ask for the things that will make their new place feel like a new home.

I learned about all of this during the supper club event.

The evening within the dimly lit restaurant opened to a dinner of courses that gave us the chance to commune family style with others–strangers is a better fitting word. Although the location was familiar, those around us were not and it became a chance for us to open dialogue with those who wouldn’t remain strangers for long. As the wine poured and the plates were passed we had minutes where we could reach over one another and share. There’s no amount of Vegetable Samosas, Humus and Pita, or Harissa Braised Short Ribs, that could make the change the new arrivals are feeling easy. But knowing they are doing it in a room of supportive strangers, better yet: cheerleaders, might make it a tad better.

And I think that’s what Miry’s List is working to do.

While the dinners are fundraising events, they’re tacitly nights were those who are entering a new chapter in their lives can interact with smiling faces and welcoming arms. I could go on and on about how great the food was on the evening I dined at the supper club, but it was honestly overshadowed by the beautiful efforts of the organization. The plates were forgotten about as soon as the family in focus stood up to tell their story. Nothing could be as memorable as seeing a family – father, wife, and kids – be enveloped by the universal language of love. That in and of itself made me eternally grateful to be a part of this night. To see such work first hand and to see them get another chance at a future was incredible and will be an experience I can easily get behind.

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