Around the Table: Virtual Cooking with Rock Recovery and Immigrant Food

"Recovery means that instead of crying over a salad, my husband and I sit down to gleefully watching a cooking show together. We see a recipe that captivates us and decide to try our own hand at it... Then we sit and smile at each other as we devour the delicious fruits of our labor, hearts untinged by old fears and full only of joy and gratitude." - Teresa, Program Graduate

Gather around the (virtual) table with us and enjoy a fun night of cooking and community with popular DC restaurant, Immigrant Food! You and your friends will test your cooking skills while hearing powerful stories of how breaking bread in community has helped Rock Recovery program graduates experience healing and lasting freedom from eating disorders.

In this interactive virtual cooking event, Immigrant Food Kitchen Head and Venezuelan native, Mile Montezuma, along with Communications Director, Téa Ivanovic, will walk you through an authentic arepas cooking experience. Your kit includes all the ingredients needed to make two large arepas plus the fillings (one chicken, one vegetarian). All you need to provide is water!

Looking for a full Venezuelan experience? You can add a refreshing Venezuelan beer to your kit purchase (see tickets above).

Proceeds from the event will support Rock Recovery's clinical therapy programs and nationwide community support services, so that more people can get the life-saving care they need to break free from their eating disorder and enjoy more meals in community.

**Special delivery note: If you live within a 10 mile radius of the restaurant (1701 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington DC), your kits will be delivered by a Rock Recovery staff member or volunteer (minimum purchase of two kits required). All residents outside of this radius may pick up their kit directly from the restaurant or purchase Package #3, which includes access to the cooking demonstration, a list of ingredients to make the arepas and suggestions for your own custom filling.

Questions? Email our Director of Community Partnerships, Kristyn Soto, at kristyn@rockrecoveryed.org with any questions or concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How will I get my kit? - If you live within a 10 mile radius of the restaurant (1701 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington DC), your food will be delivered by a Rock Recovery staff member or volunteer. (Minimum purchase of two kits required.) All residents outside of this radius may pick up their kit from the restaurant or purchase Package #3, which includes access to the cooking demonstration, a list of ingredients to make the arepa and suggestions for your own custom filling.

After November 19th, you will only be able to purchase Package #3 (list of ingredients)

What are arepas? - An arepa is a pita-like bread made of out of ground maize dough. This cuisine is very popular in Venezuelan cuisine and can be filled with a variety of meats, cheeses and vegetables.

Is this dish gluten-free? - Yes, this is a gluten-free dish!

What ingredients are included in the vegetarian filling? - Black beans, plantains, tomatoes, spring mix, cilantro sauce and cotija cheese

Does one arepa consist of a full serving? - Simply put, it varies from person to person but one arepa may not be enough for a full meal. We suggest adding some fun sides to your dish like chips and guacamole or rice.

How do I join the event? - Check your email confirmation for a Zoom link to join.

About Our Partner: Immigrant Food is a buzzworthy, cause-casual advocacy restaurant that is a place to enjoy delicious fusion food and inspiration for community change. Its menu, created by award-winning chef Enrique Limardo, is inspired by the recipes immigrants have brought to America for centuries. Inside the restaurant (or virtually) customers can also engage with the restaurant's five local immigrant-service NGO partners by donating, signing up to volunteer, or engaging in immigration advocacy by joining marches, letter-signing campaigns or social events! Immigrant Food educates on immigration through its monthly digital magazine, The Think Table, and by hosting regular events held at the restaurant.

Special thanks to our event partners!