Resources to Support and Educate
FEASTIVAL is known for celebrating the artistic and culinary scenes in Philadelphia’s massive cultural melting pot, therefore we want to use our platform to honor the diverse voices in Philadelphia that represent the culinary scene and highlight the work they do. Sharing resources with the community is something that has become widely important at this time, and we want to join the conversations. Below is a list of organizations, businesses, and resources to continue learning about the Philadelphia culinary world, and the impact race has on dining in America.
Black Lives Matter.
Black Lives Matter. FEASTIVAL stands in solidarity with our beneficiary FringeArts and protesters demanding justice for George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and countless others.
We encourage those who can to donate to organizations supporting the families and communities impacted by injustice and inequality such as those below as well as support the Black-owned establishments here in Philadelphia. Katika’s list of 100 Black-owned restaurants can be found here.
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Philadelphia stands with cities across the country to demand justice for George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and the countless Black people subjected to the racist failures of our law enforcement system. FringeArts condemns injustice at any level and stands in solidarity with the protesters in demanding that Black Lives Matter in the eyes of all Americans and our criminal justice system.
We encourage those who can to donate to organizations supporting protesters and the families and communities affected by these devastating losses. A few places to start: Black Lives Matter Philly, Philly Community Bailout, Reclaim Philadelphia, the Youth Art and Self Empowerment Project, The Black Visions Collective, Broad Street Ministry.
To the Black and Brown members of our community and beyond, we are devastated by the immense loss and pain that you continue to shoulder. The murders of your loved ones. The institutionalized racism that you contend with on a daily basis. We are grieving with you.
Our country has a long way to go until equality is realized regardless of race, nationality, sex, gender, sexual orientation, and religion. Similarly, FringeArts has a lot of work to do. We recognize our platform as a privilege and are committed to actively improve and fight systemic racism within our organization and on a local and national level. And we are committed to actively show up and report about our efforts.
#BlackLivesMatter
6.2.2020
Kiki Aranita’s Miso Butterfish
This is a hugely popular dish in Hawaii and it is found at many local-style Japanese restaurants, both high-end and casual. Here on the mainland, you’ll have to ask your fishmonger for black cod. This recipe yields enough marinade for 2 – 2.5lbs of fish (4 – 6 fillets).
— Kiki Aranita, Poi Dog
While We Wait: What to Check Out this Weekend
We are getting our culinary fix as more and more of Philly’s restaurant community reopen their doors with takeout and delivery services. Over this weekend’s takeout dinners, check out a few of our favorite food-related shows, movies, podcasts, and more. Then let us know what you’re digging into on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter @FEASTIVAL!
We’re in this Together
UPDATED: 5/6/2020
Over the last ten years, everyone here at Team FEASTIVAL has admired the resilience and solidarity of Philadelphia’s culinary community. Navigating the recent days and weeks has been a challenge for many across the city, and our small businesses, restaurants, and bars have been hit hard. We are asking ourselves “How do we best support our friends and colleagues who work in and love our restaurants during this time?”
Where to Eat and How to Support Your Favorite Restaurants
Take a look at what past FEASTIVAL partners are offering during this COVID-19 epidemic. We’re updating it regularly, so check back often.
While We Wait: A Roundup of FEASTIVAL’s Favorite Food Shows, Podcasts, and More
The COVID-19 outbreak may have upended our regular routines, but our love for Philly’s food scene is impossible to shake. To get you through, here are a few of FEASTIVAL’s favorite food-related shows, movies, podcasts, and books to enjoy over this weekend’s take-out dinners.
The Dish with Chalie Schmidt (OIC)

Photo courtesy of Audrey Claire COOK
In addition to the outstanding restaurants and bars we work with each year, FEASTIVAL partners with a number of extraordinary institutions working day-in and day-out to create a better city for Philadelphians to live and work in.
Philadelphia Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC), Inc was founded by the late Civil Rights leader Reverend Leon Sullivan, in response to the lack of employment opportunities and job-training programs in African American and low-income communities. Over fifty years later, Philadelphia OIC continues to open opportunities for all members of the Philadelphia community, helping people everywhere master the skills necessary to access good jobs and advance in their careers.
Lead by Chalie Schmidt, Philadelphia OIC’s chef instructor, the culinary training program is one of the organization’s hallmark offerings and has graduated more than 725 students over the last two decades. The graduates have gone on to work in prestigious Philadelphia restaurants past and present including the original Bookbinders, Osteria, Audrey Claire, and more.
Schmidt sat down with FEASTIVAL to tell us about his experience with Philadelphia OIC and as a culinary industry vet.
The Dish with John Rodriguez
We had the opportunity to chat with so many of the chefs behind FEASTIVAL participating restaurants, and now we’re sharing those interviews with you! Today we’re talking to John Rodriguez, the executive chef at Philly’s own Mexican cantina Mission Taqueria.
Recent Posts
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Mix it Up with Resa Mueller of R&D Cocktail Bar October 22, 2020
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Resources to Support and Educate June 24, 2020
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Black Lives Matter. June 2, 2020
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Kiki Aranita’s Miso Butterfish May 12, 2020
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While We Wait: What to Check Out this Weekend May 8, 2020