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
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!
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 Michael Loughlin
Philadelphia LOVES Italian restaurants and is full of ’em, yet Scarpetta Philadelphia has carved out its place amongst the greats. The modern Italian restaurant dedicated to creating bold flavors by amplifying the essence of seasonal ingredients is helmed by Chef Michael Loughlin. Let’s get to know the FEASTIVAL participating chef a bit better!
The Dish with Coach Kearse Part 2

Photo courtesy of Audrey Claire COOK
We continue our conversation with Chris Kearse, the owner-chef of Will BYOB and Forsythia, an Old City restaurant serving “modern French cuisine with classic undertones” opening this August (The Philadelphia Inquirer).
The Dish with Jezabel Careaga and Gabriel Machado

Jezabel Careaga at FEASTIVAL Patron Party 2016; Photo by Max Grudzinski
Jezabel Careaga brings the rich flavors and traditions of her northwest Argentinian home to West Philadelphia. Drawing on memories from her childhood for inspiration, Jezabel is building an empire that includes her Café, Jezabel’s Café; her boutique/tea house/demonstration kitchen, Jezabel’s Studio; cooking classes, and dinner series. Sabrina Carter from FEASTIVAL had the opportunity to join the chef, furniture maker, and owner of Jezabel’s Café and Jezabel’s Studio and her friend and colleague, Gabriel Machado for lunch to discuss her journey.
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