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In unprecedented times, with hospitality professionals around the world impacted by the pandemic, Chef Massimo Bottura, Lara Gilmore, Leiti Hsu, Alex Menache and other industry leaders and doers launched the first World’s Biggest Family Meal (WBFM) in collaboration with Food for Soul (FFS) on Monday, March 16th, 2021.
This international movement, kicked off with a virtual event that reimagined the ritual of the “family meal,” by providing much-needed mental, social, financial and other material, actionable support to restaurants and our communities.
WHY: To make mental health part of everyday conversation while serving nourishing meals that restore a sense of belonging for those in need. The coalition of chefs and influencers reinvented a new “temperature check”, instead of a thermometer to the forehead, how about checking in like you mean it: “How are you—no, how are you really?”
WHO: They pulled together some of the world’s leading chefs and restaurant folks (plus regulars, friends and fans):They were invited to a global “family meal,” that moment in the daily rhythm of a restaurant when the staff is taken care of before they take care of diners. They gathered more than 1,000 guests—virtually—to sit together for a family meal-inspired event about connection, intimacy and fun at a serious time when many are experiencing isolation, uncertainty and despair.
The event was for anyone who has ever felt joy from the food, the company, or the experience of a meal out and about or cooked for you by a loved one.
WHERE: Virtually (and globally) via Zoom video-conference link
FEATURED INFLUENCERS: Host Leiti Hsu, guests of honor Massimo Bottura & Lara Gilmore, music chair Matt “FX” Feldman, Greg & Darin Bresnitz of Snacky Tunes, DJ Hotel Garuda, spoken word artist Propaganda.
WHAT HAPPENED: A virtual gathering of connection, flavors and surprises (of the good sort) during these toughest of times. Through stories told in solidarity, intimate breakout sessions, culinary demos and live music, the industry was celebrated by our craft and frontline heroes, followed by a good, old-fashioned (virtual) dance party.
No matter who or where people physically were, ALL were welcome to the virtual meal.
To make a donation drop Leiti and Alex a note at worldsbiggestfamilymeal@gmail.com,.
At the event, actionable tools and resources were shared, spaces and places online and in-real-life, to continue to nourish mental wellness, access community meals (and conversations), develop skills and discover hospitality career opportunities—or even volunteer your time.
World’s Biggest Family Meal is part of the ongoing movement to #SaveRestaurants, in collaboration with Lara Gilmore & Massimo Bottura’s Food for Soul.
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Release ID: 89000988