Cooks’ Night Out

“Cooks’ Night Out” was started when the Green Light Rail was under construction along University Avenue where many immigrant owned restaurants are located. The construction disrupted the traffic, parking, and entrances to their establishments. Many restaurants struggled to stay open, and some closed their doors due to poor business. We decided to to take a break from cooking and go have dinner together, and began to patronize a restaurant every month. We visited most of the restaurants along University. We have also supported restaurants in our St. Matthew’s neighborhood and along Snelling Avenue, and further afield. We not only enjoy a delicious meal together but are able to connect with the community. One Cambodian restaurant owner broke into tears when a big group of us showed up for dinner one night. It was a heartening display of gratitude.

We meet every third Thursday of the month and announce the event in Tidings and on our website at stmatthewsmn.org/events/cooks-night-out. This is a social activity where you give and at the same time receive and learn the various ethnic foods of our community. All are welcome to join any of our gatherings! (Photo from I Love Pad Thai in Little Canada, 2023)