Make America Dinner Again: Eat, Drink, and Be Civil
A family-style meal served at communal tables with a facilitated discussion in partnership with Make America Dinner Again. Wine and beer available for purchase, though guests may BYOB (wine and beer only).
Curious to hear from someone outside your circle? Looking for a space to share your point of view without being judged? As we approach the midterm elections, many of us will be reflecting on the political climate, some of us still wondering how anyone could have voted the other way.
Make America Dinner Again and 18 Reasons are teaming up to host a dinner and a facilitated discussion where guests of all beliefs and backgrounds will have the opportunity to meet their neighbors, hear from each other, and begin to build understanding.
Come with an open mind, an empty stomach, and an extra helping of patience. We can’t promise the conversation will be convivial or easy, but we hope you leave the dining room feeling more connected to the political diversity of the Bay Area.
Additional Notes:
After purchasing your ticket, please fill out a quick form by clicking here. By filling out the form, you are helping us to ensure a balance of perspectives and a more nuanced and relevant discussion – thank you!
To create an inclusive environment, we are offering discounted tickets for guests with limited resources. Please fill out this (click here) Google form to be considered. You will be contacted by e-mail if we are able to offer you financial aid. If you would like to sponsor a ticket, please contact theresa@18reasons.org.
MENU by Chef Mike Weller
To Start: Hot Air
Corn and Gruyere Souffle with Tomato Bruschetta (Contains: gluten, egg)
Main: Spicy Words – Black and White
Farro, Queso, and Bean Filled Poblano Chili on Mole Negro and Crema Sauces (Contains: dairy, wheat)
Dessert: A Bipartisan Sweet Ending
Ube Sweet Potato Pie, Coconut Almond Crust, Rosemary Grape Sorbet (Contains: nuts)
*Dinner is served family-style. If you have any allergies, please give us advanced notice by e-mailing info@18reasons.org. We are able accommodate many restrictions if given several days notice.
Make America Dinner Again brings together people of contrasting political perspectives to build understanding. Through guided activities and respectful conversation, citizens with differing viewpoints aim not to change one another, but to grow by sharing their stories and learning from one another. There are many avenues to protest, to donate, to fight, to be heard; Make America Dinner Again is an avenue to listen. Created a day after the 2016 election, MADA was an idea borne from Justine Lee and Tria Chang, two friends and San Francisco residents who felt disheartened by the deepening divides in our country. Since then, MADA has organized more than 25 dinners in a dozen cities with chapters in San Francisco, Denver, Seattle, Washington, D.C., and New York.
Born in the Haight Ashbury neighborhood of San Francisco, Mike Weller grew up in suburbs of San Jose, where he discovered cooking as his first profession and lifetime passion. After wandering through typical teenage jobs at pizza joints and ice cream parlors, Mike’s first “restaurant” job was with Sambo’s Coffee Shops, slinging hash and cooking eggs for the bar rush and Sunday breakfast crowds. He moved on to help open several restaurants, attend the California Culinary Academy, and study under European chefs with Michelin backgrounds. Later, Mike served as an executive chef for catering companies, wineries and country clubs. When his son was born, Mike transitioned his career into teaching, returning to the CCA where he eventually became the Executive Chef and Director of Academics. Having taught for Le Cordon Bleu North America in both online and brick and mortar schools, Mike is thrilled to return to teaching in a neighborhood-based community. When he is not teaching he tends to his backyard garden, helps his wife to can and preserve food, and loves to cook for his friends and family.
