San Diego Restaurant Spotlight | Make Cafe
San Diego’s Make Cafe is a unique cafe with a beautiful mission, where you can try some exotic and delicious food.
Here, at Cucina Migrante, we’re always searching for meaningful ways to support local businesses, which includes highlighting local San Diego-based restaurants that align with our ethos. Whether that’s creating an intimate farm-to-fork dining experience, sourcing produce sustainably, or fueling local economy with impactful job opportunities, these are the types of altruistic practices we want to feature. Which is why today, we’re spotlighting Make Cafe --- an outdoor cafe in North Park run by Make Projects. In a nutshell, Make Cafe provides jobs and soft skill training to women refugees and immigrants. They learn to cook decadent global-inspired dishes while incorporating fresh seasonal produce grown in the community urban garden, adjacent to the cafe.
According to the San Diego Union Tribune, around 50 refugees from Somalia, South Sudan, Cambodia, Mexico, Vietnam and Syria participate. The jobs provided ignite inspiration to work in the food industry, while also promoting eating clean and fresh ingredients, straight from mother earth. As you know, this is a principle that the Cucina Migrante team lives and breathes by.
On Saturday Oct 2, 2021, we were able to experience Make Cafe’s vibrancy and indulge in their brunch offerings which highlights the seasonal veggies and herbs on rotation in the garden.
The wooden tables were enticingly situated on the covered patio, while a DJ played eclectic global beats, alongside a few local merchants sharing traditional Ethiopian trinkets and clothing. Meanwhile, Make Cafe hosted garden tours, educating guests on their sustainable gardening techniques. All of this was such a beautiful sight to take in.
Make Cafe always releases a weekly menu and in this case, we wanted to taste test a variety of their dishes on the Saturday brunch menu, served from 10am-2pm. Our dining experience started with delicious refreshments, including Vietnamese tea and a piping hot cafe au lait (freshly roasted coffee with steamed milk).
Next, we tried “East African Coconut Mandazi,” essentially African-style beignets made with rich coconut milk and fried till golden brown -- also dusted with a cloud of powdered sugar. They were warm, fluffy and heartwarming. The homemade white peach jam for dipping purposes was the cherry on top. We devoured these within seconds.
After delighting in this heavenly appetizer, we feasted our eyes on the grilled pandan cake, a verdant colored, spongy chiffon cake that is most prevalent in Southeast Asia. It exudes a mild vanilla flavor, which is quite scrumptious. As the title suggests, this cake was slightly grilled and topped with juicy white nectarines and plump raspberries from the garden -- the table voted this as a number one favorite.
Another flavorful shared plate we ordered was “Syrian Fatteh,” a vegetarian dish of crumbled, toasted pita topped with feta cheese, garden herbs and a creamy yogurt tahini sauce. This was a flavor explosion and the juxtaposition of textures was intentionally brilliant. Also fun fact - the word fatteh is Arabic for “crushed” or “crumbs” and is the name for all manner of riffs on a crumbled, toasted pita casserole. This was a perfect dish to enjoy alongside the sweeter options we selected.
Last but not least, we enjoyed Make Cafe’s locally grown Honeyloupe melon sprinkled with fresh mint. The melon’s intrinsic sweetness was underscored by the natural sweetness of the mint -- essentially a match made in foodie heaven. The staff also mentioned that we scored the last of the melon as it’s a summer/early Fall seasonal item. According to SpecialtyProduce.com Honeyloupe melons were developed for warm, dry climates and grow well in the San Joaquin and Sacramento Valley regions of California. They were conceptualized in the late 20th century by Frank W. Zink at the Agricultural Experiment Station at the University of California, Berkeley. A healthy Honeyloupe is pale to bright orange, embodying faint floral undertones. It’s a naturally sweeter treat that ended our dining experience on a very high note.
Overall, we were beyond pleased with our Make Cafe experience, from beginning to end. Not only did we consume four delectable dishes, but we were able to witness firsthand the profound impact Make Cafe is imprinting throughout our local community. If you live in San Diego, please give them a visit and support their heartfelt mission!
Visit/Contact Make Cafe:
Physical Address: 3745 30th Street, San Diego, CA 92104
Contact: 858-633-6852 / hello@sdmake.org
Grazie Mille,
Adisa & Francesco
Team Building Cooking Class in San Diego with Blueboard
In this blog we give you an inside glimpse of a Cucina Migrante team building cooking class.
Assembling a fluffy frittata while sipping a smooth glass of chardonnay is a sacred experience. But for one second, imagine rubbing shoulders in the kitchen with your closest colleagues and friends, simply playing-- ditching the conventional culinary rules and letting collective inspiration ensue. Here at Cucina Migrante, we not only create farm-to-fork dining experiences, but our mission is to fuel togetherness and camaraderie, imprinting unforgettable memories that warm the heart and soul on the most intimate level.
A different kind of way to reward employees
Now more than ever, humans all over the world are actively seeking this type of bonding experience with family, friends and colleagues. Especially companies with cross-collaborative teams that might be sitting behind a computer desk, feeling a sense of isolation and yearning for a way to connect with fellow peers. This is exactly how we crossed paths with Blueboard, a company pioneering experiential team rewards and reimagining employee recognition. They believe that rewarding employees with cash is completely out. We couldn’t agree more. Instead of gifting teammates with an impersonal gift card or monetary bonus, companies are getting creative-- thinking outside of the box. Gifting a transformational, team building experience forges those meaningful moments that employees wholeheartedly treasure and value at a much more profound level.
A unique team building experience
On Wednesday, July 28, 2021, the lively corporate team at Blueboard joined us for a third time to celebrate company-wide milestones and even a few team member birthdays! These guys are the epitome of experiential advocates-- after all, it’s the foundation of their company. The soiree started without missing a beat-- Chianti overflowed alongside cheese and prosciutto platters we served. Then the vivacious group of nineteen collaborated together on our patio under dainty string lights to cook freshly caught fish prepped with onions, Mediterranean olives and fragrant rosemary alongside a large pot of creamy risotto. You could just see the team synergy bolstering by the second-- not a minute went by without hearing a heartfelt laugh. One girl mentioned it was her first time in a whole year physically meeting her teammates that she “Slacks” everyday. This was a celebration for the books.
We asked the team why they keep coming back to Cucina Migrante and the response was direct and simple, “This is what we do-- these are the types of experiences we believe in.“ When companies go the extra mile to reward employees with experiential adventures, the instant value created is unsurpassable. Company/employee connections are changing rapidly-- it’s not just about putting in eight hours and cashing a paycheck. Employees want to feel a sense of closeness and genuine appreciation, beyond monetary means.
Team Building possibilities are endless with Cucina Migrante
Here at Cucina Migrante, team building possibilities are endless and customizable to fit the needs and personalities of your group. Looking for a rustic three-course meal with a variety of drinks? Check. How about a more hands-on cooking experience? Check. Does it end there? Absolutely not. Our customers can also choose from a variety of experiential “add-ons” including a homemade mozzarella bar, hosted by Mozzarella Concept. Owner Rodolfo Mercurio learned this delicate process in Naples, Italy and now showcases this incredible technique by request for our customers. Live jazz music, vinyl DJ spinning, certified sommeliers, mastered mixologists and interactive painting classes are just a few of the supplementary ‘extras’ for team building adventures. Our team here at Cucina Migrante is dedicated to creating a culinary extravaganza that will keep your employees and colleagues reminiscing for years to come.
Ready to plan your custom team building adventure? Looking to host your next corporate event? Get in touch with us so we can bring your vision to life! Email at info@cucinamigrante.com or call us at 619-414-0691 and we will get back to you as soon as possible!
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Top Five Reasons to Travel with a Local
Traveling with a local makes all the difference. In this blog post I share my experience traveling to Italy and Sicily with a local guide.
Cucina Migrante’s Cultural and Culinary Journeys are a once in a lifetime authentic experience.
…..because not all tours are created equal! ….
Everyone deserves one of those trips that takes your breath away and fills you with so much positive energy, creativity, gratitude and love that will sustain you for the whole year even if that is the only fun adventure you undertake! Our Cucina Migrante’s Journey to Italy was born from this experience and our desire to spread it to more wanderlust lovers for whom just a typical vacation is not that...hmmmm...satisfying!
My Cucina Migrante trip to Italy & Sicily
I visited south of Italy and Sicily for the first time last year and was lucky enough to have the best guide in the whole country! Everything from my accommodations to my food, places to visit and eat, places to party and hear great music, museums, churches, authentic restaurants, natural hot springs, exquisite spas and bathhouses, architectural monuments and world heritage sites, deserted towns and villages, natural wonders and volcanos, horseback riding, visiting private orange plantations, island hopping, opera visits...you name it!...was taken care of! I spent 5 weeks in paradise, worry free, not only because of where I was (everyone is aware of Italy’s beauty, fine cuisine and rich cultural history) but because of who I was with! Visiting a country with a knowledgeable local who devotes their time to you and making the best experience for you, is what made my trip extraordinary! Our guides’ love and knowledge of regional food and wine, architecture, art and history made it so much more than a typical tourist experience and it was a real treat to experience a country and culture in such an authentic way! It was a very balanced trip that was plenty of entertaining, relaxing and educational, all catered to my interests. Cucina Migrantes’ culinary and cultural journeys are mouthwatering delicious, full of education, fun, and custom catered adventures to fill your heart desires.
My Top Five Reasons to Travel with Cucina Migrante
Here are my top 5 reasons why traveling with Cucina Migrante is so AWESOME!
Hassle free, educational and FUN every step of the way!
Knowledgeable local guides that will show you all kinds of secret amazing places, cater tours to your interests and make sure you EAT well all the time!
Not your typical travel tour! Experience the country like a local!
Custom tours with positive, interesting and like-minded people.
Do your own thing! You still have plenty of time to yourself and to do your own thing.
Contact us to book your trip of a lifetime!
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Unique Cultural Dining Experience
Experience unique cultural dining with our themed pop up dinners that are a lot of fun, filled with delicious food and amazing international people.
Cucina Migrante Cultural Dining is so much more than your usual Supper Club experience!
So What is a Supper Club?
You may be wondering, what exactly is a supper club experience? What do they mean by cultural dining? With strangers? Where is this happening? Supper clubs are underground culinary and social gatherings, recently popularized in many cities across the globe, with origins during the prohibition era, where one can delight in delicious food and drinks, socialize and enjoy live entertainment in a novel environment. The notion to escape the ordinary have influenced and shaped the supper clubs of today as many seek an innovative and eccentric dining experience.
Cucina Migrante Pop Up Dinners
Cucina Migrante Cultural Dining nights are more than just your typical supper club experience! We create magical monthly gatherings focused on authentic and healthy food, international and diverse people, art and entertainment designed to evoke all your senses. Friends and strangers come together to enjoy delicious authentic Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, all prepared live by our Social Chef, Francesco Bonsinetto, from Sicily and guest chefs from around the world. With a different experience and theme every month, Cucina Migrante offers anything from intimate 10 course dinners for 12 in diverse environments, to large international gatherings for gourmet authentic pizza and food tasting nights. Dedicated to promoting arts and culture, Cucina Migrante often partners with entertainers, local artisans and craftsmen to create unique social events where we the only constant is delicious and authentic food!
Enjoy some photos from our Special Edition Holiday event Italian Christmas Extravaganza and Holiday Bazaar, where our Special Guest from Sicily LUCA VULLO performed his world-wide famous one-man show on gesticulations and migrations. Guests had a chance to experience and participate in an Italian Christmas tradition, “TOMBOLA”, and win amazing prizes, while eating a fabulous “panettone” with gelato and doing their last minute shopping with local businesses!
Contact us to find out about our next cultural dining adventure.
Chef Tips to Make Your Dinner Party a Success
Our chefs share tips on how to host an amazing dinner party everyone will love.
Hosting a dinner party can be a daunting task! We’ve prepared some insider tips, featuring advice from our own Personal Chef, on how you can have a stress free evening and enjoy a beautiful night with your guests and family. From selecting the food, to setting the dinner table and choosing your cocktails and playlist, we outlined all the necessities for you to host an amazing party your guests will remember!
Our Approach to Hosting a Successful Dinner Party
It all starts with great food!
Great food is the main ingredient in our perfect dinner party mix! From appetizers, savory dishes and desserts your guests expect it all! Hiring a personal chef can be the best decision you can make and could be more affordable than you think. Not only can a personal chef help you to carefully plan the menu, but they can also help with ideas for the table setting and general ambiance for the dinner party. Many chefs can provide mixologists and bartenders as part of their services. Hiring a personal chef varies in cost and often can be much more affordable than dining out, especially when cocktails are part of the service.
Focus on being a good host
The mood of the host will set the entire tone of the party. A cheery talkative and relaxed host will make their guest feel cheery and relaxed. A stressed host is a nightmare for everyone! Hiring a personal chef to handle the cooking can eliminate a lot of the stress and will allow you to focus on being the best version of yourself and create the best experience for your guests.
Set the table right
How and where the food will be served tells us a lot about the party. Think about the theme and purpose of the gathering. Is it a more casual party, a formal dinner party, a fun birthday celebration? When choosing the table setting make sure your guests have enough room and are not cramped. It’s important to create a setting that allows for good conversation and seat compatible people next to each other if the seating is assigned. If you are working with a personal chef they can help advise how the food should be served and can assist with coordinating the table setting with the menu.
Music
Choose the right playlist for your dinner party or we recommend hiring a private DJ if it is in your budget. It can be a real treat for your guests and can make your party extremely memorable and special. We recommend downtempo chill beats but you should definitely take your guests preferences into consideration and be flexible about your choices. Have some music options. Personally, we think that vinyl pairs excellent with food and wine!
Connect your guests
Lively conversation during and after your dinner is a sign of a successful dinner party. Take a moment to connect with your guests and introduce them to each other. Point out similarities and common interests of your guests rather than just introducing them by name. Create a comfortable space where guests feel free to open up and meet others. Keep this in mind when you choose the seating at your table and if possible get a large square table instead of long rectangular one, as it allows for more interaction between all.
Serve drinks immediately
Serve drinks immediately as guests arrive and have alcoholic and nonalcoholic options. Wine is always a great dinner choice and a few cocktail options should ensure that no one is left out. If you are working with a private chef, he or she most likely has a mixologist they can recommend or work with, or can at least help you to identify what drinks would be best with the food.
Implement our tips for your next dinner party and create an amazing evening your guests will keep talking about. Contact Cucina Migrante and find out how we can help make your event 100% stress free for you!
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Our Recipe Guide to Creating a Delicious Raw Cake
Raw cakes are simple and easy but also healthy. We share our approach to creating a delicious raw chocolate berry cake.
Recipe guidelines to help you get started with your own RAW dessert creations!
You might have heard of the raw food diet and its health benefits….increased energy, more youthful appearance, improved digestion, prevention of many diseases including heart diseases, cancer, and many others, excess weight loss, and the list goes on and on!
Raw food is food that is uncooked or is prepared below 116 degrees Fahrenheit, and maintains all of its essential nutrients and enzymes. Uncooked and unprocessed foods (fruits/vegetables, seeds, nuts, beans, grains) still contain their vital life force and when consumed this energy is passed on to us. Food that is alive makes us feel alive!
At Cucina Migrante we have a variety of raw culinary creations, but one of our guilty pleasures are our desserts. Raw desserts are full of goodness, and fairly easy to make with the right kitchen tools and some creativity.
Think of a raw dessert in layers, with the first or base layer being the crust, second layer a creamy mousse filling and third layer a topping. Below are some tips and tricks for each layer of the cake process, including what tools we use!
But before you begin, get creative! Think colors, flavors, nuts, fruits! Which combinations would you like to mix and eat together? Treat the guidelines as ideas on how to get started with your raw dessert creations.
This is how we do it!
Cake Base Layer or Crust
Mix dates and nuts (experiment with your favorite) for the crust of your cake. We love using organic Medjool dates as they have a sweet, moist, meaty and firm texture, and raw organic cashews. Soak the nuts overnight for easier digestion. Use a food processor to achieve the perfect gooey texture that is not too soft or sticky, and can be easily molded in a springform pan. Put in refrigerator until you prepare the rest. Use about 2 cups of nuts, 10 or so dates, maybe a drop of honey (we prefer to use organic raw honey) if you need the mixture more sticky, otherwise it’s sweet enough on its own.
Middle Cake Layer - Chocolate Mousse Filling
To create a raw chocolate mousse filling blend 1-2 avocados, 1 banana, raw cacao powder (3-4 tablespoons, adjust to your liking), cocoa butter (tiny bit just for fun, can be left out), coconut butter (tiny bit just for fun, can be left out), 1-2 tablespoons of coconut cream (adjust to your liking), about 1-2 tablespoons of raw cocoa nibs (can be left out, but adds a lovely crunch and rich chocolate buttery taste), half a teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 2-3 spoons of honey or your favorite natural sweetener. We highly recommend using a Vitamix blender to get a very creamy mousse texture.
Fruit Topping - Berry puree
A fruity berry topping is the perfect addition to the rich nutty crust and chocolate filling. We recommend blending raspberries and strawberries with a drop of lemon juice and honey to create a zesty berry topping. Feel free to top with fresh fruit instead of blended! Top with coconut flakes or raw cocoa nibs or get creative with other toppings!
Enjoy! Enjoy! Enjoy your beautiful RAW creation! Delicious and healthy!
