Immigrant Food has slowly become a DMV staple over the last six years, opening four different locations while staying committed to its mission of advocacy and education on behalf of immigrants. This year, its founders Téa Ivanovic and Peter Schechter are up for D.C.’s restaurant association’s “Restaurateur of the Year” award. We checked in with Téa and Peter about what's new on the menu, what to get, and how they are keeping their mission alive.
Combining Culinary Styles
The menu is designed to be a culmination of flavors from the largest migrations to America. Executive chef Ben Murray makes it a point to bring together disparate ingredients and flavor profiles to create something new — and the result is fresh, inspired, and distinctly “American.” Or, as Téa explains, “Because immigrant food is American food and American food is immigrant food.”
What’s On the Menu?
Peter says the new Thai noodle salad with mango and peanuts is a sleeper hit. But I can’t let you leave without trying the Filipino fried chicken with sweet chili and roasted banana ketchup, it’s one of their menu staples and a personal favorite of mine.
Chef Murray also just launched “Girl Dinner Wednesday” for two with salad, truffle parm fries, Filipino fried chicken, and two martinis for $60.
Whole Roasted Branzino at Immigrant Food. (Photo by SATT Co.)
A Home For 'Gastroadvocacy'
Immigrant Food’s founders insisted their organization is non-political but also believe immigrants are a factual and foundational part of our country and food. “Nowhere are immigrants more important than in the hospitality industry, and the food chain as a whole,” says Peter.
Despite uncertain times, Immigrant Food has stayed true to its mission, dubbing it "gastroadvocacy." Their four restaurants frequently provide space for local immigrant NGO’s, hosting events and classes, and providing engagement opportunities for anyone who walks through the door.
“ Immigrant Food has two beating hearts. The first one is gastronomy. But the second is the advocacy that we do on behalf of immigrants,” says Téa. The restaurant's mission-forward approach seems to have paid off, keeping them afloat through Covid and the recent decline in restaurant foot traffic. And now, of course, they’re even nominees for RAMMY’s “Restaurateur of the Year.”
😋 Inside Scoop: Where In DC Are Peter and Téa Eating?
Peter is die hard José Andrés fan. Whether it’s Jaleo, China Chilicano, or Zaytinya, he finds himself going back again and again. Meanwhile, Téa loves supporting her friends' restaurants, especially Paraíso in Capitol Hill.
