Spicy Soiree from No Immigrants No Spice
Description
Join No Immigrants No Spice, Chef Reem Assil, and Merkado for an unforgettable fundraiser celebrating the people, stories, and flavors that immigration brings to our communities.
The evening will include:
🍽️ An intimate chef's dinner from award-winning Palestinian-Syrian Chef Reem Assil of Reem's California
🔥 Creative bites and desserts from Executive Chef Lorenzo Caamal, Merkado, drawing on his Yucatán roots and fresh California ingredients
🍹 Craft cocktails by Merkado
🎵 Live performances from Melissa Cruz, Zedan & Osman, and Diana Gameros featuring Raúl Vargas on cajón
🎤 Thoughtful programming to make invisible labor visible, featuring immigrant speakers representing key areas of California’s economy and landscape.
🛍️ Our first-ever Spicy Soiree market featuring immigrant owned and aligned makers, artists, and creators (vendor info below!)
No Immigrants No Spice (NINS) is known for BBQ Without Borders, bringing hundreds of people together around food. The Spicy Soiree will be a bit different - a more intimate gathering designed to spark connection and conversation around the table, while raising funds for the NINS mission of shifting the narrative on immigration, and making the 2027 BBQ Without Borders event possible.
To learn more about the Spicy Soiree, check out a recent feature KQED story from Alexis Madrigal.
Note: we are offering a reduced price “entertainment-only” ticket to expand access to this event - click “Get Tickets” for details on our ticket options.
Can't make the event but want to support the cause? Select our "Gift A Seat" ticket option to pay it forward and provide a ticket for a member of the community.
This is a limited-capacity event and we expect it to sell out. Get your tickets before they're gone!
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ABOUT OUR CHEFS
Chef Reem Assil
Reem Assil is an award-winning Palestinian-Syrian chef based in Oakland, California, working at the intersection of food, community, and social justice. Reem is the owner and founder of nationally-acclaimed Arab restaurant and bakery Reem’s California. Reem is a James Beard Award Finalist for Outstanding Chef (2022) and a two-time Semifinalist for Best Chef: West (2018–2019). Before dedicating herself to a culinary career, she spent over a decade as a community and labor organizer. She is the author of IACP Award–winning cookbook Arabiyya: Recipes from the Life of an Arab in Diaspora (2022). Learn more.
Chef Lorenzo Caamal
Chef Lorenzo grew up in Mexico and discovered his passion for cooking when he moved to the Bay Area 20 years ago. Since 2012, Chef Lorenzo has held many roles at Merkado’s location: as a dishwasher, prep cook, line cook, and sous chef, building his passion and palate. Chef Lorenzo loves exploring eclectic flavors and spices in every dish, informed by his Yucatán upbringing and the freshest produce from California purveyors.
ABOUT OUR PERFORMERS
Melissa Cruz
A flamenco artist and instructor with more than 20 years of experience performing and teaching, Melissa Cruz trained with acclaimed flamenco master Rosa Montoya and has performed at festivals and venues including the San Francisco International Arts Festival, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and No Immigrants No Spice’s own BBQ Without Borders.
Zedan & Osman
Zedan & Osman bring together Syrian and Kurdish musical traditions through Arabic percussion, Kurdish strings, and the rich musical heritage of the region. Faisal Zedan, born in Lebanon and raised in Syria, is an accomplished Arabic percussionist and teacher with 3+ decades of experience. Raman Osman, from Al-Hasaka, Syria, is a Kurdish composer and master tembûr (saz) musician who performs throughout Northern California. Together, they create a vibrant sound rooted in the traditions of their homeland.
Diana Gameros feat. Raúl Vargas
Diana Gameros is a Mexican-born singer, guitarist, pianist, composer, songwriter, and teaching artist based in San Francisco. She has released original music in Spanish and English and performed with artists including Joan Baez, Natalia Lafourcade, Taylor Mac, and the SF Symphony, and is a member of the Movement Immigrant Orchestra. Raúl Vargas, aka Raultrasound, is a Madrid-born, San Francisco-based songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist who will join Diana on cajón.
ABOUT OUR VENDORS
Founded by Nicole Jajeh Garcia, ASÚKAR is a vibrant celebration of Palestinian and Cuban fusion. Rooted in love, health, and intention, Nicole views her creations as a love letter to her ancestors, land, and family.
Founded by chef Emmanuel Galvan, Bolita began as a journey to reclaim identity and reconnect with Mexican heritage through heirloom maíz. What started as a pop-up has grown into a beloved Berkeley brick and mortar, celebrated for its masterful use of traditional ingredients.
Chellas Creations crafts handmade clay earrings inspired by Mexican heritage and love for design. As the granddaughter of a farmworker, creator Marcela Pimentel crafts each piece with love, and donates to support California farmworkers and their families.
After moving to the U.S. from Egypt, founder Asma Ali turned to cooking as a meaningful way to share a piece of her homeland and gather people around the table. Her handmade, small-batch dips share the warmth and generosity of Egyptian hospitality.
Middle East Children’s Alliance (MECA)
MECA works to improve the lives of children in the Middle East via humanitarian aid, education, and community empowerment. Their booth will feature handmade items from its Shop Palestine project, including ceramics from the Fakhoury Family in Hebron, carved olive wood from Beit Sahour, and embroidery from women's cooperatives in the West Bank.
Mume Farm continues a proud multi-generational legacy, growing Japanese Ume stonefruit in California. Carrying on family traditions, the farm crafts artisanal umeboshi, seasonal jams, syrups, and vegan baked goods using traditional processes.
Co-founded by Indonesian-American friends Feby and Melati, Reculture Foods crafts traditional Indonesian-style tempeh in the Bay Area. Through Reculture, Feby and Melati honor their heritage while innovating a time-honored craft with creativity, care, and intention.
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Mekado
Merkado—Spanish for "market"—is a restaurant and community hub in San Francisco's SOMA neighborhood serving the fire-cooked flavors of the Yucatán and Jalisco alongside a bar program of 300+ tequilas and mezcals. Merkado is committed to serving their guests, staff, and the many communities that make up San Francisco —from emerging chefs and local makers to rescue organizations and young athletes. Merkado shares a passion for bringing people together to share food and stories and make memories, because this is how we build belonging.
Merkado is an equitable, inclusive hub where everyone has a seat at the table. Learn more.
No Immigrants No Spice (NINS)
NINS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to flipping the narrative and shining a light on the countless contributions immigrants make to our collective culture.
Through curated gatherings and creative campaigns centered around food, we cultivate community and bring people to the table to talk about immigration. We believe that stories shared over a meal can change hearts, minds, and ultimately the world. Learn more.
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Want to bring your kids?
We'd love to have them! If you're planning to attend with children, please email us at ninstickets@gmail.com. We'll be happy to share information about ticket options and answer any questions to help make your family's visit a great one.
A space for everyone
We believe in building spaces where all are welcome. If you or your loved ones need any accommodations to fully participate, please don’t hesitate to reach out at ninstickets@gmail.com—we’ll do everything we can to support you.
Questions?
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