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Forbes: Immigrant Food: Restaurants with a Mission
Immigrant Food, a Washington, D.C. and Virginia-based restaurant chain, is redefining the dining experience by fusing global flavors with a commitment to social impact.
ARLnow: Immigrant Food to open next week, bringing ‘gastroadvocacy’ dining to Ballston
“The restaurant’s mission goes beyond the kitchen. Immigrant Food promotes a handful of opportunities to engage with immigrant communities each week, given the influence immigrants have long had on America.”
Immigrant Food is opening a fourth location at the base of The Nature Conservancy’s headquarters building across from the Ballston-MU Metro station. The restaurant’s design, and menu, included nods to their landlord’s mission of preserving the planet.
VOA: Immigration conversations start at the table at this Washington restaurant
“Immigrant Food highlights the tapestry of immigrant cultures that make up the United States. Each dish tells a story. And whether [the chef] is cooking flavors from Venezuela or India, she wants everyone to feel welcome.”
“The menu here is truly global and the craft cocktails are top shelf. I was intrigued by one called Terra Incognita which represents Antarctica on the “Cocktails Around the World” drink menu.”
These SAIS Alums are on a mission to change the conversation around Immigration.
Entrepreneur: Tea Ivanovic of Immigrant Food on the Cause Casual Restaurant Mission
Interview with co- founder and COO of Immigrant Food Tea Ivanovic about their 3- pillar mission, retaining quality employees and enhancing media exposure the right way.
Forbes: “30 Under 30 North America 2023: Food and Drink
Each year Forbes recognizes the top 30 individuals under the age of 30 from an array of industries. Our Co-Founder and COO, Téa Ivanovic, was named on this prestigious list!
Washington Business Journal: Women Who Mean Business 2022
Every year, Washington Business Journal recognizes the region’s most influential business women. Congratulations to our very own Téa Ivanovic on this prestigious award!
FSR Magazine: Introducing Immigrant Food, the “Cause Causal” Restaurant
Through food, advocacy, and education, Immigrant Food celebrates the myriad international cultures that continue to shape America. Read more about what we have to offer!
FSR Magazine: 40 Restaurant Stars on the Rise
Read about our very own head chef Mileyda “Mile” Montezuma and Co-Founder Téa Ivanovic as FSR Magazine highlights 40 national restaurant stars on the rise!
District Fray Magazine: Eight Trailblazing Women in D.C. Hospitality
Read about how eight women are making their mark in the D.C. Hospitality industry, including Immigrant Food’s Co-Founder, Téa Ivanovic!
Téa Ivanovic, Co-Founder & COO of Immigrant Food in Washington, DC shares her career timeline and advice for up-and-coming talent.
Buffer: Profit and Purpose: How I’ve Built a Business That Prioritizes Both
It may seem impossible to make money as a business while also supporting a larger social justice mission, but Téa Ivanovic has found creative ways for profit and purpose to co-exist while running her restaurant group. Here’s her advice bringing your beliefs into your business.
Washington Post: 2022 Spring Dining Guide
The latest branch of the local mini-chain goes by the name Immigrant Food Plus, partly as a nod to its host, the Planet Word museum, but also because of what it becomes at night: a softly lit, full-service restaurant with top-shelf drinks and entrees that pair novelty with sophistication.
The Washington Diplomat: Immigrant Food’s newest DC eatery marries advocacy work, fine dining
At Immigrant Food, “gastro advocacy” builds on the concept of feeding busy people information in bites (both figuratively and literally) and relies on the notion that the dining table is a safe place to hammer out daunting issues.
National Geographic: A guide to culinary culture in Washington, DC
Experiencing an exciting urban renaissance, the US capital is awash with ‘Wild West’ breweries and distilleries, as well as a wave of restaurants championing cuisines shaped by immigration.
Eater DC: Where to Eat Near the National Mall in D.C.
Dine like a local, not a tourist.
WDVM: Local restaurant gives back to non-profit after hosting vaccine themed brunch
As Mayor Muriel Bowser’s vaccine requirement went into effect in the District, one restaurant, Immigrant Food, got creative about embracing the order. The restaurant planned a COVID-19 Vaccine themed brunch while raising money for Mary’s Center at the same time.
NBC Washington: Immigrant Food Hosts Vaccine-Themed Brunch
Immigrant Food in the Planet Word Museum is celebrating the science of vaccines with a special brunch pop up. News4’s Tommy McFly reports.
Washingtonian: Inject Croquettes With Feta Foam at This Vaccine-Themed Brunch
As DC rolls out its vaccine mandate for indoor dining on January 15, the team behind Immigrant Food+ wanted to find a way to “celebrate” the Covid vaccines.
Restaurant Clicks:13 Restaurants with Outdoor Dining in Washington DC
Outdoor dining is a favorite amongst Washingtonians, and we have rounded up the leading restaurants you should try!
Washington Post: Tom Sietsema’s 7 favorite places to eat right now
The latest branch of the local mini-chain goes by the name Immigrant Food Plus, partly as a nod to its host, the Planet Word museum, but also because of what it becomes at night: a softly lit, full-service restaurant with top-shelf drinks and entrees that pair novelty with sophistication.
Immigrant Food+ celebrates the American story with global cuisine from award-winning Chef Enrique Limardo and a group of “gastroadvocacy” pioneers.
StarChefs: Chef Mile Montezuma of Immigrant Food+ | Washington, D.C.
Check out our very own Chef Mile Montezuma’s feature on StarChefs!
Salon: “Food has forever unified people”: How Immigrant Food brings “gastroadvocacy” to the table
Immigrant Food is countering misinformation about immigrants — and it serves really great food while doing so.
Washington Post: Immigrant Food Plus elevates the museum dining experience
Washington’s museum restaurants tend to be afterthoughts, designed more for refueling than reflecting. […] Immigrant Food Plus goes a step further, staying open after Planet Word closes for the day. In every way, the restaurant is a plus.
Eater DC: The 20 Hottest New Restaurants Around D.C., December 2021
Eater writers and editors always get the same question. Friends, family, acquaintances, and randos all want to know, “Where should I eat right now?” That’s where the Eater Heatmap enters the conversation, pointing diners toward the most intriguing or otherwise buzzworthy new restaurants in the D.C. area.
The new Immigrant Food+ concept, with its ramped up global-inspired decor and themed food and beverage menus, takes immigrant advocacy to the next level.
District Fray: Mission-Driven Immigrant Food Joins Planet Word Museum as a Dual Concept
By day, Immigrant Food+ will offer its signature mix of lunch-friendly fusion bowls and sandwiches. By night, the space will transition to an upscale dining destination, bringing life to Planet Word museum after hours.
WTOP: DC’s Immigrant Food opens museum restaurant at Planet Word
Immigrant Food, which bills itself as D.C.’s first “cause-casual restaurant,” will open a new location inside the Planet Word museum in the former historic Franklin School at 925 13th Street NW on Oct. 7. It’s name is Immigrant Food+.
Washingtonian: Immigrant Food Goes Upscale With a New Globetrotting Restaurant in Downtown DC
Now the team behind Immigrant Food is opening an upscale iteration of their “cause causal” restaurant at language museum Planet Word, with a menu designed by Seven Reasons and Imperfecto chef Enrique Limardo. Immigrant Food + opens on Thursday, October 7.
Eater D.C.: Immigrant Food’s Fancy New Offshoot Serves Fusion Dim Sum Inside a Museum Downtown
The new spot, opening downtown next week, is an extension of fast-casual “gastroadvocacy” restaurant Immigrant Food by the White House. Immigrant Food + gives D.C. a swanky dining venue that will hum after the exhibits close, like the Modern inside the MoMa in New York City, or Otium inside the Broad in Los Angeles.
Washingtonian: Here Are the Restaurant and Bar Industry Winners for DC’s 2021 RAMMY Awards
Immigrant Food was awarded Best Neighbor Award, along with some truly amazing community leaders, and our chef Mileyda Montezuma was named Best Employee of the Year.
Eater D.C: 3 Weekend Ordering Recommendations From Eater Writers and Editors
Immigrant Food looks a little more dressed up these days after a pretty patio makeover installed ahead of its debut brunch service this weekend. One standout was a Middle Eastern shakshuka skillet with a pair of soft Venezuelan arepas.
Washingtonian: Doug Emhoff Is a Certified Wife Guy
Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff stops by Immigrant Food to grab a bite of our famous Madam’s VP Bowl, a bowl created in honor of his wife, Vice President Kamala Harris.
WTOP News: Taste the cherry blossoms: Festive menu items for DC’s springtime party
What better way to celebrate the National Cherry Blossom Festival than with Immigrant Food’s Dragon Fusion Mylk?
Thrillist:19 Outdoor Dining Spots to Enjoy in DC This Spring
With very little foot traffic downtown, Chef Enrique Limardo’s Immigrant Food continues to serve food for a cause at lunch and dinner.
TODAY: Romance to go: How restaurants are reimagining Valentine’s Day amid COVID-19
Chef Enrique Limardo’s Light My Fire dessert box, which comes with hand torches to put the finishing touches on shareable treats like Belgian chocolate cake, crema Catalana, DIY s’mores, and creamy Brie cheese, illuminates a Valentine’s Day concept that definitely turns up the heat for couples,
WAMU: Get Out There: Valentine’s Day
Check out how Immigrant Food celebrates Valentine’s Day with their delicious treats – both enjoyable for dine-in and at home.
Thrillist: How to Safely Celebrate the Biden-Harris Inauguration in DC
Immigrant Food’s newest bowl, called Madame VP’s Heritage Bowl, serves as an ode to the soon-to-be vice president Kamala Harris.
Popville: “Best fancy delivery” and Must Try Restaurants Before Leaving the District
Immigrant Food makes Popville’s list of restaurants to try before leaving D.C.
Eater DC: To Pass Secret Service Security, a Fast-Casual Spot in D.C. Had to Stuff Groceries Into Suitcases
Due to the restaurant’s location in the heart of a “red zone” perimeter, closed off to all traffic except for authorized vehicles, Immigrant Food had to halt its deliveries from vendors’ trucks during a period of heightened security stemming from the insurrection at the Capitol. So they went the extra mile and pack[ed] up massive rolling suitcases with ingredients and pull[ed] them right down the parade route on Pennsylvania Avenue NW.
Zagat: Enrique Limardo Makes Immigrant Food the Main Event
We immigrants have contributed everything to gastronomy in the States. Without immigrants, there’s no food at all. We carry our culture in our palate. Every time we migrate, we carry and share our culture. When you have a gathering of immigrants, we always bring something to eat. We share everything on the table.
Inside Hook: Embrace the Resurgence of DC Fusion Cuisine
Located just a stone’s throw from the White House [Immigrant Food is] revolutionizing the fusion concept at a much more casual price point, fusing together cuisines as disparate as Ethiopian and El Salvadorian.
Food For Thought (podcast): Food as Movers and Shakers
Hear about the creative thinking behind [Immigrant Food’s] flavorful bowls, [and] commitment to the immigrant cause through gastro-advocacy.
Food Service Director: Easing into Ethnic Cuisine
Bowls—a popular platform—are the vehicle for showcasing the culinary legacy of America’s immigrants.
NowThis (video): Meet the Immigrant Food Team Brining Diverse Cuisine to D.C.
The restaurant’s chef describes Immigrant Food’s offerings as “20 restaurants in one menu”.
Brightest Young Things (BYT): Eating For A Cause With Immigrant Food
D.C. might be the land of fast casual copycats, but that doesn’t mean everything has to stay the same. Immigrant Food, which opened last November, has been changing up the scene.
Restaurant Business: Easing Into Ethnic Eating
The menu description of each bowl tells the story of its culinary roots and explains the ingredients in great detail.
Washington Post: Immigrant Food Connects Bowls With a Cause Near The White House
Limardo researched immigration patterns and identified core ingredients from different countries to arrive at his final menu.
Sarajevo Times (Bosnia and Herzegovina): Interesting Story about “Immigrant Restaurant” Where People Can Donate Dinner”
In addition to a food menu that is a fusion of immigrant-inspired recipes and which features a range of international teas and sodas, Immigrant Food will also spotlight an “engagement menu”.
Edible DC: DC’s First ‘Cause Casual’ Restaurant Opens
“Immigrant Food marries food and immigration advocacy.” (Print, Winter 2019)
AFAR Magazine: Why You Should Go to Washington D.C. This Winter
A block from the White House, the fast-casual spot is committed to fighting intolerance in America through both food and philanthropy.
Bloomberg: Washington Is The Most Exciting Food City in America.
The newest fix-the-world restaurant has the unsubtle name Immigrant Food.
NPR (All Things Considered): ‘Immigrant Food’ Restaurant, Trump’s New Neighbor
NPR’s Don Gonyea speaks with Immigrant Food, about their new restaurant, which is located one block from the White House in Washington, D.C.
Chicago Tribune: New Washington Restaurant Promotes Immigrant Causes
The place celebrates the country’s immigrant history, offers meeting space to organizations dedicated to immigrant services, acts as an advocate on immigration issues and, not least importantly, serves bowls that fuse ingredients from various immigrant cuisines.
Travel Noire: Get to Know ‘Immigrant Food’, A New Restaurant Located A Block From The White House
“Immigrant Food” is a fast-casual restaurant offering dishes from various cultures across the world. The restaurant has a slogan of “United at the Table” and gives diners the opportunity to donate to immigrant advocacy groups.
WUSA9: DC Restaurant “Immigrant Food” Opens Near White House
The founders’ goal is to help immigrants while celebrating their cultures through fusion food.
Lonely Planet: A Restaurant Celebrating Immigrant Food Has Opened Beside the White House
A brand new restaurant that celebrates the diverse and rich background of immigrant food has opened a quarter block from the White House in Washington D.C, with the unique offering striving to “create a space for advocacy, change and community.
Heated: A D.C. Restaurant Celebrates What The White House Demonizes
A restaurant and its customers take a stand on immigration
DCist: Immigrant Food is a Fast-Casual Fare With An Activist Bend
A team of first- and-second-generation Americans are behind Immigrant Food, a new fast-casual concept in downtown D.C. honoring the country’s “immigrant DNA and heritage” through cuisine.
CNN: A Restaurant Called ‘Immigrant Food’ Just Opened a Block From The White House
As salsa and merengue beats pulse in the background, diners are lining up at one of the newest restaurants in the nation’s capital.
CNN (video): ‘Immigrant Food’ Restaurant Opens a Block From White House
(Video) “Immigrant Food” is serving up fusion bowls from countries around the globe in an effort to bring attention to immigrant causes.
Forbes: A Restaurant Serving Immigrant Causes Opens Steps Away From The White House
Come for the food, stay for the social impact: A new advocacy-based restaurant opened its doors in D.C. less than a block from the White House—and it wants to make supporting immigrants as easy and interactive as ordering food from a menu.
Washington Post: Near the White House and feeling hungry? A celebration of immigrants is on the menu
Focusing on the role of immigrants in feeding this nation, while educating customers on how they can support causes and initiatives associated with immigration, is a key ingredient of what the team calls “gastro-advocacy.”
Travel+Leisure: A Restaurant Dedicated Entirely to Immigrant Food Just Opened Across From the White House
Its aim is three-fold: to serve unique green-and-grain bowls, advocate for pro-immigrant organizations, and get you involved.
Washington Post: A new D.C. restaurant will promote immigrant causes right in Trump’s front yard
All of this will be found at 1701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, less than a quarter-mile from the front gates of the most famous address in the District.
The Hill: ‘Immigrant Food’ opens a block away from the White House
What happens when you stir together award-winning chefs and immigration reform in D.C.?
Oslobodjenje (Bosnia and Herzegovina): Immigrant Food, Washington First Cause-Casual Opens Next to White House
In addition to a food menu that is a fusion of immigrant-inspired recipes and which features a range of international teas and sodas, Immigrant Food will also spotlight an “engagement menu”
Eater DC: A New Fast-Casual Place Called Immigrant Food Preaches ‘Gastroadvocacy’ in Trump’s Backyard
The counter near the White House sells far-out fusion bowls
Food & Wine: ‘Immigrant Food’ Restaurant Is Opening Next to the White House
The fast-casual concept features an “engagement menu” where diners can sign up to volunteer for local NGOs that support immigrants.
Epoca Globo (Brazil): Washington Estreia Restaurante Com ‘Politica no Cardapio’
‘Immigrant Food’ terá cardápio de comida e de engajamento, além de um ‘think table’.
Eater DC: A Restaurant Celebrating Immigrants Will Open Near the White House
The next project from Enrique Limardo, the chef behind 14th Street hotspot Seven Reasons, is a restaurant with a cause.
Washingtonian: An Advocacy Restaurant Called “Immigrant Food” Is Opening by the White House
The chef behind Seven Reasons is behind the “cause-casual” cafe’s melting-pot menu.
People You May Know
“Ayuda is a proud #nonprofit partner @immigrantfooddc, the new cause-casual restaurant celebrating #immigration & #immigrants living in the US.” – Ayuda on Twitter.
“We partner with lots of important communities – legal, political, education. @Immigrantfooddc is such a novel approach! They are celebrating America’s immigration story and today’s immigrants through food. It’s food and advocacy – all in one. #UnitedAtTheTable” – CASA on Twitter.
“Today @Immigrantfooddc opens the doors to their space and joins Americans who want to help support our immigrant community by aligning food and advocacy. CAIR Coalition is excited to be one of their five non-profit partners! #UnitedAtTheTable” – CAIR Coalition on Twitter.