Giving Thanks

Chef Laquanda Dobson is a Philly born chef, farmer and educator who creates togetherness by growing crops and nourishing her community through cooking. Coming from deep knowledge of Philadelphia, its people and its colonial history, Chef Dobson’s project is rooted in African diasporic ancestral knowledge, resourcefulness, and community and promotes connective self-sufficiency. Giving Thanks is an outdoor community meal at Bartram’s Gardens accompanied by music, dancing, and pop-up performances in collaboration with theater artist Jennifer Kidwell. This meal is for no more than 75 guests–both people who RSVP’d, and passersby. Chef Dobson will create a menu based on what is local and in season at that time of year. The table itself and its “setting” will invite reflection about satiety. How is food served from a place of trust that there is enough for everyone? The meal is designed to remind those present of the fortune of bounty and community, and to relish the space of gratitude as much as delicious food.