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The International Institute of Buffalo will host “Buffalo Without Borders TO GO,” a fundraising series beginning at 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 18, at the International Institute. Tickets for the event are on sale.
Rooted in the institute’s mission to empower and uplift the foreign-born in Western New York, this dinner series showcases three unique local immigrant-owned restaurants and cuisines. The series brings three festive evenings of food, cultural activities and treats from locally owned businesses to diners’ homes on Mondays, Oct. 18 and 25, and Nov. 1. The event celebrates the contributions of immigrants and refugees to the community while building cross-cultural knowledge and celebrating the best of Buffalo.
This fall’s series features restaurant partnerships with Lime House (Burmese), Khoshmazeh Afghan Cuisine (Afghan), and Garden of Eden (South Sudanese). As with prior seasons, the reimagined Buffalo Without Borders event will consist of a dinner, dessert, and cultural drink for two. The carryout bags will include local goodies, paired spices, and a cultural education and activity packet that features each of the chef’s home countries.
International Institute Interim Executive Director Jennifer Rizzo Choi said, “A Buffalo Without Borders ticket is so much more than a dinner for two – each ticket sale directly uplifts refugees and survivors, connecting them with local resources and empowering them to establish their own security and independence. And this is such an amazing celebration. At a time when it’s difficult to be together, we are delighted to see so many friends and supporters drive through the Institute’s parking lot! It is a reminder of what makes this community so special. We know that this community has always grown through diversity and inclusiveness and that’s what ‘Buffalo Without Borders TO GO’ is all about.”
The institute has partnered with chef and co-creator of Khoshmazeh Afghan Cuisine, Mohamad Qasim Rahimi, who was resettled through the International Institute of Buffalo from Afghanistan. Rahimi recently joined the list of refugee entrepreneurs in the city after opening a pop-up restaurant that operates out of the Broadway Market.
He said, “As a small business owner and an immigrant, I am excited and thankful for this opportunity to introduce traditional Afghan dishes to Buffalonians. I’m excited to share our qabuli palaw, a famous Afghan recipe, with new customers. We know you will love it! We are looking forward to seeing you on Oct. 25 at the International Institute and our weekly pop-ups at Broadway Market.”
The International Institute of Buffalo is located at 864 Delaware Ave.
A Buffalo Without Borders ticket includes two meals for each of the three evenings in the series. Tickets are $250. All meals are gluten-free and vegan options are available. Tickets can be found at https://bwbfall2021.eventbrite.com.
International Institute of Buffalo has worked to integrate foreign-born Western New Yorkers since 1918. Its mission is to make Western New York a better place for, and because of, refugees and immigrants. More information can be found at www.iibuffalo.org.