If you’re feeling helpless (welcome to the club), and haven’t picked up a phone to call your local congressmen, or stood in a picket line, or donated to the ACLU … here’s something you can’t find an excuse not to do: Go out to eat. Go eat at one of these immigrant-owned establishments, and support them during this very dark and troubling time. We asked some area food folks what their favorite immigrant-owned restaurants were, and we now turn to you to go indulge them. Related: How to be an activist in the era of Trump [Side note: The amazing people at Universal Hub posted a listbased on a callout from the Friends of the Boston Hidden Restaurants‘ Facebook group. It features restaurants and shops owned by Iraqi, Iranian, Sudanese, Yemeni, Libyan, Somali and Syrian communities. Bookmark it.]
Steve Morlino, Chef de Cuisine of Gaslight Brasserie, Lynnfield
I’m a huge fan of Rincón Limeño. It is in East Boston, and it is a Peruvian restaurant, immigrant owned and has the best ceviche you will ever have in Boston, hands down. 409 Chelsea St, East Boston, riconlimeno.com
Jason Heard, Chef at Coppersmith, South Boston
Bánh Mi Ba Le in Dorchester – it’s the most authentic Vietnamese food you can get anywhere in New England. Their banh mi is destination-worthy. 1025 Dorchester Ave, Dorchester, banhmibaleboston.com
Lauren Stein, cookbook author, Fresh Made Simple
The first place that comes to mind is Orinoco — they now have 3 locations around Boston and the owner is Andres Branger, from Venezuela. It’s been one of my favorite spots since we moved here and went to their tiny Shawmut Ave location. It’s bursting with life and flavor and the food is so authentic and delicious. The Mechada Arepa is my go-to dish when I’m there. Multiple locations,orinocokitchen.com
Jason Santos, Chef/owner, Back Bay Harry’s+ Abby Lane I love Mike’s City Diner, which is in the South End and owned by Jay Hajj. Jay came to states from Lebanon as a child and has really lived the “American Dream.” The food is always great at Mike’s and I love supporting Jay and his business.714 Washington St., mikescitydiner.com
Robert Tobin, Chef of the Seaport Hotel
The bread shop at Bricco is old school, it’s like you’re walking into the back of the house and seeing where the magic happens. The bread is stacked to the right, the oven’s within view in the back, everybody there is a baker, and the bread is fresh. Taranta blends the two cuisines and philosophies together in the food — Italian empanadas, Peruvian pasta and just a wonderful difference from everything else Italian in the North End neighborhood. Bricco, 241 Hanover St., bricco.com; Taranta, 210 Hanover St., tarantarist.com
Johnny Sheehan, Executive Chef at Liquid Art House
Cuchi Cuchi opened by Fernanda da Silva, an immigrant from Portugal, is atruly unique place inCambridge. [It has] a retro feel and glamorous staff and is a perfect ambiance for a fun and lively evening with great food and fun drinks. They make onefeel like home! Love it. 795 Main St, Cambridge, cuchicuchi.cc
Todd Winer, Executive Chef/Owner of Pastoral in Fort Point
Go to: Dumpling House in Chinatown. I love the soup dumpling and beef and peppers. Great attentive taste — like a trip to China without leaving Boston. It’s as close to the homeland China you can get on the East Coast. 52 Beach St.,(617) 338-6223
