MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Deft Bistro in downtown Marquette hosted a free community dinner Monday evening. Although donations were accepted, with those proceeds going to help local food pantries, the goal was to have a holiday feast with new friends, regardless of one’s ability to pay.
This is what benevolence looks like: 70 place settings in an elegant dining room, gourmet cuisine, and live music all provided free of charge to anyone in our community.
“We just thought it was a time to offer an opportunity for people who may not have family and friends to share the holidays with, or might not be able to afford to go out for the holidays. But also, more importantly, bringing the community together.
The idea for this holiday dinner came from the entire staff of Donkers the Delft and Evergreen Market, a close-knit family of their own, who wanted to bring together all members of the community for a night of great food and fellowship where everyone seated around the table is treated as equals.
“We didn’t want it to just be the community that might have the demographics that are in need, but to bring the different demographics together,” said Ray.
The true main course was the opportunity to make new friends, to break bread with people outside of our usual circle of friends.
“I’ve been wanting to do family-style meals for a long time, but particularly when you go, and you sit next to someone you may not know,” said Ray.
Tonight, no one goes away hungry, and perhaps the most satisfying takeaway is the food for the soul that are the new friends we make around a community table.
