More than 200 homeless people were treated to a multi-course lunch prepared by local chefs at the Long Beach Rescue Mission on Tuesday.

Organized by Dine LBC, the promoter behind Long Beach Restaurant week (which begins Saturday), five local chefs participated.

“We realize that there are many among us who won’t get the chance to dine out during Dine LBC,” stated Dine LBC organizer Terri Henry. “Serving a gourmet restaurant style meal to our neighbors struggling with homelessness is our way of bringing restaurant week to them and including everyone in Dine LBC.”

Participating chefs of the annual event included Raquel Jubran of Lasher’s Kitchen, Walter Cotta of L’Opera Ristorante, Shelly Bojorquez of Hof’s Hut and Saint & Second, AC Boral of the RICE & SHINE Filipino Brunch Pop-up and Chef “T” Visoth Ouk of Rising Phoenix Catering Company.

“Despite its size, Long Beach is a tightly knit community where diversity and civic pride is our strength,” said Jubran in a statement. “My fellow chefs and I are delighted to kick off Dine LBC by treating those most vulnerable in our society to an unforgettable meal.”

 

Volunteer Sa-Ra Oum, serves lunch to guest at the Long Beach Rescue Mission in Long Beach Ca., Tuesday, July 31, 2018. Long Beach chefs served over 200 homeless men, women and children to multi-course meal to kick off the 5th annual Dine LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week that begins Saturday, August 4th. (John Valenzuela/ Correspondent)
Long Beach chefs and volunteers served over 200 homeless men, women and children to a multi-course meal to kick off the 5th annual Dine LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week at the Long Beach Rescue Mission in Long Beach Ca., Tuesday, July 31, 2018. (John Valenzuela/ Correspondent)
Eusebio Almanza and Rule Williams sit down for for lunch at the Long Beach Rescue Mission in Long Beach Ca., Tuesday, July 31, 2018. Long Beach chefs served over 200 homeless men, women and children to a multi-course meal to kick off the 5th annual Dine LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week that begins Saturday, August 4th. (John Valenzuela/ Correspondent)
Mission resident Manny Santos service lunch to guest at the Long Beach Rescue Mission in Long Beach Ca., Tuesday, July 31, 2018. Long Beach chefs served over 200 homeless men, women and children to a multi-course meal to kick off the 5th annual Dine LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week that begins Saturday, August 4th. (John Valenzuela/ Correspondent)
Visitors to the Long Beach Rescue Mission, sit for a complimentary lunch, Tuesday, in Long Beach Ca., July 31, 2018. Long Beach chefs served over 200 homeless men, women and children to a multi-course meal to kick off the 5th annual Dine LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week that begins Saturday, August 4th. (John Valenzuela/ Correspondent)
David Brunson, lead cook at Long Beach Rescue Mission, brings out complimentary lunches for people at the mission in Long Beach Ca., Tuesday, July 31, 2018. Long Beach chefs served over 200 homeless men, women and children to a multi-course meal to kick off the 5th annual Dine LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week that begins Saturday, August 4th.(John Valenzuela/ Correspondent)

Asia Morris is a Long Beach native covering arts and culture for the Long Beach Post. You can reach her @hugelandmass on Twitter and Instagram and at [email protected].