Chris’ Jazz Café is hosting a pay-what-you-want Tacos & Tequila fundraising dinner with the owners of South Philly Barbacoa, Ben Miller and Cristina Martinez, who gained national attention for both their critically acclaimed fare and their immigrant rights activism, on Thursday, January 17^th from 6 to 10 p.m.

It will be an evening of tacos, tequila, and Latin jazz, with more than half a dozen local chefs volunteering their culinary chops, all for a worthy cause.

Initially, it was just supposed to be just the two restaurants, but when word spread of our fundraiser, several other local chefs who are active in this arena, decided to jump in.

It’s going to be a fantastic evening with delicious food and superb live music from Conjunto — a Philadelphia based band that performs the music of Pre-Revolutionary Cuba.

The dinner will feature small plates and specialty tequila cocktails (Patron is a sponsor that is also making a donation to P.A.U.W.R). Food will be running out from the kitchen on trays so that guests can sample everything and eat as much as they like. The party will be like an open house, so diners can come and go.

On the menu, Garnacha Oaxaqueña with beef picada, crema, chapulines (grasshoppers) salsa and queso fresco from Chefs Jhonny Rincon & Mark DeNinno of Chris’ Jazz Café. Chefs Cristina Martinez and Ben Miller will be serving Tacos Dorados (crispy fried lamb tacos).

Other participants include Sous Chef Kurt Evans, South; Katie Briggs, Eclectic Domestic; Han Chiang, Han Dynasty; Chef Ari Miller, Musi BYOB; Catzie Vilayphonh, Laos in the House; Jena Harris, 1149 Cooperative. They’ll be cooking a variety of dishes, several of which are vegetarian and vegan.

Tequila Cocktails ($12):

• Kernel of Truth – Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, elote shrub, lime

• Captain’s Margarita– Patron Silver, Ancho Reyes Verde Poblano Liqueur, pineapple juice, lime

• Chapulines – Patron Reposado, roasted cricket bitters, avocado oil, bianco vermouth

• Last of the Oaxacans– Patron Anejo, pioncillo syrup, mole bitters

• I Left My Heart in Mexico– Patron XO, Ancho Reyes Ancho Chile Liqueur, hot chocolate, cinnamon

Tickets are $10, which will go to the band. Donation for the dinner is pay-what-you-want. Chris’ regular menu will not be available that evening.

Tickets are available at the door or online at: https://www-chrisjazzcafe-com.seatengine.com/events/28010