I was invited by Ayesha Curry and Celebrity Chef Michael Mina to attend a VIP event for the Raphael House at their restaurant "International Smoke" in SF last night and they could NOT have been nicer people! The event had Raphael House kids creating a “painting-by-numbers” mural in the International Smoke dining room alongside Artist Edward Granger and Ayesha herself!
I chatted with Ayesha about what the Raphael House means to her and the community, how she balances her hectic lifestyle and all her projects, and, of course, life with Steph and the kids. I also talked with Chef Mina about how important Raphael House is to families in the Bay, lessons he's taught his kids, and the most perfect bite he's ever eaten. What a great event for a fantastic cause! That full video is coming soon!
But first, lemmie get a selfie!
ABOUT RAPHAEL HOUSE: The mission of Raphael House is to help low-income families and families experiencing homelessness strengthen family bonds by achieving stable housing and financial independence. Since 1971, Raphael House has been at the forefront of providing homeless and low-income families in the San Francisco Bay Area the personalized family-centered solutions they need to build brighter futures. Raphael House is a 100% privately funded and community-supported organization. Our success rate is unmatched: more than 85% of all Raphael House families go on to achieve long-term housing and financial stability.
ABOUT EDWARD GRANGER/THE MURAL: Renowned Artist Edward Granger worked with Chef Michael Mina and Ayesha Curry to create a custom mural for International Smoke. Granger brings the brand’s artistic vision to life with a post-minimal mural spanning the space’s fireplace and select walls throughout the restaurant. Pulling inspiration from the restaurant’s global approach to fire, grilling, and international flavors, Granger will create International Smoke’s artistic focal points to add to a lively venue that brings people together.
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL SMOKE: International Smokeinfuses the way we gather, share, and experience food with flair and a healthy dose of attitude. Stemmed from Chef Michael Mina and Ayesha Curry’s personal travels around the world, the restaurant celebrates food as the heart of the community and spotlights how global approaches to fire, grilling, smoke, and international flavors create dishes that bring people together. International Smoke recognizes that fire is the start of all cooking and every country shares this culinary spark. The concept debuted in 2016 as a pop-up in MINA Test Kitchen and now has permanent locations in San Francisco, Houston, Miami, with San Diego coming soon.
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