Heritage Barbecue's pitmaster Daniel Castillo launched an ambitious effort last month. In the wake of the current pandemic, forced closures of many businesses, particularly in the service industry, have left many people with uncertain futures. Castillo decided to use his culinary talents to provide some relief.
The first OC Smoke Kitchen set up shop in the parking lot of Craft House in Dana Point with a mission to serve 1,500 pulled pork sandwiches. Their play on the "soup kitchen," Castillo's vision was fill the bellies of service-industry workers facing uncertainty. The noble effort prompted other collaborators to join the cause. Ralph Montes of Taco Maria in Costa Mesa, Josh Lozano of Toast in Costa Mesa, and Trevor Kotchek, previously at Sgt. Pepperoni’s were among the cohorts along with host Chef Blake Mellgren of Craft House.
The result was a parade of cars that safely secured their sandwiches while being greeted with a smile. The gesture was a welcome respite and showed how good food and good people can soothe the soul. However, there was no way that doing this just once would suffice.
Heritage Barbecue has partnered with Orange County-based non-profit Bracken's Kitchen and Anaheim's Brewery X to launch the second installment of Smoke Kitchen on April 19th. Doubling down on their commitment to giving back to the community, this go round again pools the aide of local culinary and craft beer contributors including Peter Lai of Blind Rabbit and Patrick Whittaker of Bottle Logic.
The list of those making donations to aide the effort is equally lengthy and inspiring. Coolhaus will be donating ice cream treats to satisfy that sweet tooth. Beverages will be provided by Brewery X and Surf City Distillery. Hand sanitizer will be provided by Blinking Owl Distillery. On the menu, Castillo will be serving up hearty smoked brisket tacos with tortillas donated by the famous Burritos La Palma.
The added caveat with this Smoke Kitchen is all about stretching the relief. Castillo explained why having Bracken's Kitchen onboard makes this more than a one and done event. “At the first Smoke Kitchen, so many visitors wanted to donate cash, whatever they could. Because everything was already covered, we didn’t feel right accepting it,” said Castillo. “With that in mind, we decided to partner with Bracken’s Kitchen for the second event. I invite anyone who is able to donate to their cause to help continue to feed those in need.”
Last but certainly not least, Brewery X is offering a "Brewer for the Day" experience that allows everyone that makes a donation to benefit Bracken's Kitchen to enter to win a chance to brew beer for a day with the Brewery X team. Donations can be made online for those that cannot make Sunday's event. https://go.rallyup.com/brewery-x-giveaway
OC SMOKE KITCHEN Vol. 2 begins at 2:00pm on April 19th at Brewery X. This is a drive-thru only event to ensure that visitors are safe.
Brewery X is located at 3191 E La Palma Ave, Anaheim, CA 92806