Being without in the city of New York during the holidays is something that director Aristotle Torres and gourmet cook The Hood Chef (Chef Roblé) know all too well.
“I became an orphan in the city at the age of three,” Torres said.
“I used to couch surf a lot when I was getting on my feet to establish my business, but I made it work,” Hood Chef added.
After meeting on Fabolous’ “I’m Raw” video set, Torres and The Hood Chef connected with one another on the spirit of giving back and what began as an idea turned into a movement last year.
Aristotle’s production company, By Any Means, and The Hood Chef took their desire to help to New York City’s five boroughs during Thanksgiving. With two custom mobile kitchen trucks and some like-minded friends, the ‘By Any Meals’ food drive fed over 800 people on Turkey Day.
By Any Meals’ campaign last year was particularly memorable due to the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy that ravished New York City. Multiple stories of the families from lower Manhattan and Coney Island not having a hot meal made the company double their efforts for 2013 with a goal to feed 1500.
Chef Roblé, reality TV personality and popular chef, will be collaborating alongside By Any Means this holiday to create custom dishes for the city’s less fortunate.
“We can’t give out all the secrets, but it’ll be some twists on some classic thanksgiving foods,” Chef Roblé said. “I’m just happy to use my influence as a platform to give back.”
Check what else Aristotle, Roblé, and The Hood Chef had to say in our Grio sitdown.
You can check out Kyle’s musical coverage on theGrio music page, and follow Kyle on Twitter at @HarveyWins.