Guerrilla dining is no new concept. Some say the origins of the speakeasy restaurant stem back to the paladares of Cuba, restaurants set up in private living rooms that can, by law, seat a maximum of 12 guests. However, these impromptu restaurants can be found most anywhere; Europe, Asia and now here. Guerrilla dining is a return to the roots of what a restaurant really is. For guests, “it’s the foodie equivalent of the Eighties rave”. For us it’s a new challenge, mode of expression and a means to an end.
graffEats is a Guerrilla Dining society. Not only are the society gatherings a great place for adventuresome diners to satiate their urges, they are a locale driven dining experience. These “rambling dinners” all represent different themes. Some in posh locations with a view, others with a more rustic aesthetic. Each with the intention of evoking emotion and creating an overall true dining experience for the guest. The intention is to get to the core of what a dining experience is and take the diner out of the traditional restaurant paradigm, of course with some of the typical comforts of a restaurant. Most events will have a guest chef, wine or beer maker, farmer etc. Some events will have live performances by musicians and artists. All events will focus on celebrating our local sustainable ingredients and have a portion of the proceeds go to charity.
It seems to me the underground restaurant scene is a movement, a rebellion even, and it’s something I’m proud to get behind! Guerrilla dining gives struggling restaurateurs, chefs and diners something new to believe in. The collaborative culture is like what Hip-Hop was in the 90′s. It’s the anti-restaurant restaurant.
—Blair Warsham