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Dining With Grace Banquet: Serving God’s Love!

Home» Dining With Grace Banquet: Serving God’s Love!

2019 Dining With Grace Community Banquet

Saturday, December 28, 2019, 2 PM

Thank you for helping us Serve God’s Love to over 300 of our sheltered neighbors in Brooklyn, NY with a special End of Year Holiday Banquet.  Check out our video, here!

About the Dining With Grace Banquet:

Since 2015, the Dining With Grace Banquet has been a presence in our local communities to serve God’s love to the displaced, sheltered and homeless.   A vision that Chef Grace held on to from a poignant childhood memory of serving the homeless, addicted and sheltered in her parent’s small basement church in the Brownsville neighborhood in Brooklyn, NY in the 90s.

“As a young girl, I remembered going with my Dad to the local shelters and inviting the community to our church where we created a feast (albeit humble) and personally invited everyone, from every corner, to come join us.   We would play upbeat music, some will dance (mostly my Dad and my siblings lol), we would talk to everyone and for some we would have the opportunity to pray.  Many just came for the food and that was good enough, as well.  We would always serve with a smile and at least with a “God Bless You”.  We would do this every month and many came consistently, becoming in ways part of our extended family.  I believe this memory is what made me truly fall in love with food.   Even though I saw all the work it took, I saw how good food, served with great love, in joyful company could make strangers, friends. 

That is Dining With Grace.   When I decided to start catering this kind of community event is actually what I aspired to do one day.   I see myself and my talents as His instrument.   This annual banquet is simply His Canvas.   I believe He has a message in it, that’s why it hasn’t escaped my heart.   I want it to be a display of the love of God that is abundant and is for whoever will accept it.   This is a humble beginning of the vision.  A true expression of God’s love not just by what we do but the heart in which we do it.“

Thank you for all our friends, volunteer, partners, faith communities, small businesses, and corporations that have made this event series a success and a dream come true for so many in our community.   It’s been an honor to serve alongside you!

Chef Grace Odogbili

2017 Dining With Grace Banquet| Video by Artist, Kelli Ryan
















2016 Dining With Grace Banquet Video by Reaching Hearts Ministries

 

 

DINING WITH GRACE 1st ANNUAL BANQUET FOR HOMELESS FAMILIES

BROOKLYN, NY:  Serving God’s Love was the mission and spirit behind the Dining With Grace Banquet that took place on Saturday, August 1st 2015 at Recovery House of Worship, 360 Schemerhorn Street in Brooklyn, NY from 5:30-8:30 pm.   Over 30 families from 2 local shelters in Brooklyn, NY were invited to a beautiful surprise dining event, curated by Chef Grace Odogbili of Dining With Grace, a boutique catering service in Brooklyn, NY.

Inspired by her experience as a young child, cooking and serving food in her parent’s small neighborhood church in the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY,  for years Chef Grace had a vision to create a beautiful banquet for homeless communities.  After almost 7 years, it finally came to reality on Saturday, August 1st, 2015.  Families from 2 local shelters, St. Johns Place Family Center at 1630 St. Johns Place, Brooklyn NY 11233 and the Flatlands Family Center, 108-75 Ave D, Brooklyn, NY 11236 ( sites where Chef Grace had formerly taught an after-school program in Nutritional Culinary Arts) were welcomed to a beautifully decorated surprise banquet with a live band and personal welcome from Chef Grace and a team of over 20 hospitality volunteers.

The evening began as the families arrived via charter bus to the banquet facility located at Recovery House of Worship at 360 Schemerhorn Street in Downtown Brooklyn, NY.  Upon arrival, all the families were welcomed through double doors swung open into the beautifully decorated banquet room with a live band, led by Pastor Beau Lee of Brooklyn Ark, and a joyous welcome by the Dining With Grace Hospitality Team.  The room was beautifully decorated with vibrant seasonal floral arrangements from Starbright Floral Design, a handpainted mural by Monica Schmidt of Monica Kay Designs and decor by Brooklyn Niche Events & Interior Design.

The evening continued with positive energy as the guests dined and enjoyed live music and special performances. Our guest speaker, Frederica McLean of Living Above Disorder, LLC shared a message on  “Applying Grace to Your Personal Value”.  Her company’s focus is to ensure that all people are educated, informed and empowered to Live Above the Disorder that threatens to overwhelm their lives.  Ms. McLean is  driven by a deep passion to see others fulfill their God given purpose and live abundantly through renewed perspective on life.

Mary Amoakoh,  Ghanian-American praise dancer from Maryland, highlighted the evening with a special dance recital of “Be Blessed” by gospel artist Yolanda Adams that captured the attention and emotions of many in the audience.

Chef Grace and her team cooked and served a delicious meal started by Shredded Garden Caesar Salad and Cornbread, followed by a Chipotle Brown Sugar BBQ Chicken dinner with  Roasted Corn & Avocado Salsa, Macaroni & Cheese, Cuban Wild Rice & Beans and Chef Grace’s popular beverage, Tropical Fruit Spritzer with Fresh Strawberries.   Dessert was Vanilla Layer Cake, Assorted Gourmet Cookies by Betty’s Bakery and Chocolate-Covered Sea Salt Caramels by Nunu’s Chocolate.

As a special surprise, children were guided to a breakaway room where they were further surprised with taking blows at a pinata, a special gift bag of school supplies,activity books and gifts.  They enjoyed activities such as face painting and manicures for the little princesses, as well as a Bible Story Reading of Noah & the Ark.  Lastly, as a special treat for their families they learned and performed “Lean of Me” to the delight of the audience.

The night ended with a special message of God’s love  by Renata Lee of Brooklyn Ark and a closing prayer by Pastor Mary Odogbili,  Co-Pastor of Living Bread Ministries and Chef Grace’s mother!   Guests were sent home with gift bags that included perfume, Avon makeup, toiletries, inspirational wristbands,  a daily devotional and other faith-based resources,a Bible, and more!

“We just want to Serve God’s Love in our city, Brooklyn, in a unique way.   Whether it’s a hug, sharing of time and laughter, giving a gift,  enjoying a meal together or sharing a prayer or encouraging word,  these are all acts of grace we can offer towards our common humanity.  Everyone has a shareable gift and we wanted to inspire our community of businesses and friends to spread love, which is in essence extending the nature of God in us.   We were so excited for today, our 1st Annual Dining With Grace Banquet,  and we look forward to doing it bigger and better for years to come.  I believe this is my ministry.

She adds,   “Dining With Grace (Catering)  is not just about the food but about what food represents, a sharing of love.. this is something I realized as a child while serving the community in my parent’s church…which ultimately led to my journey as a Chef and to establish Dining With Grace Catering as a community-based business.

Chef Grace would like to give a special thank you to our Partners, Supporters & Friends who helped make this event possible:

Recovery House of Worship

Hope Hill NYC (formerly known as Brooklyn Ark)

Living Bread Ministries

Starbright Floral Design

Brooklyn Commune

Fairway Market Red Hook Brooklyn

Atelier Cologne

AVON

Living Above Disorder, LLC

Bowery Mission

Glorious Fingers

Reaching Hearts Ministries

SweetShot Minis

Born & Bread

Nunu’s Chocolates

Betty’s Bakery

I Am Second

Our Daily Bread/ RBC Ministries

American Bible Society

Brooklyn Borough Hall

Brooklyn Niche Event & Interior Design

Monica Kay Design

Mary Amoakoh & Family

The Odusute Sisters

Angela Sabatello & Family

GoFundMe Supporters!!!

YouCaring Supporters!!

Our Amazing Volunteer Team!!

Administration at St. John’s Family Center and Flatlands Family Residence

Administration at StarBright Family Residence

Dining With Grace – 1st Community Banquet from Ani Akpan on Vimeo.

 

Appetizer
Volunteers

Gift Bags!
Families


Volunteers
Table Setting
Band

Gorgeous Floral Arrangements!

 

For more photos please visit us here!

 

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Dining With Grace | Chef Grace Odogbili 🇳🇬
Happy Saturday! A little sunshine (and carrot cak Happy Saturday!  A little sunshine (and carrot cake) for your weekend timeline. 
I can’t wait for @gracescarrotcake to be one of your favorite things!
Focus on Design ✨ Loving this wedding’s majes Focus on Design ✨ 
Loving this wedding’s majestic all white tablescape and decor! 

Even more loving the joyful delight on the newlyweds’ faces!  They have beautiful memories to last a lifetime! 🥂
Congrats to the lovely couple!

❓❓❓Brides-to-be, for your dream wedding would you prefer luxurious monochromatic OR vivid pops of color?  Be inspired!

Posted @withregram • @blackbride1998 Stunning! 

Congratulations to you both!!@attorneyparkerhtx 

Repost from @attorneyparkerhtx
•
✨Wow, to say that our wedding was a fairytale and super litty at the same time would be a complete understatement. Here’s a sneak peek into our breathtaking wedding. Thank you to all our family and friends who came out to celebrate with us, and a SUPER special thank you to my sister, The ONE and ONLY- Valerie Rooney @decor2remember. Our love for you runs deep 🤍🤍✨

Photography: @raetay_photography 
Venue: @thecorinthianhouston
Decor: @decor2remember 
DJ: @godjhiceo 
Violinist: @thestringzattached 
Cake: @cakesbyginahou 
Coordinator: @winkdesignandevents Wedding day collaboration: @kashmereproductions 
Dress: @daughtersofnonyelum 
Tux: @justphilsright 
Hair: @weezydidit 
Makeup: @_suzzzziiiiieee
#blackbride1998
A memorial of gratitude. First things first. Ins A memorial of gratitude.  First things first.  Inspired to sing a new song. 
A song of praise. 

“Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord!”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭150:6‬ ‭NLT‬‬
No Monday blues over here! Imagine this dreamy d No Monday blues over here! 

Imagine this dreamy display of nostalgic Brooklyn bodega sweet treats passing your way- a fave from a recent Monday event that’s sure to put a smile on your face 😍🤩‼️

Featured:  ButterCrunch Cookies, Now & Laters, LemonHeads, BlowPops, Skittles, AirHeads, Sour Belts & Gummy Burgers?!?! 🤯😛

What were your favorite bodega treats?  Mine were probably the LemonHeads and Cherry Now & Laters. I also had a thing for Peanut Chews. 🤦🏾‍♀️

Anyways, BK all day 😎

Wishing you an amazing week!  Let’s make Mondays great again 🤩🤩🤩

#brooklyn #memories #crownheights #catering #socialevents #corporateevents #mediaevents #themedevents #nyc #candy #90s #diningwithgrace #74wythe
#diningwithgrace
Gratitude. We are God’s Masterpiece created fo Gratitude. 

We are God’s Masterpiece created for GOOD WORKS in Christ that we walk in them. 

I have the oil to progress.  Too much grace to lose.  God is great to me and in me.  His Creative Power enables me, daily.  Daily, I am becoming what He envisioned me to be- a one of a kind purposeful creation.  I thank God for every opportunity He brings me to and through.  May His light always shine around, in and through me.  The darkness cannot *ever* overcome it. 

*******************************
There is lots of foolishness in life.  Lots of it.  But thank God the story never ends at that point.  Life winds, a masterpiece weaving good and bad, highs and lows, making something durable, complex and undeniably stunning. 

#speaklife #coveredbyGod #diningwithgrace #specialevents #blessed #nyc #brooklyn
OUR GOAL: OPTIMAL ENJOYMENT The art of catering c OUR GOAL: OPTIMAL ENJOYMENT

The art of catering combines expression, nourishment, hospitality  and enjoyment.  Dining With Grace truly embraces the art of celebration and how great food connects with people. 
We realize that cuisine tells a story and it has been our pleasure to represent our Pan-African heritage through cultural fine foods. 

It’s a gift to be able to share what we love to do and what we aspire to do well.  Thank you for being on this journey with us!

A special thank you to my amazing team! 💚💯

Featured Event: @doyouknowblack S2 Launch Party 

Cover: Caribbean Cod Cakes w/ Scotch Bonnet Aioli

#diningwithgrace #panafrican #catering #events #nyccatering #africanfood #foodculture #representation #blackexcellence #brooklyn #reelsinstagram #cheflife 
#nyc #specialevents #culture
Featured Couple/Wedding Spotlight: Niran & Adeola Featured Couple/Wedding Spotlight:
Niran & Adeola 😍😍 circa 2016
🇳🇬💚🇳🇬💚🇳🇬💚
💫
💫
💫
This lovely couple reached out to us to cater their stunning 600 person New Jersey wedding in 2016!  One of our largest weddings to date and we’ve never looked back! 🤩

We were sure to add our signature Dining With Grace touch with our featured Pan-African fusion menu: 

🌟Cocktail Hour (Passed) Crab Cakes, Nigerian Chili Sliders, Thai Curry Puffs & Mediterranean Bruschetta! 

🌟Cocktail Hour (Stations)
💫Carving Station: Roast Leg of Lamb with Trio of African Sauces- Green Chermoula, Spicy Piri Piri & Turmeric Peanut Ginger 🎉🤤
&
 Barbecue Ribs 

💫Pasta Station: 
Cajun Alfredo with Chorizo,  Baked Ziti
Black Bean, Roasted Corn & Avocado Pasta Salad

💫 Fruit, Cheese & Crackers Station

They also had a stunning Sushi station by a professional Sushi chef (not DWG) Dream Dream Wedding!! 😍😍

🌟Plated Dinner Service:
First Course- Caesar Garden Salad w/ Crispy Curried Chickpeas, Sweet Peppers & Toasted Pita

🌟Entrées: 
💫Roasted Chicken Breast w/Coconut Curry Sauce
 💫 Cajun Blackened Tilapia w/ Creamy Red Pepper Sauce 
💫Roast Beef with Senegalese Mustard-Onion Sauce

💚🇳🇬👰🏾‍♀️🤵🏿‍♂️🇳🇬 💚Added their special VIP touched by requesting their own entree of Jerk Lamb Chops!  My kinda couple 😍😍

All entrées served with Nigerian Celebration Jollof Rice, Fried Plantains & Roasted Vegetables. 

What a feast!  But that’s *exactly* what we do and how we like to do it.  Let us help make your wedding dreams come true with our signature luxurious Pan-African fusion menu curated Just For You! 

The cost of making delicious memories to last a lifetime That Reflect You…PRICELESS!! 

Adeola & Niran- Thank you for choosing us!  May God continue to bless and keep your marriage, in all ways! 💚💚💚
@niran_o 
@anulookbeauty 

A big thanks to wedding planner extraordinaire 😍@upperroomevents @yetundeoso 

#yourweddingyourway #curated 
#luxuryweddings #luxurycatering #iplayamerica #newjerseywedding #newjerseybride #nigerianwedding #panafricanchef #diningwithgrace #theknot #weddingwire #munaluchibride #representationmatters #dreamwedding 
#africanweddings #nyccaterer #memories
Now this is a feast we can get behind. True Afric Now this is a feast we can get behind.  True African hospitality by @ticokitchen! 🤤😍

Which dishes would you love to enjoy at your dream Pan-African wedding? 

#representationmatters #hospitality #african #wedding #catering #newyork #newjersey #connecticut #pennsylvania 
#luxuryweddings #diningwithgrace 

Posted @withregram • @ticokitchen 🙌🏽🙏🏼
Thank God, I’m doing so so so so so goooood!!! 🥰 

I’m grateful that I get to create in a way that is meaningful to me.  High quality cultural cuisine is my mission.  I just want to be the best you ever had otherwise why try? 😅😩🤩

Look back from where you started.  You kept going and You are doing so so so so so good.  Have an amazing weekend 💚😘

#diningwithgrace #panafrican #catering #weddings #nyc #events #africanfood #blackcaterers #bestofny #weddingcatering #munaluchibride #newyork #luxurycatering #brooklyn #foodie
It’s Small Business Week!!! Today, I have to g It’s Small Business Week!!! 

Today, I have to give a HUGE shout to the team that makes my work possible.  A team that  always come through…that can never be taken for granted. 

Catering on a high level can never be a one-person show and I give respect to my team that shows up and works hard towards making each event successful. 

I’m thankful for a team that truly exhibits hospitality and grace on all fronts.  I am blessed and i aim to continue to be a blessing to my team as Dining With Grace grows!! 

Also, we are hiring! I am looking for a new Catering Assistant!  Email or DM for deets! Let’s growwww! 

#diningwithgrace #growthmindset #dontstaysmall #bigbusiness #loading #strengthtraining #dontbestressed #bestretched #loveislove #buildingup #nyc #caterers #panafrican #weddings
I can be so possessive. 😎 Lovely people..Imagin I can be so possessive. 😎
Lovely people..Imagine God loves you the way I love green.  He’s so possessive and smiles every time He sees you.  He’s also like looking at people sideways who try to claim you like He don’t already got you.  He always got something to say.  He’s all 🥰🥰🥰. 😂😂😂

Wishing you a wonderful Sunday & A peaceful start to the week.  Enjoy this gift of life.  I am here to help you celebrate and see goodness in the gift we have. 

Love you & Happy May! 

“See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭3:1‬a NLT‬‬

Ohhh…my lovely GREEN & GOLD earrings by @adornnewyork 💚🥰

#goodvibes #celebratelife #celebratelove #queengreen 
#chefgraceodogbili #blessedlife
Gratitude is powerful. In this space, there is no Gratitude is powerful.  In this space, there is no lack. 

Wishing you all an amazing week! 

I’m just looking forward and **seeing** it. 

“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43:19‬ ‭NLT‬‬ https://bible.com/bible/116/isa.43.19.NLT

#mondaymotivation #youversion #vision #entrepreneur #women #businesslife #believer 
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#journey #travel #gratitude #mexicocity
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