Mission Taqueria Is Hosting the Most Epic Friendsgiving Ever
What was once a dinner party has now grown into a fundraiser for the Food Trust, but the soul of the event will remain.
McLaughlin’s 2018 Friendsgiving filled his home with over 100 people. | Photo by Daniel McLaughlin
In 2008, Daniel McLaughlin of Mission Taqueria hosted a Friendsgiving for 50 people in his newly renovated Wharton Heights home.
“Aside from microwaving Trader Joe’s burritos, it was the first meal I ever prepared in my home,” says McLaughlin. “So many of the friends at the table in that first year literally helped me build my home, and to have them sitting at a table we built together meant the world to me. Last year, for the 10th anniversary, we were up to 100 people, all crowded around, smothering ourselves with champagne and gravy.”
This year, McLaughlin chose to lean into the ever-increasing size of the event, moving to a larger venue and turning it into a fundraiser for the Food Trust, a nonprofit that works with neighborhoods, schools and policymakers to help provide greater access to healthy, affordable food.
This year’s Friendsgiving will be formatted like a potluck with dishes cooked by some of Philadelphia’s best chefs (see the line-up below). Di Bruno Bros. is serving as the official sponsor, and will host the meal at their newly opened event space, Banca at 600 Spring Garden Street, which can accommodate about 150 people. The historic space has been renovated from its former life as a Frank Furness-designed bank (hence the name), with soaring ceilings and a large mural from the Mural Arts Program.
“I’ve hosted this day with great pride, deep emotion, personal sacrifice, and wholehearted love,” says McLaughlin. “And I’ve been honored to grow throughout that decade into a person who is lucky enough to be met on that day with all the love and generosity I try to give out every day of my life. It’s my absolute favorite day of the year.”
Tickets will go on sale Friday, November 8th at 2 p.m. at Mission Taqueria’s website for $150. For now, mark your calendar for Sunday, November 24th from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., and start drooling over the lineup below.
