By Kathy Chouteau
With November in the air and Thanksgiving fast approaching, food was on the minds of Just Imagine KidZ’ (JIK) Board of Directors. But nobody was talkin’ turkey. “Rich Dish” was the topic of conversation—after nonprofit concerns, of course.
Following the board meeting, talk surrounded where and what the nonprofit’s volunteers like to eat in Richmond.
Tiffany Harris, a JIK board member who doubles as executive director of the Bay Area Girls Club, piped up first. A string of eatery recommendations enthusiastically escaped her mouth: Masa Tamales & Taqueria, Mi Casa Grill and El Agave Azul. She noted that she especially loves Mi Casa Grill’s chips & dip, saying they’re “like no other,” and that the dish comes with beans, salsa and more deliciousness.
Arising from the boardroom, another voice chimed in: “The margaritas are good,” said board member Glenda Roberts of the Contra Costa Youth Service Bureau about Mi Casa Grill.
Nakele Rechenauer, an avid volunteer who also serves as the president of Richmond’s Rotary Club, also recommended Masa, but with a different take. “I love the House Ceviche at Masa Tamales & Taqueria,” she said, with her choice of shrimp. It comes marinated with lime juice, tossed with tomatoes, red onions, avocado, cilantro and cucumber slices. She also gave a shout out to PraJam Thai, located on San Pablo Avenue not too far from The Factory Bar.
Harris circled back again with another recommendation, Kao Sarn Thai Cuisine in Point Richmond, where she likes the curry. “Oh you’re right, they’re good too,” said Tamara Shiloh, executive director of JIK and owner of the Multicultural Bookstore.
Maya Taqueria on Railroad Avenue in Point Richmond garnered some love from JIK’s board when Diana Jackson, MHA, a manager of administrative services and facilities operations at Kaiser Permanente, said she loves their carnitas.
Shiloh said she also likes Lara’s Fine Dining. Harris revealed that Shiloh is a VIP at the waterfront restaurant, where she sits down and “they know to give her red wine and calamari,” she kidded. Shiloh added in that they also have “the best Zinfandel,” noting that she doesn’t know the name of it but that “they know.” Harris said that she “loves their shrimp salad” and “green rice,” as she thinks they call it.
Lara’s Vietnamese foodie neighbor, Anh Restaurant & Bar, also received the seal of approval from JIK Board Chair Roberts.
Shiloh added that Masa Tamales & Taqueria is her “go-to place,” and that they have “the best bowls ever.” The bowls come with a choice of protein, rice, beans, cheese, corn, lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole and sour cream. She orders the bowls with chicken, ground beef or steak.
She then switched gears with just two words: “Johnny Boi…smash burger.” Anyone who’s tasted it knows why.
Just Imagine KidZ is a Richmond nonprofit run by Shiloh dedicated to empowering students with after-school and summer programs focused on Black History and Hispanic/Latinx History. They also provide classes for educators, equipping them with the tools to integrate Black History and Hispanic/Latinx History into their year-round curriculum.
“Rich Dish” asks Richmond residents where and what they like to eat in the city. Want us to stop by your business to dish? Contact [email protected].
