WELCOME TO THE TABLE
Stories Behind the Menu is a culinary journey with a celebratory heart.
Alongside a series of inspiring chefs, we invite you to experience the stories of diverse cultures — creating conversations that feed understanding and nourish communities.
MATTHEW AND TIA RAIFORD, STRONG ROOTS 9
September 23rd, 2025
Join us for an evening of food, community, and storytelling focused on diverse cultures, creating conversations that feed understanding and nourish communities. Stories Behind the Menu presents Strong Roots 9 - An evening of Gullah Geechee for “bless and eat”. Hosted by Chaz Sandifer of Stories Behind the Menu and speakers Tia and Matthew Raiford, this event will feature samples of Gullah Geechee cuisine prepared by chefs Tia and and Matthew Raiford. Attendees can enjoy a tasting menu, wine, and music performed by “Daniel the Violinist.”
MATTHEW AND TIA RAIFORD, STRONG ROOTS 9
September 25th, 2025
Matthew and Tia Raiford are the dynamic duo behind Strong Roots 9, a pioneering wellness brand rooted in food, farming, and culture. With over 60 years of combined culinary expertise, they bring together a deep respect for heritage and an innovative approach to nourishing the body, mind, and soul.
Matthew, a sixth-generation farmer and celebrated chef, stewards Gilliard Farms in Brunswick, Georgia—a 50-acre property passed down through his family since 1874. Known for his expertise in regenerative agriculture and terroir-driven crops, Matthew has been recognized as a James Beard Award semifinalist and a passionate advocate for sustainable food systems.
Tia is a highly accomplished chef who has led kitchens in some of the nation’s top culinary institutions, including New York City’s Gramercy Tavern and the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Her work combines her love of food, culture, and education with a mission to connect communities through meaningful culinary experiences.
Together, the Raifords cultivate food, beauty products, and educational experiences through Strong Roots 9, honoring the past while growing a brighter future. Featured in The New York Times, National Geographic, and The Huffington Post, and with appearances on Chopped and Beat Bobby Flay, the Raifords embody the powerful intersection of food, farming, and family.
Join us for a 5-course dinner and evening of storytelling. All food, wine, beer, and beverages are included in the ticket price.
VIP OPENING NIGHT, 2025 TWIN CITIES FILM FEST
October 16 - 25, 2025
Join us for the 3rd year as Stories Behind the Menu curates the opening VIP opening night at the Twin Cities Film Festival featuring Chef Get U A Vicky.
Join us October 16–25, 2025 as the Twin Cities Film Fest celebrates 16 years of storytelling, community, and cinematic excellence! This milestone year promises bold new voices, unforgettable screenings, and events that honor the filmmakers, audiences, and supporters who’ve shaped our journey.
CHEF MATEO MACKBEE AND PASTRY CHEF ERIN RAE, KREWE + FLOUR AND FLOWER
December 11th, 2025
Chef Mateo Mackbee and Pastry Chef Erin Rae, the duo behind Krewe, brought the rich traditions of New Orleans cuisine and Midwestern hospitality to life in a memorable 5-course dinner and evening of storytelling. Mateo, inspired by summers in New Orleans watching his grandfather cook, served soulful dishes like jambalaya, gumbo, and muffuletta made with farm-fresh ingredients and cherished family recipes. Erin, New London’s beloved “young pie lady” and head baker at Flour & Flower, delighted guests with pastries from croissants and artisan breads to classic beignets, all crafted with her farm-to-dessert philosophy. Together, they created a warm, flavorful celebration of food, tradition, and community, with all food, wine, beer, and beverages included.
CHAZ SANDIFER, FOUNDER
Chaz Sandifer presents Stories Behind the Menu— a culinary journey through food and storytelling.
By bringing people together to break bread and bridge the cultural divide among people of different backgrounds, races, and religions, Sandifer aims to promote racial health, equity and inclusion, and bring healing and restoration to communities and society as a whole. Utilizing the stories of how food traditions developed in various cultures creates a deeper understanding and respect for one another, allowing people to embrace our commonalities and celebrate our differences.
Donate
We’re excited to share that Stories Behind the Menu is now part of our nonprofit foundation — deepening our commitment to using food, culture, and storytelling as tools for healing, understanding, and belonging.
If the experience moved you, we invite you to continue walking alongside us. Your donation helps us:
- Bring more people to the table — across cultures, communities, and backgrounds
- Support local chefs and storytellers in sharing their truth
- Grow this movement of collective healing through food and conversation
Every dollar helps us extend the table — and the impact. Thank you for being a vital part of this journey.
With gratitude and hope, Chaz.
A shared experience celebrating culture and conversation.
Thank you to our sponsors:
past sponsors:
