by Steven Doyle and Chad Houser Photos by Robert Bostick
This past weekend we were excited to be invited to the October edition of Café Momentum, the pop-up restaurant with a heart. As many may know, Café Momentum is an effort of Janice Provost and Chad Houser of Parigi along with the very good people at Dallas County Youth Village that creates opportunities for disadvantaged youth in the restaurant industry.
The pop-up dinners serve as awareness for the project plus raises the much needed funds that will eventually facilitate the brick and mortar version of the café.
(l to r) Houser, Provost, Salum, Haven
Each month a different chef works with the young men in a different location in the DFW area to create a fantastic meal. This month Abraham Salum (Salum, Komali) offered his services and did not disappoint. Chad Houser sat with Chef Salum for a little Q&A. We will dot the questions with photos from this weekend’s dinner.
Houser: How long have you been cooking?
Abraham: I started cooking in 1989 at Camino Real Hotel in Mexico City.
Houser: What is your earliest food memory.
Abraham: A picture of me, 8 or 9 months in my mother’s arm, with a cracker with Roquefort cheese. She says I licked the cheese off the cracker and threw it away.
Spinach and Jicama Salad with Hibiscus Vinaigrette and Grilled Homemade Queso Fresco
Houser: When did you know that you wanted to be a chef?
Abraham: I wasn’t happy with my marketing degree and thought, “What can I do that I know I really enjoy?” Eating! Then I decided to learn how to cook.
Houser: What aspect of Cafe Momentum are you most excited about?
Abraham: Working with the young men and being able to help them figure out what they want to do with their lives.
Roasted Snapper Fillet, Pumpkin Seed Pipian, Nopal Salad
Houser: What is your favorite item on Sunday night’s menu?
Abraham: The snapper and the pork!
Houser: Who is your favorite Romo on the Dallas Cowboys?
Abraham: Not a big fan. Sorry.
Seared Pork Tenderloin, Chicharron Crust, Pasilla Mole and Cilantro Rice
Houser: Why are you so awesome?
Abraham: Because I am surrounded by awesome people like all of you!
November’s dinner will feature Matt McCallister of Campo, at Hibiscus. Brian Luscher of The Grape will be up in December creating his special dishes at Cane Rosso.
