Above / Throughout the years, Meson Sabika co-owners Filemon Ochoa and Hossein Jamali have hosted fundraising events inside the historic mansion and on its spacious patio to benefit dozens of nonprofit organizations locally and around the world. Again, this Thanksgiving Day, they will open their doors to serve guests a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings. (PN File Photo)
Meson Sabika all booked / Seats still available at Tapas Valencia
UPDATE, Nov. 13, 2017 / All available seats have been reserved at Meson Sabika in Naperville for Thanksgiving Day. Seating is still available at the sister restaurant, Tapas Valencia, located at 1530 S. State Street in Chicago. For reservations in Chicago, call (312) 842-4444. Happy Thanksgiving!
Since 2001, Meson Sabika has been serving complimentary Thanksgiving dinners to individuals and families in need of a place to celebrate America’s special holiday.
That tradition has continued, and 16 years later Meson Sabika once again will open its doors to as many as 2,000 people looking to share a meal with dignity and compassion, no matter if the need is financial, emotional or friendly fellowship.
Thanksgiving Dinner will be served from 11AM-1:30PM, Thurs., Nov. 23.
Reservations are now being accepted until Nov. 16, 2017.
According to Hossein Jamali, co-owner of Meson Sabika with Executive Chef Filemon Ochoa, over the years the restaurant has welcomed a lot of people with many different challenges on Thanksgiving Day. Jamali’s often said that getting to know his appreciative guests often reminds him how much some people take every-day life for granted.
Jamali also is mindful of recent devastating natural disasters—hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes and mudslides— that have left families homeless throughout the world.
“Even many people here are experiencing some level of poverty or health challenges or coping with flooding,” said Jamali. “Maybe if we tried harder to understand how much others have lost or need, we wouldn’t take what we have here so much for granted. Maybe we’d find more compassion for all the losses and refugees.”
A Special Thanksgiving Dedication
“This past year I’ve gotten to know about Justin Wegner and I’ve really come to admire him for his strength and determination as he’s battling a rare form of cancer. Whenever I’m feeling down myself, I look toward Justin as my role model,” said Jamali. “This kid has been through so much.”
Jamali plans to dedicate this year’s Thanksgiving dinner to Justin Wegner, the younger son of Cathy and Ed Wegner, for the inspiration that he has given to family, friends and even individuals he barely knows.
Jamali is hopeful folks will help spread the word about the Thanksgiving dinner free of charge for families in need at his two restaurants—Meson Sabika in Naperville and Tapas Valencia in Chicago.
Welcome!
When guests arrive at the restaurant, they receive a warm welcome by a host, are seated, and then are served by staff or volunteers.
Just as any guest any time, the staff offers guests a glass of wine, beer or soft drink. The first course is salad followed by plated turkey dinner with the trimmings, and then pumpkin pie for dessert.
The restaurant uses the same every-day set up that guests find when they enjoy Spanish-style tapas that includes white linen and a beautifully arranged table setting.
No reference is made to the table regarding a free meal. Guests are made to feel welcome and appreciated.
Staff & Community Volunteers
The regular staff of the restaurant steps up to volunteer their time to serve the holiday meal while community volunteers make up the rest of the very busy staff that serves the meal that day.
Meson Sabika receives many requests from people in the community that wish to volunteer; unfortunately, everyone cannot be accommodated. Typically, the first 50 volunteers who request to participate are selected, giving volunteers who have served in the past first priority.
The guests that typically come for a meal include those that may be financially challenged and/or physically or emotionally challenged. Others are there because they have no one with whom to share the holiday. All the guests are welcomed with a warm smile and a delicious meal.
After all the guests are served, the staff, volunteers and their families are invited to stay and enjoy dinner together.
Reserve now at Tapas Valencia! Meson Sabika seating is totally reserved
If you or someone you know needs a caring environment for a Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings, call (312) 842-4444. Reservations are required by Nov. 16, 2017.
At the time of this posting, reservations remain available between 11AM and 1:30PM.
Meson Sabika and the Pavilion at Meson Sabika, located at 1025 Aurora Ave. in Naperville, is totally reserved for Thanksgiving.
The same warm welcome and same schedule for Thanksgiving dinner will be provided at Tapas Valencia, located at 1530 S. State Street in Chicago. Again, for reservations in Chicago, call (312) 842-4444.
