Crasqui is cooking for a cause
West Side restaurateur unites chefs to support local nonprofits
By Leonor Villasuso Rustad | Contributor | May 2025
Chef Soleil Ramírez, owner of Crasqui Venezuelan Roots restaurant at 84 S. Wabasha St., St. Paul, has organized a series of monthly events that bring together the most renowned Latino chefs in the Twin Cities to raise money for nonprofits that work with immigrant communities. Ramírez provides the staff, kitchen and space where guest chefs prepare benefit dinners. Crasqui also donates a portion of the sales from the evening to the partner community organization and holds silent auctions to raise additional funds.
Each event has a unique menu featuring cuisine from the chef’s home country. The first dinner occurred April 23 with chef Gustavo Romero of Nixta Tortillería y Oro. Proceeds benefited the organization Huellas Latinas, which uses outdoor recreation programs to promote well-being, connections to nature, and foster a sense of belonging. On May 28, Christian de León from Xelas/El Sazón will use his culinary talents to support COPAL, which works in environmental justice, worker’s rights and health and wellness for Latino immigrant communities across Minnesota. Tickets are $165.
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Future events and beneficiaries include:
June 25 – Nettie Colón of Red Hen Gastrolab; Neighborhood House
July 27 – Rolando Díaz from Marna’s Eatery; Latino LEAD
August 24 – Pedro Wolcott from Guacaya Bistreaux; beneficiary to be confirmed.
September 21 – José Alarcón and Noé Lara; Pacer Center
October 19 – Jorge Guzmán from Chilango; Centro Tyrone Guzman
November 19 – Hilda Vera-Terhark of Holy Sins Bakery; beneficiary to be confirmed.
Ramírez, a Venezuelan immigrant and businesswoman, knows firsthand the difficulties immigrants face, especially those who open a business and work hard to keep it afloat.
“With everything that’s going on, politically, I feel like I need to do something for Latinos,” she said. “I am still in limbo. I have just been approved for asylum after nine years. I understand everything that immigrants have to go through to be here.”
Ramírez is looking for donors or sponsors to help pay for some of the ingredients for the benefit dinners so more money can go to the designated organizations. For more information or to donate, visit crasquirestaurant.com.
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