A Most Momentous Dinner

Changing lives is one of our favorite hobbies.

Sure, it’s usually in the form of unsolicited My Fair Lady-style transformations of women at the mall or rescuing turtles and ducks from busy streets, but still.

Now there’s a new way we can make an impact, just by eating impeccably crafted cuisine.

After months of wanting to dine at restaurant Café Momentum, the opportunity finally presented itself and we only wish we’d gone sooner. If you’re not familiar with the concept, is a non-profit restaurant and culinary training facility, which provides a positive environment for at-risk young men to learn valuable skills in all facets of the restaurant business from waiting tables to preparing the food. Life skills are also on the syllabus.

Together Chef-Owner Chad Houser (above right with program participant Malik) Chef de Cuisine, Erik Shelton, and Executive Sous Chef, Justin Box, train the young men in a classroom setting, as well as front and back of the house. Café Momentum currently serves young men only, but a program for at-risk young women is already in the works.

The food is spectacular, too. Cauliflower lovers should always start with the size-of-your-head veggie, roasted and topped with Manchego cheese. It’s served with two dipping sauces and plenty for a group to share. The smoked fried chicken (above) is comfort food with nuance—and a side of gravy. And their Octopus Tiradito has quickly become a surprising signature dish.

Speaking of which, it’s one of the menu offerings served on an inspirational-message plate, created by Dallas artist Shane Pennington from the boys’ own words in their own handwriting. The rest of the serving pieces, glasses and silverware are all donated, so mismatched is in vogue.

As a diner, you are part of the education process, providing feedback and constructive criticism directly to the guys, or written on a giant dry-erase wall as you exit.

When you get in your car and reflect on the meal, however, it may be hard to decide whose life was changed more.