Sunday Rice at The First Presbyterian Church of Chicago
with chef Dozzy Ibekwe
Sunday Rice is more than a meal — it’s a gathering of culture, care and shared stories.
Rooted in West African tradition and radical hospitality, this monthly table brings people together to share food, stories, and connection. Hosted by Dozzy's Grill at the historical First Presbyterian Church of Chicago. We’d love to have you join us.
Sunday Rice is free and open to all.
If you enjoy the food and experience, you’re welcome to make a donation using the [ donation link ] (please note “Sunday Rice” with your gift).
6400 S Kimbark Ave, Chicago, IL 60637 - 1st Floor Porter Room
Contact: 312-351-9551 Chef Dozzy
What Is Sunday Rice?
Sunday Rice is more than a meal — it’s a gathering.
Rooted in West African tradition and radical hospitality, this monthly community table brings people together to share food, stories, and connection. Hosted at The First Presbyterian Church of Chicago, Sunday Rice welcomes neighbors from all backgrounds to experience the joy of eating together.
The Tradition Behind It
In many West African homes, Sundays are for family, reflection, and a shared meal of rice and stew. That rhythm of gathering shaped the spirit of Sunday Rice.
Inspired by generations of home cooking and the lessons of welcoming learned from elders, Sunday Rice carries forward a simple belief: food should make people feel at home — even when they’re far from it.
What We Serve
Our menu features West African classics that carry history and memory. At the heart of every gathering is Jollof Rice, alongside dishes like Peri Peri Chicken, Pan-Roasted Tilapia, and bright, fruit-forward sides.
Seasonal dishes — like Nigerian Suya barbecue in the summer — keep the table evolving, while the core flavors remain rooted in tradition.
Why It Matters
Sunday Rice creates space for culture, conversation, and community. Some guests come for a taste of home. Others come to discover something new. Everyone leaves nourished — not just by food, but by connection.
It’s proof that a shared table can still bring people together across backgrounds, generations, and stories.
Made With Care
Sunday Rice is built on intention. Ingredients are sourced from local markets and African grocers across Chicago, and each gathering involves hours of preparation — marinating, blending spices, slow-cooking stews, and preparing sauces by hand.
A small team of cooks, servers, and community collaborators help bring the experience to life. For us, this isn’t just food service — it’s storytelling, tradition, and hospitality in action.
Growing the Table
Sunday Rice is sustained by community. As the program grows, we’re building partnerships with local organizations, inviting guest chefs and collaborators, and finding ways to make the work more sustainable behind the scenes.
Our hope is to keep Sunday Rice rooted in care while expanding its reach — creating a long-lasting tradition where culture is shared, new connections are formed, and everyone feels welcome at the table.
Thank you,
all right reserved Dozzy’s Grill, photo curtesy of Max Li,
2026