Two Hip Chicks and a Sassy Haitian
Well, friends, in case you’re not already wowed and tantalized by the lineup of chefs and wineries we’ve already shared with you over the last several weeks, we’re going to pile on a couple more today!
Like all of the makers we’re featuring at the Gala, Chef Elsy and winemakers, Laurie and Renee, have stories that are as rich as their food and wine creations.
So we’ll let those speak for themselves…
“The Flavors of Nourishment”
Chef Elsy Dinvil, Creole Me Up
What is the flavor of rich diversity and deep care for nourishing food?
It’s probably mighty close to the Caribbean flavors of Creole Me Up™ by culinary magician Chef Elsy Dinvil.
Chef Elsy's journey, from Haiti to the heart of Oregon, is a tale of care and practical creativity.
She combined her passion for food and her commitment to justice and service, returning to Haiti after earning a food science degree at Mt Hood Community College to work with CARE-Haiti and USAID, two prominent international humanitarian aid outfits.
After honing her culinary skills there at the prestigious Ecole Hôtelière d'Haiti, she returned to Portland only to encounter major health challenges. She shares...
“Inspired by my mental, financial, and physical struggles, I began modifying traditional Haitian recipes, substituting ingredients with fresh produce and herbs that promote healing.”
That inspiration became Creole Me Up™ – a range of 17 allergen-free, plant-based delights that brings “all that sass without the fuss” and can now be found in 40 local Oregon grocers.
As if that isn’t enough, she's pursuing her MBA at George Fox University and as a talented author, she's sharing her love for food and culture in her e-books and a novel.
So if you’re ready to add some healthy zip to your meals, we say it’s time to Creole YOU Up.
“Hip Chicks with Good Karma”
Laurie Lewis & Renee Neely, Hip Chicks Do Wine
Winemaking and life partners, Laurie Lewis and Renee Neely, might have just happened upon the craft after a Dundee picnic but that doesn’t mean they are casual about the winemaking business and their contribution to society.
They are pioneers in Portland for being the first “Out Lesbian Winemakers” and opening the only winery within the city limits of Portland back in 2001.
More than twenty years later, they have survived a recession or two, the COVID pandemic, and a blossoming number of winery options in Portland and beyond.
Their early investment of their life savings and their longevity through dedication and hard work has allowed them to build a customer base and impact the industry and community in meaningful ways.
Laurie founded the PDX Urban Winery Association in 2011, which now boasts 17% of its member winemakers identifying as LGBTQIA+ and 41% have women winemakers.
They have also sponsored Pride Northwest since 2006 and donate a portion of each bottle sold to Esther's Pantry, a local food bank catering to individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
But they don’t do any of it for accolades, awards, or a competitive edge.
“We just believe in supporting our community and being the best individuals and business owners that we can be and hope that karma is kind to us.”
We can't wait to sample the nourishing Haitian sass of Chef Elsy, and the sip on some delicious wines with the Hip Chicks at this year's Gala!
