Restaurants To Raise Funds for Chef Homaro Cantu's Family

IRVING PARK — Chicago's restaurant community is coming together to support the family of chef Homaro Cantu, who died earlier this month.

Bread & Wine, 3732 W. Irving Park Road, is hosting a fundraiser and silent auction to benefit Cantu's wife and two young children, an event dubbed "Chef. Neighbor. Friend." The fundraiser will be held from 6-10 p.m. on May 11.

"We recently lost friend and colleague Chef Homaro Cantu, and his family lost a loving father and husband," reads the invite.

"Please join our efforts by attending the event, bidding on silent auction items and/or donating what you can to the family of our dear friend."

In addition to Bread & Wine, participants include Smoque BBQ, Revolution Brewing, NAHA, Blackbird, BellyQ and A10, providing either food, drink or items for the silent auction.

Cantu was found dead April 14 at his planned Crooked Fork Brewery at 4419 W. Montrose Ave. The death was ruled a suicide.

The chef, owner of Moto and the shuttered iNG, was known for his experimental creations and his promotion of the "miracle berry," which can make sour foods taste sweet.

Cantu lived with his family in Old Irving Park and had recently opened the coffee shop and cafe Berrista in his home neighborhood.

Tickets for the fundraiser are $75 and can be purchased online. Donations can also be made directly to the Cantu Children's Trust.

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