How we dine is how we live: Peruvian dinner with Dan Gonzales, Vilnius

“Causa”: food as resistance, food as belonging. Some dinners deserve a second invitation.

When Dan Gonzales cooked for us the first time, the flavours were exceptional. So exceptional that we asked him to come back. And, thankfully, he said yes.

For our second Peruvian evening, Dan returns to our living room with his Causa, a dish whose story goes far beyond the plate.

A little history: causa is not just the name of a dish. Its roots go back to the Quechua word kausay, “sustenance of life”. In times of war, Peruvian women cooked for soldiers while saying “por la causa”, for the cause. Over time the word became more intimate: a causa is someone who stands with you, a loyal friend, a companion from your inner circle. A rather fitting dish for a room full of strangers.

What is on the table? Dan Gonzales is a Peruvian artist living in Lithuania, whose creativity ranges from visual and digital art to photography and cooking. For this second edition he prepares CHICKEN & AVOCADO CAUSA:

– the base: smooth yellow potato mash seasoned with lime, salt and ají amarillo;

– the heart: shredded chicken layered with ripe avocado;

– a vegetarian option: a version without chicken, with cherry tomatoes.

This is not a restaurant night. It is a shared table where food gives us an excuse to meet people we might never otherwise meet. We will eat, exchange stories and learn a little about Peru, and if the first dinner is anything to go by, we will probably ask Dan for the recipe.

Good food deserves good company, and some cooks deserve to be invited twice.

The arrangement: Saturday 28 November, 18:30–20:30, Socialoftas Studio, Kražių g. 25, Vilnius. Contribution €17 per person. Limited to 35 participants. A vegetarian option is available; please say which you prefer when you register.

Come alone, bring someone along, or join us again if you were lucky enough to taste Dan’s cooking the first time. Dan is back, and the table is waiting.