Dining Series Crosses Global Borders Without Leaving Milwaukee

Tables Across Borders dishes. Photo courtesy of Tables Across Borders.

Tables Across Borders began in 2019 as a means to platform refugee and immigrant chefs, uplifting their stories, heritage and cultural dishes while providing a unique dining experience in some of Milwaukee’s most celebrated restaurants.

As the series enters its sixth year, its mission is increasingly essential, said Gregory León, who co-founded Tables Across Borders with Kai Gardner-Mishlove, Caitlin Cullen and Christie Melby-Gibbons.

“Right now, with everything that’s going on in our country, it’s more important than ever to have these experiences,” he said, noting that the dinners have been a source of positivity amid a changing world. “The response has always been fantastic.”

Tables Across Borders is set to begin its 2025 series on Feb. 17 at Amilinda, 315 E. Wisconsin Ave., highlighting Syrian dishes from Tahani Ghaziyah.

The chef is a familiar face at Tables Across Borders, having participated in several past events. She’s also a crowd-pleaser, Leon said.

“She’s a joy to have in the kitchen, for starters, and her food is incredible.”

The cuisine, defined by fragrant spices, savory dips and dishes like kibbeh and fattoush is also a welcome — if temporary — addition to the local dining scene, following the 2024 closure of one of the city’s sole Syrian restaurants, Damascus Gate.

The upcoming Syrian meal is one of four events planned for 2025. Chef Bakht Mohammad,will present an Afghan dinner at Amilinda on March 3, followed by Chef Abebech Jima‘s Ethiopian meal at Tricklebee Cafe, 4424 W. North Ave., on April 28. On May 17, Chef Hasina Begum Ashraf Mia will showcase Rohingya cuisine at Tricklebee Cafe.

Each dinner will feature an array of dishes presented buffet-style, with chefs on hand to share their experiences and answer questions.

Tickets, priced at $75, are available to purchase online.

Over the years, Tables Across Borders has showcased chefs representing Afghan, Burmese, Congolese, Eritrean, Ethiopian, Karen, Rohingya, Serbian, Somali, Syrian and Ukrainian cuisines at events held in Milwaukee and Madison, according to the organization’s Facebook page.

In addition to financial support for the featured chef’s family — proceeds from ticket sales are donated directly — the events provide an environment to network, foster connection and find common ground.

“Hopefully it’s brought awareness to the general public as to the plight of refugees, maybe educating some people — not only on the plight of the refugees, but also about different cuisines from around the world,” Leon said.

Sponsors include JSS Madison, Lynden Sculpture Garden, Hanan Refugee Relief and UW-Milwaukee Cultures and Communities.