The Itoo Society's 96th annual culinary celebration of Lebanese culture is coming up this weekend.
Joe Couri of the Itoo Society says the format is no longer the big family dinner that people were used to in previous years, but rather buffet-style. He says that's a change brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We're just trying to be safer. Times have changed unfortunately. I wish that we could go back to the family style," he said. "I don't know if that will ever happen, but we'll see in future years."
Peoria has one of the largest populations of people of Lebanese descent in the country. Many of Peoria's dispora trace roots back to the village of Aytou, from which the society takes its name.
The Itoo Society Supper features dishes like kibbeh, which includes ground beef, onions, and grains. An estimated 15,000 to 18,000 cabbage rolls will also be made for the supper, which has attracted up to 2,500 diners. Online preorders can be picked up at the Itoo Society on Saturday from 3-6 p.m. The annual supper runs Sunday from 11 a.m. through 6 p.m. Carry-out meals are available, and a la carte items will be available in the Itoo Marketplace.
Meals are $19. The Itoo Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit located at 4909 W. Farmington Rd.
This is one of the biggest fundraisers for the Itoo Society. The money helps with upkeep on the Itoo Society hall. The Itoo Society also sends funds to Lebanon.
"Unfortunately, the situation in Lebanon is not good economically for the people, so we have fundraisers also for that, and we've sent lots of money over there to the public, to our relatives in the village, over the last three years," Couri said.
He said that money helps provide food, heating oil, and other necessities.
