The annual Itoo Society Supper is coming up in the first week of November.
The event includes culinary staples like cabbage rolls, chicken and rice, kibbeh, green beans, Lebanese salad, and pita bread served up buffet-style.
"Lebanese food is among the tastiest foods of any ethnicity, in my opinion, but I am biased because I grew up with it. But there are a lot of people in the community who feel that way," said Joe Couri of the Itoo Society.
Couri says it's an opportunity to celebrate the Peoria area's widespread Lebanese heritage through cuisine and fellowship. But it also raises money.
"Obviously funds are raised to keep us (Itoo Society) going, but also, very importantly, for the homeland," Couri said. "And Lebanon's in tough shape these days. The economy is just shattered for several different reasons, and the war has just made it worse. We have sent many, many thousands of dollars back to our relatives in the village."
Peoria's Lebanese community isn't monolithic. Couri says many are descended from the original migrants of the early 20th century. But there's a second wave who came to Peoria in the 1960s through the 1980s to escape war.
"We've learned a lot from each other. About our culture and our tradition, and it kind of helps give the veterans who've been here forever a chance to kind of relearn some of the ways of the of the home village," he said.
The 97th Annual Itoo Supper happens 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, November 2 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, November 3 at the Itoo Hall, 4909 W. Farmington Rd. in Peoria. Saturday is for online preorders only, while Sunday features dine in, carry out, and a bake sale. Click here for more information.
