SLU Professor's Taco Fundraiser to Support Tornado Relief Efforts
ST. LOUIS — Saint Louis University chef Daniel Brewer, MS, RDN, is hosting a special fundraising event at his home this weekend featuring an innovative taco menu that draws from a variety of global influences.
The fundraiser will be held on Saturday, May 24, from 4 to 7 p.m. at 2831 Shenandoah Ave. in the Fox Park neighborhood. Brewer said proceeds will benefit Action St. Louis, which is assisting with tornado relief efforts for the north and west sides of St. Louis.
Daniel Brewer, MS, RDN, an assistant professor of nutrition and dietetics, is hosting a special fundraising event on Saturday, May 24, from 4 to 7 p.m., to support local tornado relief efforts. Photo by Daniel Brewer.
“I'm just a guy who likes sharing food with people, organizing this gathering to support communities often overlooked during crises,” said Brewer, an assistant professor of nutrition and dietetics.
Brewer initially planned to support the International Institute of St. Louis with this fundraiser. However, after a devastating tornado struck St. Louis on Friday, May 16, Brewer decided to redirect his efforts.
One of the standout offerings includes a lamb shawarma taco, combining Middle Eastern ingredients such as amba (a tangy, green mango-based condiment), pickled green mango, with Mexican-style pico de gallo. This fusion exemplifies Brewer’s creative approach to cooking and his appreciation for diverse culinary traditions while accommodating dietary restrictions. The menu is also inspired by the talents and creativity of students from SLU's nutrition program. A carnitas taco, featuring smoky pork and strawberry morita salsa, was influenced by a student’s recipe for sweet and savory pork tamales.
Another unique creation, the Taco Dorado, integrates Indian flavors such as poha (a traditional method of preparing rice) and curry leaves, alongside Mexican staples like queso Oaxaca and refried beans. This dish was inspired by Shrutiben Bhakta, a former student who now spearheads the local Indian street food pop-up Chaat Walla.
Brewer's dedication to the Jesuit mission, which emphasizes service to humanity, is evident in his efforts to support the local community. He believes in the importance of sustained commitment to addressing social issues, especially in times of crisis.
“I feel like people will move on, but this is a marathon, not a sprint,” he said. “Everyone has skills. My skills just happen to be food. I would encourage people to do what they can to support relief efforts.”
To learn more about the taco fundraiser, visit his personal Instagram. To support Action St. Louis, visit their website. For a list of support services, including shelter, donation opportunities, and ongoing volunteer efforts, visit the May 16 Tornado Recovery Resources page.
About Saint Louis University
Founded in 1818, Saint Louis University is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious Catholic research institutions. Rooted in Jesuit values and its pioneering history as the first university west of the Mississippi River, SLU offers more than 15,300 students a rigorous, transformative education that challenges and prepares them to make the world a better place. As a nationally recognized leader in research and innovation, SLU is an R1 research university, advancing groundbreaking, life-changing discoveries that promote the greater good.
Latest Newslink
- SLU Launches William L. Clay, Sr. Institute of Civic Engagement and Economic JusticeThe Clay Institute will provide immersive learning experiences and hands-on training that address the social and economic challenges facing the St. Louis region and the nation. Institute programming will be available to all students with an interest in civic engagement and democratic participation.
- SLU Research Explores Depression's Ripple Effect on DiabetesA study conducted by researchers at Saint Louis University found that patients with depression were more likely to have uncontrolled diabetes over time and that depression contributes to a heightened economic burden to diabetes management.
- SLU/YouGov Poll: Statewide Cell Phone Ban for Missouri Schools Popular with VotersGovernor Mike Kehoe has signed Senate Bill 68 into law, enacting a statewide ban on the use of personal electronic devices, including cell phones, tablets, and smartwatches, throughout the school day in Missouri public and public charter schools.
- SLU Vaccine Center Will Enroll Healthy Volunteers in Yellow Fever Vaccine Clinical TrialSaint Louis University's Center for Vaccine Development will enroll up to 70 adult volunteers in a clinical trial to study the safety elicited by a new investigational vaccine for yellow fever, a potentially deadly disease that is spread by mosquitoes. The research is funded by Sanofi Pasteur.
- Feser Joins Global Jesuit Assembly During First Week as SLU's PresidentAs he began his tenure as Saint Louis University's 34th president, Edward Feser, Ph.D., represented SLU as a delegate at the 2025 Assembly of the International Association of Jesuit Universities (IAJU).
- SLU Partnership with St. Louis Catholic Academy Middle School Education Yields Improved Outcomes One Year OnA partnership between Saint Louis University's School of Education's Herrmann Center for Innovative Catholic Education and St. Louis Catholic Academy has yielded improved test scores and student outcomes in the middle school population after its first year. The SLU School of Education provides resources to St. Louis Catholic Academy's middle school.