A kitchen that helps those struggling with addiction

SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO) – A Sioux Falls nonprofit is hosting a unique culinary event Thursday evening.

Omar Thornton is known for his passion for food.

People used to come from all over for a unique meal at his restaurant in Garretson.

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But what you may not know is that he has problems with alcohol and substance use.

“I’m in recovery. It’s going to be my whole life. It’s something that’s a part of my life and it’s going to be a part of my life,” Omar Thornton said.

With the support of a local non-profit organization, Thornton is grateful to say that he has been drug and alcohol free for over 8 years.

“Facing it together was the first place when I decided to go for myself and need help for myself. That was the first place I went,” Thornton said.

Now, Thorton is giving back to the organization that helped change his life.

“For tomorrow night, we have a shrimp and a sausage and a Cajun-type Tuscan cream sauce that we’ll put on. And then we’ll have some sautéed cherry tomatoes that we’ll put on top. of that as garnish,” said Omar Thornton.

He is one of a dozen local chefs participating in the Face it in the Fire event.

“We will have chefs from ten plants who will also create their culinary creations which will be voted on by the people’s choice. And then also their decorations on their table will also be voted on by the attendees,” White said.

But all eyes will be on the stage, where two chefs will face off.

“They will come with their idea of ​​what they are doing and most of the ingredients. We have a secret ingredient that will be revealed at the event that they will have to figure out how to incorporate into what they are doing,” said Wendy White, CEO of Face it Together.

All money raised will help local people suffering from addiction.

“Although it is part of you, you yourself have to be the one prepared for the change. You are not alone in facing each other and as the name suggests, you are. And you’re realizing that in this tough battle, not only are there people who have been through it, but they’re going to be with you as you go through it,” Thornton said.

The event starts at 5:30 on Thursday night and runs until 8.

Click here to learn more about the event and purchase tickets.

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