A Meal Made with Love: Susan and Sol Bring Culinary Comfort to Valerie’s House

At Valerie’s House, we believe in the power of community, connection, and shared experiences. One of the most heartfelt ways to bring people together is through food. Recently, families at Valerie’s House had the pleasure of enjoying an incredible meal crafted by Susan Rizzato and her child, Sol, who was visiting from Ohio. Their meal of authentic Mexican street tacos was not only a culinary delight but also a gesture of love and support for grieving families.

A Culinary Experience Rooted in Tradition

Sol, a professional musician with a background in the restaurant industry, brought his expertise to the kitchen, preparing a slow-cooked barbacoa—a Mexican shredded beef dish made from chuck roast cooked in a rich blend of stock, spices, garlic, onions, and peppers.

“So, big picture here—tacos,” Sol explained, lifting the lid of the slow cooker to reveal the simmering, flavorful meat. “We have a couple of different options, including roasted chicken thighs with spices, onions, cilantro, queso fresco, and Chihuahua cheese.”

The meal also featured fresh pico de gallo, guacamole, lettuce, tomatoes, chips and salsa, black beans, and lime rice. To complete the evening, guests indulged in homemade cupcakes and brownies for dessert.

The Inspiration Behind the Meal

Sol shared that his inspiration for this meal came from working in the restaurant industry while pursuing a career in music. “There was a music festival just north of Chicago that had a couple of restaurants attached to it, and my co-workers and mentors there taught me these recipes. They were inspired by traditional family recipes passed down through generations.”

Susan, a grief counselor at Valerie’s House, and Sol both have a passion for cooking and have volunteered in soup kitchens, preparing meals for those in need. “Cooking is our love language,” Susan said. “We’ve always enjoyed sharing meals with family and friends, and it just felt right to bring that to Valerie’s House while Sol was visiting.”

More Than Just a Meal: A Moment of Connection

For many families at Valerie’s House, shared meals are an essential part of their healing journey. Sitting together at the table creates an opportunity to reconnect, share stories, and find comfort in one another’s company.

Sol reflected on the deeper meaning of food, saying, \“Food is an art form, and as an artist, they believe it’s important to connect with your community. Cooking allows us to do that in a different way, and it’s an honor to be part of a moment that brings people together.”

The Power of Community

Bringing a warm meal to Valerie’s House was not just about nourishment—it was about fostering a sense of belonging. “Food is always the start of something,” he said. \“It brings us together and gives us a chance to share something beautiful.\”

Families at Valerie’s House experience loss, but through moments like these, they also experience love, support, and community. A simple meal, prepared with care, becomes a reminder that they are not alone in their journey.

Thank you, Susan and Sol, for sharing your culinary gifts and making a lasting impact on the families of Valerie’s House.