by Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl took his new love of grilling to the streets, cooking for more than 450 homeless people.
The “My Hero” singer showed up at the Trebek Hope the Mission Center in Northridge last week with brisket, ribs, pork butt, some BBQ people and a heart of gold. He got the job done, trimming fat from the meats and preparing them for the smoker just as the storm hit Los Angeles.
Late host of “Jeopardy!,” Alex Trebek, and his wife Jean, donated half a million dollars to Hope the Mission. The grant went toward the purchase of the Los Angeles Skateland roller skating rink, which was converted into a 107-bedroom shelter and named after Trebek.
Formerly known as Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission, it is a non-profit charity based in Los Angeles that aims to prevent, reduce and eliminate poverty, hunger and homelessness.
The organization is behind Chandler Street, the vibrantly painted North Hollywood village made up of shipping containers that serve as an interim and transitional housing shelter. Chandler Street is one of 15 shelters operated by the group. Together, they provide approximately 1,400 beds in North Hollywood, Highland Park, Los Angeles, Northridge, Reseda, Tarzana, Woodland Hills, Van Nuys and Lancaster.
Actor and taco aficionado Danny Trejo worked with the nonprofit, feeding homeless veterans at the mission’s Van Nuys Bridge Home Shelter.
President and CFO Rowan Vansleve said he was excited when he learned one of his favorite rock stars wanted to cook for the shelter. But he was heading to Las Vegas to take part in a 350-mile run from Sin City to Los Angeles, in an effort to raise $350,000 to fund three new family centers for Hope the Mission. The new centers would be able to shelter around 400 families of mothers and children.
Dave Grohl made brisket for 450 homeless people in LA
( Hope with the Mission )
Grohl told Vansleve that he could handle the barbecue without him and would even try to save him a rib. Then, as Vansleve ran through the desert, he started getting updates from his team back at the Trebek Center.
“He shows up at 6 p.m., and this meat truck is delivered,” Vansleve told the Times. “And it’s like an obscene amount of food. It’s unbelievable, the man spent thousands of dollars. And he’s there by himself in our little food prep area, trimming the fat off (the meat), making sure everyone’s perfect. He has gathered all his friends. They are supporting these massive smokers.
“This megastar is walking around hugging and loving people. Then he starts lighting all the fires at about 11 p.m., and this is when the huge storm hits. … So he’s out there last Wednesday through Thursday. So it’s pouring down, the area is flooded. And he stayed out there from midnight until I think it was 6 o’clock when the meat stopped to rest.”
Prepared ribs are waiting to be grilled for Hope the Mission.
( Hope with the Mission )
Grohl went back and forth in his trailer when he could, Vansleve said. Otherwise, he kept the fires burning, checked the meats and walked around to meet people and encourage the workers.
Dave Grohl prepares meat for the homeless at Hope the Mission.
(I hope the Mission)
After the meat was smoked and the beans and coleslaw were prepared, the “The Best of You” singer asked his family and friends to join in serving the food. When the ribs, brisket and pork were gone and the people were fed, Grohl did a deep clean of the kitchen, according to Vansleve.
And it seems the rocker is ready and willing to do it again. After cleaning the kitchen, Grohl asked about returning to cooking for everyone.
