BUFFALO, N.Y. — Chef Victor Parra Gonzalez was born in Acapulco, Mexico, but has called Buffalo his home for many years, where he owns and operates Las Puertas restaurant on the West Side.
Victor's father and dozens of family members still live in the Mexican city. It has been traumatic for the chef, his mother, and his sister, to watch their hometown emerge from the devastation of Hurricane Otis from afar.
More than a week after the hurricane made landfall, Chef Victor was finally able to connect with all of his family members and confirm they were all accounted for, but they needed help with basic necessities and housing. Chef Victor launched a GoFundMe campaign, and this weekend you can order takeout for the Bills Sunday Night Football game against the Bengals, with all proceeds going towards the cause.
"I said, well I'm going to do the one thing I can do very well which is cooking," he said. "We figure, do something small, simple. If we can be part of someone's table for that one night I think it's an incredible opportunity."
The menu features tamales for $8, margarita quarts for $20, a nacho kit for $25, and a taco kit for $30.
"So far we are north of 25 orders which is phenomenal," Chef Victor said. "I was doing the math of how many tamales I need to make and this might be the most I ever made in my life."
Orders are due by Friday night and pickup is taking place at the restaurant on Sunday. Click here to place your order.
"I'm going to keep it open until midnight or until I fall asleep and then it's just a simple click of a button just close it down, and then I'll go to sleep with a full heart. I can say that for sure," he said.