The Power of Food: 2Fifty BBQ Joins Conflict Cuisine in DC

Exploring Identity, Culture, and Community Through Food: Fernando and Debby Join the Conflict Cuisine Panel

Washington, D.C. has always been a city where cultures collide, stories unfold, and food speaks louder than words. On Wednesday, March 5, the Conflict Cuisine: Diaspora, Identity, and the Power of Food in DC event will bring together chefs, food writers, and cultural thought leaders to explore the rich intersection of cuisine and identity. Among them, 2Fifty Texas BBQ’s very own Fernando Gonzalez and Debby Portillo will take the stage as featured panelists, sharing their journey of resilience, craftsmanship, and culinary diplomacy.

Food as a Story of Survival and Connection 🫀

For many, food is comfort. For others, it’s history, identity, and survival. The Conflict Cuisine event, founded by Professor Johanna Mendelson Forman, dives into how culinary traditions of displaced communities shape local food landscapes and foster cultural exchange. From Vietnam and Afghanistan to El Salvador and Ethiopia, D.C. has long been a landing place for those seeking new beginnings—and their food traditions have helped transform the city into a global dining destination.

This year’s panel features an incredible lineup of voices, including chef Irena Stein, restaurateur Sileshi Alifom, food journalist Tim Carman, and more. They’ll discuss how migration, conflict, and resilience have influenced their culinary journeys and what role food plays in building bridges across cultures.

Fernando Gonzalez: The Pitmaster with a Global Perspective 📍

Born in El Salvador during the country’s civil war, Fernando Gonzalez understands firsthand how food can be a thread of resilience in difficult times. Though originally trained as a civil engineer, his path led him to the world of barbecue, where he mastered the art of low-and-slow smoking. His training under legendary pitmasters like Aaron Franklin and Francis Mallmann allowed him to develop a unique approach—melding Central Texas barbecue traditions with Latin American influences. Today, as co-founder and pitmaster of 2Fifty Texas BBQ, Fernando is known for his commitment to quality, patience, and authenticity. His journey from a war-torn country to national culinary recognition is a testament to how food can tell the most powerful of stories.

Debby Portillo Gonzalez: The Entrepreneurial Spirit of Hospitality 🏨

Debby Portillo Gonzalez’s story is deeply rooted in generations of culinary entrepreneurship. Coming from a family of restaurateurs, she learned early on that food is more than sustenance—it’s an experience, a memory, and a way to connect people. As the co-founder of 2Fifty Texas BBQ, she has been instrumental in building the restaurant into a nationally recognized barbecue destination. With a sharp eye for business, she has expanded 2Fifty’s presence, championed handcrafted barbecue, and led philanthropic efforts that support food security and hospitality workers. Her dedication to culinary excellence has earned her prestigious accolades, including a StarChefs Award and a RAMMY Award, and she continues to be a leader in the food industry.

A Conversation You Won’t Want to Miss 🗓️

For food lovers, culture seekers, and anyone passionate about the power of a good meal, this event is an unmissable opportunity to hear from Fernando, Debby, and other esteemed panelists. Join us at the Mary Graydon Center in Washington, D.C., on March 5 from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for an afternoon of conversation, cultural exploration, and, of course, a special tasting experience.

Food isn’t just what we eat—it’s who we are. And in a city like D.C., every plate tells a story.

📍 Event Details:
🗓 Wednesday, March 5
🕝 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
📍 Mary Graydon Center, Room 128
4400 Massachusetts Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20016

Want to experience the conversation firsthand? Be sure to grab your spot and immerse yourself in the rich world of Conflict Cuisine!