By Vera Magana, Reporter
As COVID-19 restrictions fall away, even as COVID-19 continues to pose a danger to the public, many of us have begun to take stock and reflect on what we have lost during the pandemic. As often happens with self-reflection, the spirit spurs the body to rise up to the challenge posed by the conclusion of our self-reflection. In this regard, restaurateur Nima Karimi, who runs Sebastian’s Mediterranean Cuisine and La Bocca Felice in San Pedro, is no different. Like everyone else, he has struggled with the fear of COVID-19 impacting the health of loved ones both directly and indirectly.
Iranian born, but reared in Norway, Karimi is no stranger to performing acts of kindness and thanksgiving. In the past, he has allied with other San Pedro restaurateurs to raise money for families fighting cancer, food insecurity and homelessness. Restaurateurs don’t typically broadcast these good works unless word of their good deed somehow gets out.
During the first month of the shutdown, Karimi donated 4,800 meals that came from his prior restaurant called Sebastian’s, as well as working with other organizations to help feed families in need.
“Now that we are at the end of this tunnel, the light that comes towards you is not the train that destroys you, it’s more of a happiness that see.” -Nima Karimi
Next month, Karimi is going to close down the restaurant and host a private dinner for families that haven’t been able but could really use a night out without any worries or cost. He said he won’t be publicly disclosing the date or time of the dinner, but if you or someone you know would like to be a part of it,you are more than welcome to go on their Facebook page to check out the date or contact them directly.
Karimi said this was never about the money for him, but about bringing less fortunate families together. With COVID-19 and the accompanying restrictions that came with it, Karimi just wanted to bring smiles to people’s faces. It’s about giving back to the community, but his target audience are those who haven’t been fortunate enough to visit his restaurant before.
This is about making people enjoy their family for one night, making them happy. It’s not a dream he’s trying to provide but simply a break.
“We have this cake and we can all share it,” he said as he explained the reason why he was going to host a special event in the upcoming month.
“A night off, their kids being next to them instead of mommy being in the kitchen or daddy having to be at work because they need the money and all these things, why don’t you guys come here? Like a normal customer, I give you the menu, order whatever you want on the menu, drink whatever you want to drink, whatever, and then, you don’t pay for it. It’s all on me,” he said.
Karimi said that Including his two children, serving butter and bread will be a highlight for him. Karimi explained the opportunity serves as a teaching moment for them while instilling the value of caring for their fellow man.
Perhaps the greatest lesson Karimi hopes to teach his children is the expression of gratitude, especially to the community and staff that has supported their restaurants and family throughout the family’s hardships. He reiterated that it didn’t matter how good he could be at doing what he does, he wouldn’t be anywhere without them.
While Karimi doesn’t have a formal description of the kind of families that would get a seat at his restaurant on this day, he was clear he was looking to serve those who have experienced hardship over the past year. Families can send him a direct message via Facebook to get a potential seat at the table.
LA BOCCA FELICE
Location: 301 W 6th St., San Pedro
Phone: 310-935-2135
https://www.facebook.com/Boccafelice.la/