Is There Such a Thing as 'Sibling Culinary Rivalry?'

What and Geyserville area has become an informal competition between local businesses. 

Pedro Diaz, owner ofand his brother, Octavio Diaz, owner of in Healdsburg, are “Cooking for the Community” on the last Thursday of each month,  donating a portion of their proceeds on those nights to the Healdsburg Endowment at the (CFSC).

The first event night, entitled Cocinando, was held in August. Little did the brothers know, they started a “giving competition” among their respective staffs.  Octavio Diaz reported his surprise and delight with the response from his and his brother’s employees. 

“We knew we would be able to inspire giving through our customers by promoting a special night dedicated to giving back to the community each month,” said Octavio Diaz. 

 “What we didn’t anticipate was how much our respective staffs would be motivated and inspired to see who could generate the largest contributions,”  he added.

Healdsburg area fans of great Mexican food can choose to patronize either El Farolito or Agave again this coming Thursday, Sept. 29 and 10 percent of purchases made between 3 p.m. and closing will be donated to the Community Foundation. 

The contributions will boost the Healdsburg Endowment, a permanent fund that makes annual grants to many nonprofit organizations in the Healdsburg and Geyserville areas. 

“We’re proud to be a part of the Healdsburg Community,” said Pedro Diaz. “This is a great way for us to give back, educate our community about local needs, and have a fun and friendly competition while we work.” 

Octavio Diaz agreed.

 “We can’t wait to see what kind of donations we will be able to generate month after month, with the community’s support,” he said.

The has been active in Healdsburg since 2003. 

The Healdsburg Endowment, funded exclusively by local residents, has awarded over $220,000 to non-profit service organizations and schools in Healdsburg, Geyserville and the surrounding valleys. 

--By Taya Levine