By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor Published Dec 11, 2024 at 6:01 PM

Each year, BelAir Cantina selects a nonprofit partner for its Powered by Tacos campaign, a powerful fundraising campaign that has raised more than $150,000 for local community organizations. 

The partner for their latest campaign will be the Hunger Task Force, Milwaukee’s Free & Local food bank. 

“Our goal when selecting a Powered by Tacos partner is to ensure that the funds raised make a tangible, immediate impact,” notes Kristyn O’Laughlin Eitel, BelAir Cantina owner and CEO. “Hunger Task Force exemplifies the values we look for in a partner, and we are thrilled to support their incredible work providing healthy food to those who need it most.”

What's on the menu?

The name of the new Powered by Tacos creation is the Mission Mushroom Taco. It features a flavorful combination of vegan birria, mushrooms, cilantro, onions, and vegan consommé, all wrapped in a gluten-free corn tortilla.

The Mission Mushroom Taco will be available at all BelAir Cantina locations until the spring of 2025, with $0.50 from every taco sold directly benefiting Hunger Task Force.

“We are honored to be selected as this year’s Powered by Tacos charity,” said Matt King, CEO of Hunger Task Force. “The funds raised from this partnership will support our mission to provide healthy food to people in need on the day they need it and in their neighborhood. The Mission Mushroom taco is a unique and healthy menu item we’re excited for the community to enjoy.”

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor

As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.

Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.

When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.