Founded in 2011 in honor of chef and founder Jennifer Caraway’s friend Joy, who passed away from ovarian cancer, The Joy Bus is a nonprofit restaurant that delivers fresh, chef-inspired meals to homebound cancer patients free-of-charge. Additionally, The Joy Bus has a full-service diner available for the public to enjoy, with proceeds going to support the cause. Below, Caraway shares what she’s bringing to Dish Fest 2025, happening this Sunday, March 9.
What are you preparing for Dish Fest?
Lamb and sweet potato meatballs with a serrano zhoug, cucumber labneh and turmeric rice.
What are the key features of your Best Dish?
It’s from our first cookbook, More Than A Meal, and one of the OG meals I made for our clients. The sweet potato is used as a binder, as to not add any bread/gluten. The labneh and the zhoug bring a savory brightness, cutting through the fat of the lamb.
What is the mission of The Joy Bus?
Improving the lives of our patrons through real food and companionship. Joy’s grace throughout the painful and debilitating journey that is cancer inspired me to help those who fight that same battle, in her honor.
What restaurants/bars are you excited to see at Dish Fest?
I am excited to see all our restaurant community partners and friends that are all in one place, once a year…The rest of the year we are heads down, staying afloat.
