For José Luis Chavez, chef-owner of Mission Ceviche in New York City, Father’s Day isn’t about being pampered—it’s about preparing a soulful, meaningful meal with his kids that bridges generations.

“While it’s always nice to be treated, cooking this meal with my kids is the celebration,” Chavez says. Instead of dining out, he and his son and daughter make a home-friendly version of one of Mission Ceviche’s signature dishes—ceviche—alongside a Peruvian beef stew and a sweet corn cake brûlée. The stew, in particular, is a dish he used to prepare for his own father, one that still brings a sense of “warmth and comfort.”

“This stew is the epitome of homey food,” Chavez says. It’s the kind of dish that instantly makes you feel comforted—like you’re at home with Dad (and Mom). The entire menu, he explains, is “deeply personal,” one he often cooks with his children on weekends. “It fills me with a profound sense of comfort and satisfaction,” he says. It’s both “food for my soul” and a “cherished ritual” that helps him connect and create lasting memories with his kids. “It’s not just about the delicious outcome,” he adds, “but the process of making it together, fostering a sense of togetherness and tradition. That shared experience is what makes it so special for Father’s Day.”

Chavez reflects on the deeper meaning of the day, calling fatherhood “the most beautiful blessing in life.”

“Nothing compares to the profound feeling of being a father,” he says. “It’s a responsibility, a joy, and an unconditional love that’s truly unparalleled. Father’s Day is a time to acknowledge that bond—and the unique role a father plays in a family.”