The Black Hoof and Niagara Street Café host Haiti fundraiser this week

Jen Agg, co-owner of The Black Hoof, is hosting a benefit on Wednesday to raise funds for victims of last week’s devastating earthquake in Haiti. Anton Potvin has provided the space at Niagara Café Upstairs, where staff from both restaurants will create a Haitian-inspired menu: Niagara Street Café chef Nick Liu’s famous suckling pig (prepared Haitian style); spicy rice and beans made by Agg’s Haitian-born boyfriend; and cheese from the Cheese Boutique. Drinks will be provided by Ontario wineries, merchants and brewers.

“When natural disaster strikes, it’s always horrifying and tragic,” says Agg. “But when it strikes a country like Haiti, where infrastructure and resources are ill equipped, it becomes that much more catastrophic. That is why I’ve decided to do something to try to help, instead of doing nothing, as is often my inclination.”

Donations will be taken at the door; entrance includes food, rum punch and three drink tickets.

The Black Hoof Presents: Help the Haitians, Jan. 20 at 8 p.m. Suggested minimum donation of $25 at the door. Niagara Café Upstairs, 169 Niagara St. (entrance just north of Niagara Street Café), 416-551-8854.