The Saga Humane Society delighted their supporters with the best of Central American cuisine and live music during their Annual Central American Cook-off. Hosted at the popular El Fogon Restaurant on Tuesday, September 29th, the fundraising event saw entries from Central American and Mexican recipes. The event also included raffles and recognition prizes for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd best dishes. The monthly cook-off raises much needed funds for Saga’s Spay/Neuter Initiative Program (SNIP) Campaign, as well as awareness for the work Saga does in the community.
The many dishes ranged from a Mexican Enchilada Pie to Pulled Pork to the Belizean delicacy Rice and Beans. For a contribution of $20, attendees had the opportunity to sample all the entries. Dishes included: Nancy Nida’s (Sotheby’s) Nicaraguan Pulled Pork with a twist, Pineapples Restaurant’s Enpanadas de Platano con Frijoles from Costa Rica, Rosemary Smith and Judy Allen’s Mexican Enchilada Pie, Maria Lima’s (Banana Beach Resort) tamales from Guatemala, Letty Hernandez (Sew What) Honduran Enchiladas, Carolina Gonzalez and Terry and Michele Colbert’s Nuegados de Yuca con Queso from Panama, and of course El Fogon’s Rice and Beans with Stewed Chicken representing Belize.
After a delicious feast with lots of raffle prizes and live music in between, votes were cast for the best dish of the evening. Both El Fogon’s Rice and Beans with stewed chicken and Nancy Nida’s (Sotheby’s) Nicaraguan Pulled Pork with a twist walked away with 3rd place prizes. Rosemary Smith and Judy Allen’s Mexican Enchilada Pie took the 2nd place. Walking away with the grand first prize was Letty Hernandez’ (Sew What’s) Enchiladas from Honduras, since everyone just could not get enough of it!
Saga thanks everyone that came out and supported the cook-off this month. Special thanks go to GMC International Band comprised of Mar, Gonzo, Charles Sr., and their special guest Chip, for serenading their guests; El Fogon Restaurant and their entire staff, Banana Beach, Sotheby’s, Pineapple Restaurant, Sew What, Terry and Michele Colbert, Judy Allen, Sandbar, Black Orchid Restaurant, Lone Star Grill and Cantina, Palapa Bar, Top Notch, Latitude’s Café, Premium Liquors, Kristy Pisarczyk, Judy and Duane Allen, Dr. Don Tummons, Mary and Frank Maykuth, Judyann and Tom Horton, Brenda and Bruce Breen, Beth Rogers, Mary Troup, Susie Tsinka, Karyn Larko, Cindy Kyles, Aimee Fearneyhough, Tori Fearneyhough, Jane and Paul Hohne. Saga would also like to acknowledge volunteers Dawn Locascio, Iliana Paj, Heather Smith, Eileen Jamison, Hayley Baer, Bill Milstead, and Sandie Eisenberg-Betz.
The next Saga function will be the Halloween Spooktacular costume party on Sunday, October 25th.
