The Culinary Arts Society of Ajijic (CASA) celebrated a late Mardi Gras February 15 with a Cajun/Creole main dish category – a tribute to late chef Paul Prudhomme – and an anything chocolate dessert category.
The guest speaker was Ismat Jivani from Gossips Restaurant, who worked for Prudhomme for several years in New Orleans and toured the world with him.
First place and People’s Choice winner in the main dish category was Monique Grossman for her Chef Paul Prudhomme’s Chicken and Smoked Sausage Gumbo; second place went to Marina Benz for Cajun Blue Plate and third place and presentation were won by Monica Molloy for her Crab Stuffed Shrimp Viala with Sauce Acadian & Roasted Red Pepper Cream.
In the dessert category Hazel Tash won with a Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Cake and Roberta Hilleman took second place with a Chocolate Crepe Tower d’Amour. Third and presentation were awarded to Michele Lococo for her Chocolate Raspberry Love, Catherine Suter won the People’s Choice for a Chocolate Frangelico Roulade.
Judges were Jose Melendrez, Ruth Baker, and Colin Smith.
CASA celebrates its annual Awards Banquet and 30th anniversary with a three-course dinner at Roberto’s Restaurant, Tuesday, March 1, 6:30 p.m. Members will be sharing some stories on the society’s beginnings. Tickets are 250 pesos (including gratuity and entertainment). Everyone is welcome. Contact CASA President Monica Malloy at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.
The next CASA meeting is Monday, March 21 and the categories are Chopped Pairs Main Dish and Chopped Pairs Desserts (as seen on the Food Network).