Lakesiders who cook with passion, seek learning experiences to enhance their culinary abilities, get a kick out of tasting foods from around world and enjoy sharing ideas with folks of the same ilk find the perfect milieu in the Culinary Arts Society of Ajijic (CASA).
Founded in 1986, the foodie club holds monthly gatherings where members present homemade dishes for competition. Entries are submitted under pre-established theme categories, most often divided into one section for main dish entreés and another for complementary side dishes or desserts.
A panel of independent judges is brought in to score the platters on taste and presentation to determine first, second and third place winners. While that is in progress, guest speakers entertain the members with dissertations or demonstrations on diverse food and cooking topics. Afterwards, members get a chance to sample the competition dishes and cast their own votes for People’s Choice recognition. It all happens in a ambiance of friendly camaraderie that stimulates creativity in the kitchen and rewards excellence.In addition to holding the 12 monthly contests, CASA organizes occasional collateral activities such as cooking workshops, excursions, social events and hands-on support for local charities.
The club is throwing CasaFest, an afternoon bash scheduled for Sunday, October 20, put together both as a platform for attracting new members and a pleasurable encounter for those who already belong. The event takes place from 2-5 p.m. at Hidalgo 312, on the waterfront at Chapala’s western limits.
The 200-peso entrance fee includes a gourmet buffet repast catered by Manix Restaurant, live music for dancing by the Doo Wops, and diverse fun and games. Tickets may be acquired at Diane Pearl Colecciones and by phone requests to Mary Ann Waite, 766-1436, or Annie Green, 766-5243.
CASA’s October meeting follows the next day, with competition in the categories of ground meat main dish and three-ingredient dessert challenge. Reporter staffer Dale Palfrey is lined up for a talk on traditional Day of the Dead foods.