Rotary Taste of Gumbo has judges looking for "silky"

                  Port Arthur Rotary’s Taste of Gumbo is one of those events that people look forward to for the food and the company. Hugs, smiles and an abundance of little white cups full of rice and gumbo made Saturday’s event another hit at the Robert A. Bob Bowers Civic Center.

                             I hope there was any celery and onions left in Mid County, because these groups had cooked pots and pots to serve fans. I had the pleasure of being one of five judges who put their heart and soul into tasting and ranking. It’s not at all easy. Some loved a pot for the very same reason another did not care for. We all were looking for flavor, texture and what one called a certain “silky” quality. An athlete-style point system produced the following “winners,” though we agreed, all the restaurants and groups that participated in this worthy cause were winners for supporting Rotary projects:

                  First place: Catholic Charities Hospitality Center

                  Second place: Port Arthur Professional Firefighters Association

                  Third: Port Arthur International Seafarers Center

              Approachable flavor profile

                      Go on and approach that gouda. Dutch cow milk goes into Frico Grab & Go Snacks and that translates into little wrapped packages of mild, creamy snacks for you-on-the-go pleasure. Frico has been made in Holland for more than 120 years and makers say their “approachable flavor profile appeals to children and adults. So, because Nederland, Texas has a history of Dutch dairy farming, I’m figuring all the Bulldogs will like it as much as I do.

                     

                  The label is the contents

                             A guest pulled an RXBAR out when he visited and we shared a blueberry version three ways as a rich and gooey snack. I’ve seen these protein bars in the store and they’re appealing because of their simple label. 3 Egg Whites, 6 Almonds, 4 Cashews, 2 Dates, No B.S. is what this one reads in big letters. If you’re into this kind of thing, this is a good one.

                  Darragh Castillo loves a lot of gumbos and loves how proud each chef and family is of his or her own blend. Reach her at darraghcastillo@icloud.com