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

What you'll love in February

                  Artsy heartsy décor is what I’m feeling as the days get shorter and Valentine’s Day looms. January went out with a bang in honor of Seafarers:

                            

                             The Roasted Tomato & Fresh Mozzarella on Rosemary Bread was so photogenic, I had to go right in for a closeup.
          When Chef Carly Andrews Oubre and her team at Chic Chef Catering & Events shows up, guests leave talking about what they saw. For a few years she's been catering the Port Arthur International Seafarers' Center's cocktail party for special supporters. This good food keeps people coming back to a good cause.
          Here's some more of what she made for Thursday’s event: Sweet Potato Waffle Fry with Pulled Pork & Cotija Cheese; Chorizo & Grilled Vegetable Quesadillas with Chipotle Salsa; and Whipped Feta Artichoke Dip with Pita Chips & Crudites.
          If hors d'oeuveres are your thing, call this chef. As for supporting Port Arthur's amazing center, contact Doreen at aosusa@sbcglobal.net

                 

                             Back to February

                             Got your hearts out? February is Sweetheart month and don’t you love calling your sweetie Honey Bunches of Oats? No? Well, people do. I’ve heard it. Hey, that honey pot emoji on the phone is pretty popular. The Post cereal is popular, too and now there’s a new version: frosted. The label literally reads “with granola crunches you love,” and a little arrow pointing to them in a heaping spoonful depicted on the box. My husband was really excited when he saw this box and my honey loved their honey.

                            Taste of Gumbo

                             Rotary Club of Port Arthur will again host Taste of Gumbo on Saturday, Feb. 8 at the Robert A. “Bob” Bowers Civic Center. It’s a big deal in Port Arthur and I’m not the only one ready to sample bowl after bowl and support local Rotary projects. The event will begin at 11 a.m.;  Find your favorite Rotarian for tickets.

                             Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie who loves experiencing and touting our local flavors. Reach her at darraghcastillo@icloud.com.

Ready for Mardi Gras? Taste of Gumbo?

                            

Are your beads out? Mine are. Doors are decorated for Mardi Gras, set for Feb. 28-March 3 in downtown Port Arthur this year. DeAndre Nico will be a part of all of this and people are excited.

                             That gets us all excited about the flavors of Mardi Gras and what could be new out there to taste. I’ll be making gumbo in anticipation. Get your tickets!

                             Who said gumbo?

                             But wait. Rotary Taste of Gumbo, Etc. comes before that on Feb. 16 at the Robert A. “Bob” Bowers Civic Center. This tradition skipped a year because of Harvey, but they’re back for good flavor and a good cause. Again, get your tickets!

                            But now, for yogurt

                             Now that I’ve got you all excited over the spice, take a moment to consider the humble yogurt.

                             It’s cold, it’s comforting, it’s plain. Except when it is most definitely not plain. For all you folks who think you must have ice cream, please remember that thick, rich, Greek yogurt can get fruity and nutty and covered in chocolate to satisfy your cravings.

                             Some people still don’t believe me.

                             Pity.

                             Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie happy to eat yogurt daily and plan ahead for gumbo and more gumbo. And more gumbo. Reach her at darraghcastillo@icloud.com

Bacon-wrapped boudain; Taste of Gumbo is on the way

I hate to miss a party. Especially when I hear what I what all I missed. In this case, I’m told there was bacon-wrapped boudain. Once I heard that sentence, the room kind of got blurry. I could not concentrate on anything else but making this treat and wondering why I’d not heard of it or thought of it myself. 

We’re “on the boarder” of Texas and Louisiana, people. I Googled it. I told others about it. I put it on Facebook to see if other “foodies” I know had tried it.

The consensus among them was: That sounds great, why didn’t I think of that?

At this writing, I have not tried what sounds like a gift from Heaven. But I think I have successfully planted the idea in my mother’s head that she ought to make some for all of us.

I suppose one should cook the bacon a bit, then wrap it around an inch or two of boudain, perhaps with a jalapeno sliver, the broil it.

Readers, have you done this? Does it sound good? Let me know what you think.

Rotary Taste of Gumbo, Etc.

The day the Rotarians gather the gumbo lovers in Port Arthur is one of my favorite times of the year. I won’t get to go this time, so everybody, please go and eat gumbo for me. It’s from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 19 at the Robert A. “Bob” Bowers Civic Center.

“Come visit your neighbors, grab a taste or two of gumbo and do a little shopping while supporting the community through the Rotary Club of Port Arthur,” Janie Johnson, Rotarian, said.

 Rotary Club of Port Arthur has been doing this for 29 years and you know their proceeds, from $10 tickets at the door, is going to good causes.

There’s a silent auction, vendor booths and door prizes.

We can thank this group for the Rotary International Avenue of Flags that welcome seafarers to the Port of Port Arthur.

Johnson reminded that Rotarians internationally work to eradicate Polio through vaccines, water, sanitation, health care and better quality of living. Locally Rotarians have  invested in a quality community through support of grants to local charities, college scholarships, early literacy and feeding the hungry.

“Our motto is Service Above Self and as Rotarians we are honored to serve in our community first,” Johnson said.

darraghcastillio@icloud.com