Chef Joaquin Farinas Brings A Taste Of New Orleans To Guatemala City

Thanks to the efforts of Erwin Rosales, Joaquin Farinas, the King Of Beers Budweiser, The Louisiana Office Of Tourism, and the 4th degrees-north district Guatemala City delivered their first annual New Orleans Festival 2003 from March 10th till the 15th, 2003 . In a section of the city that has seen an entire make over it is no suprise that the event was a huge hit with the locals and the media.

"The 4th degrees-north section of the city has become a cultural mecca for locals and tourist alike." said Director Of Marketing for Budweiser in Gutemala City and the event organizer Erwin Rosales.

The cultural section of the city has enjoyed a rising reputation for new hot restaurants and clubs. "The idea of the New Orleans Festival 2003 was brought to the attention of 3 restaurant owners who jumped at the chance of having a New Orleans theme for an entire week" said Chef Joaquin Farinas who did all the planning and cooking for the 3 different restaurants that were chosen for the event. Joaquin Farinas continues by saying " The event was a huge hit beacause of the collective efforts of all the participants."

The restaurants that were involved were La Osteria (Italian), Vino (French-Scandinavian), Del Paseo (Contemporary Arab). The chef had the opportunity to cook and serve his menus at all 3 places giving guest a real taste of New Orleans food and charm. Serving dishes ranging from "Grits & Grillades" to "Shrimp Remoulade Salad" to "Bananas Fosters Bread Pudding" the menus served had up to 7 items on them each day. The inspiring event drew quite a crowd drawing in over 300 plus people a night for each event just for the food & Jazz. After such a great event the future looks great for the 4th degrees-north section of Guatemala City and the city of New Orleans who for 1 week were united culturally, gastronomically, and musically.

We can't wait until next year!



Chef Joaquin Farinas is Executive Chef @ Destinee`.