Cocina de las Americas

Dear friends,

I would like to extend my sincerest appreciation for your attendance at the inaugural Cocina de las America’s Paella Cook-Off. 

Our goal was to create an event that would celebrate culinary excellence and bring awareness to our new Culinary Institute of America campus.

we hope that you were entertained and inspired by the creativity of our chefs and that your senses were engaged in the sights, sounds and aromas of competition.

Together the community came out in huge numbers to support culinary education and we are so appreciative to everyone’s generosity. We are thrilled that Chef Ben Ford of Fords  of Filling Station in Culver City California has already agreed to return and defend his title of Gran Maestro Paellero. Next year’s cook-off is already being coordinated, our intention is to grow our event and provide you an even more enticing culinary experience that excites the pallet and moves your soul.

Thank you!

Chef Johnny Hernandez

We'd like to extend a special note of gratitude to Acciona Agua for their cash sponsorship and providing multiple cases of the following excellent wines:

2008 Penascal Estate Sauvignon Blanc- Castille y Leon, Spain (White)

2007 Vina Mayor Tinto Roble-Ribera del Duero, Spain (Red)

2006 Penascal Estate Tempranillo-Shiraz, Castille Y Leon, Spain (Red)

Thanks to everyone who came out and supported our event. Please check back soon as we will post stories and photos from Sunday including the winning chefs as well as comments from several guests.