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ACLAMO Culinary Celebration Report

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On May 1, 250 people gathered at the Montgomery County Community College to enjoy delicious food, delightful music and conversation. In addition to the many important friendships which were established or renewed, the generosity of our sponsors and attendees added $27,000 to strengthen ACLAMO programs in support of the Latino community. Thank you!

Below are included a few pictures from the event to remind you of the great time you had or to give you a taste of the event, if you were unable to attend.

Additional articles identify the sponsors and chefs who participated. Please help us thank these great supporters by remembering to use their services often. Tell them ACLAMO sent you!

ACLAMO is already planning next year's event, so stay tuned!

Chefs and students from The Culinary Arts Institute of Montgomery County Community College were key participants. 

Belmary Lorcas and Friends provided classical and traditional Latin American music.

Executive Director Jimenez introduced Montgomery County Commissioner Valery Arkoosh and ACLAMO board members.

Owners and chefs from El Sarape restaurant were one of a group of 10 chefs which provided food for the event.

Executive Director Jimenez, Peggy Lee Clark from Montgomery County Community College, Commissioner Arkoosh, Chef Marz, and Board President Kane.  

Habanero Latin Band provided lively salsa rhythms.

Chaddsford Winery was a major event sponsor and served samples of its wines to delighted guests. 

ACLAMO Board President Kane expressed the thanks of the Board to Executive Director Jimenez and Board member Marisol Perez, one of the key event planners. 

She "Drowned" Her Watch!

newsletter-culinary-chef-052616Even her Fitbit watch could not keep up with Certified Executive Chef Francine Marz. "It drowned in the Caribbean," she smiles wryly. The chefs and students of The Culinary Arts Institute of Montgomery County Community College must sympathize with that watch as they struggle to keep pace with the Director of the program, Chef Marz.
 
"I have ADHD", she says matter of factly, "but that actually works in my favor. Many jobs have several big weekly or monthly deadlines. But when you work in culinary arts, you have 40-50 big deadlines every day. It is all about short tasks, lists, communication, and quickly getting things done. A chef really has to keep moving."

Francine's face breaks into a smile as she talks about being a chef. "I love to take ordinary ingredients," she enthuses, "and turn them intosomething extraordinary. Or sometimes I will take an amazing protein or unique vegetable which is already special and find ways to accent its unique characteristics." It's what a chef is supposed to do. Anyone can cook, but it takes a true artist to see its endless opportunities."

Marz employs the same creative genius when she works with people to infuse her ideas into ongoing or new projects. When ACLAMO board members first met with her to discuss a possible joint fund raising project, they were amazed at the variety of suggestions and possibilities she generated. With her characteristic humor, straight talk and energy, she has been a key to the success of the ACLAMO Culinary Celebration. She understands the Latino culture, supports ACLAMO, and truly believes in its mission.

"I don't know who at Montgomery County Community College made the decision to hire Francine Marz," quips ACLAMO Executive Director Nelly Jimenez, "but that person made a great decision!"

Major Sponsors

Supporting Sponsors

Participating Chefs

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