By: Anthony Bolton
On Oct. 3, community members gathered at O’Donnell Memorial Park in Atlantic City to celebrate the annual Empanada Fiesta, an event featuring food, art and music.
The fiesta was hosted by the Chelsea Economic Development Corporation, which works to strengthen the Chelsea community in Atlantic City through expanding housing opportunities, supporting local businesses and celebrating Chelsea’s cultural diversity.
Mimi Nanbo, from the Atlantic City Multicultural Services Division, served as a host for the fiesta, encouraging guests to browse the local vendors and dance to the musicians performing live at the event.
“Don’t forget that music, art and food bring hearts and the community closer together, despite the language,” Nanbo said several times throughout the fiesta.
Participants were able to sample empanadas from six different vendors, all of whom participated in the Best Empanada Challenge. Guests lined up to taste a wide variety of takes on traditional empanadas. The countries and territories represented included Mexico through the Mexican Restaurant and Bar and Isabella’s AC Cafe; Colombia through the Boom Food Market; Honduras through Rincón Catracho; Puerto Rico through La Parada del Borinqueño y Algo Mas; and the Dominican Republic through Queen’s Pizza Palace.
Between sets by DJ Jose, there were several performances from cultural dancers and bands celebrating the different cultures represented at the fiesta. Jewels of Honduras performed folkloric dances celebrating Honduran culture. The dancers performed in pairs, twirling to the music in traditional-style attire. The band Los Amigosdel Jefe AC performed with guitars, bass and an accordion. During the performance, guests formed several conga lines.
The judging panel evaluated the empanadas based on several criteria, including crust, filling and presentation. Panel members included Alexander Marino, Director of Academic Operations, Atlantic City, at Stockton University; Michael Atkins, executive director of the Atlantic City Arts Foundation; and Assemblywoman Maureen Rowan, who was a first-time judge at this year’s fiesta.
The fiesta ended with the announcement of the winners in several categories. Queen’s Pizza won best crust, Rincón Catracho won best presentation, and La Parada won best filling and best taste. La Parada del Borinqueño y Algo Mas went on to win the Best Empanada Challenge, receiving a $1,000 grant provided by Chelsea EDC.
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This article was produced as part of Follow South Jersey’s student journalism program, which provides aspiring journalists with practical experience in professional news reporting and writing.
