On Sunday, April 10, 2011, Avocados from Mexico took over the Bootleg Theatre in Los Angeles, CA as 19 local amateur cooks put their avocado recipes to the test in the nation's first-ever Avocado Takedown. The unconventional culinary competition sold out as hundreds of avocado enthusiasts gathered to watch contestants whip up unique dishes made with Avocados from Mexico for a chance to win $500 in cash prizes, cookware and bragging rights.
“The Avocado Takedown event was the first of its kind and it proved to be a huge success for Avocados from Mexico,” said Emiliano Escobedo, Marketing Director, Avocados from Mexico. “It was great to see the creativity of all the dishes which showcased just how versatile the avocado can be.”
Admission to the two hour Avocado Takedown event was $10 and included unlimited tastings. The winning recipes were judged by a panel of food experts and “People's Choice” awards were given to the recipes that received the most votes by those in attendance. Recipes prepared by the contestants using the creamy fruit included cupcakes, chocolate, pasta, cheesecake and more. The winning recipes were judged by The Guerilla Gourmet and Eric Boardman, former Food Network host and current host of Hungry Historians. A complete list of winners is included below.
The Avocado Takedown was brought to L.A. by Matt Timms, founder and organizer of the increasingly popular “Takedown” cooking competitions starring one main ingredient that originated in the East Coast and have since spread Nationwide. Avocados from Mexico sponsored the L.A. Avocado Takedown and supplied all of the avocados served at the event. The competition was open to all amateur and home cooks.
For more information or high res images, please contact Mairim Martinez at 714-557-7100 ext. 226 or via email at mmartinez@intgmktg.com.
The Avocado Takedown Winners Were:
Official Winners: (Judged by the Guerilla Gourmet and Eric Boardman)
1st Place: Deep Fried Avocados by Adam Angeles
2nd Place: Avocado Caliente Cupcake by Clara Polito
3rd Place: Avocado Creamcheese Cake with a Minty Avocado Whipped Cream by Teresa Wu
Peoples Choice Awards: (Judged by the general public)
1st Place: Cowboy Bruschetta by Scott Gregory
2nd Place: Avocoado Ice Cream with Pomegranate Whipped Cream by Mike Cohen’s
3rd Place: Avolcanos (habanero vegan cheese & avocado pastries) by Casey Suchan & Brandon Ficara
Additional recipes entered into the competition included:
· Avocado and Bacon Cheesecake
· Pasta w/ Avocado Pesto
· Avocado Fritters/ 5 Herald Hirsch
· Avocado Bacon Muffin
· Avocado Filled Hangar Steak
· Mini BLTA Whoopie Pies
· Deep Fried Avocados
· Avo Tacos
· Acocado Ricotta Gnocchi with spicy carrot curry sauce
· Avocado Pie
· Avocado Fries
· Dark chocolate truffles
· Spicy Poma Grape Guac
· Chocolate Avocado Muffins with Avocado Frosting
Source: Avocados from Mexico
