Calling all Paella fans! The 9th Annual Paella Challenge gets going Sunday, March 25! Watch the video above for tips on how to prepare paella with Chef Johnny Hernandez. Scroll for a few paella wine pairings from H-E-B!
It’s one of the most fun foodie events in all of Texas featuring dozens of celebrity chefs, Spanish wines, Flamenco performances and of course, platefuls of paella! Chefs from all over the world and 12 high schools will compete to make the best paella. Trust me, though…they’re all delicious! It’s a fun-filled afternoon the whole family can be a part of.
Paella originated in the area around the Albufera lagoon on Spain’s east coast, near the city of Valencia. The dish can take on many forms with hundreds of combinations of ingredients. According to tradition in Valencia, paella is always cooked over an open fire, fueled by orange and pine branches and pine cones. Making paella is a big social event, with guests traditionally eating directly out of the pan called the paellera. (More details here.)
My friend Chef Johnny Hernandez, founder and owner of so many delicious restaurants all around the world (see here), heads up the event raising money for his nonprofit, Kitchen Campus. Kitchen Campus was established in 2014 to connect young people to culinary opportunities through scholarships, internships and education.
Tickets are available now at the 9th Annual Paella Challenge website. The event is from noon to 4 p.m. at Mission County Park (directions here).
My Wine Finds
Campo Viejo Rioja Tempranillo
Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva
Campo Viejo Rioja Gran Reserva
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