Events!
Save the Date: The Battle of the Beans IV, Friday, June 24, 2011 at The Historic Ashland Armory, Cocktail reception at 6:00 pm, Dinner at 7:00 pm
Join us for a lighthearted competition to identify our region’s very best Mexican Food. Your support will help our community’s most gifted Latino students achieve their dreams of a college education.
- Sample the very best Mexican Food in our region
- Enjoy the very best of local entertainment
- Meet past recipients of the scholarship fund
Admission is $30 for a single and $50 for a couple. Reserve your tickets today! For more information contact Chela at 541.301.1944
The Battle of the Beans began in 2007 after SOLSF Action Team members joked about people asking, “Where is the best place to get Mexican food?”
SOLSF Co-President and New York Life Insurance Agent, Chela Sanchez said, “We should just have the restaurants compete and let the people decide for themselves.”
La Clinica Development Director and Action Team Member, Maria Ramos Underwood quickly said, “This could be a great fundraiser!” Within a few short months the Action Team Members secured restaurants and began spreading the word about this fundraising feast.
The SOLF landed on the name Battle of the Beans as a play on the already familiar Battle of the Bands and Battle of the Bones.
Attendees to this event were given the challenge of selecting their favorite Mexican food from six restaurant participants. Dishes varied from Arroz con Pollo to savory Enchilada's Jalisco with proceeds going to the Southern Oregon Latino Scholarship Fund.
2010 Restaurant participants included El Tapatio Restaurant of Ashland, Muchas Gracias Restaurant West Medford, Cuisine de Jour Catering in affiliation with the Greatest of all time international Café in Medford, All Seasons Catering and 2007 and 2010 "Top Frijole" winner La Tapatia Restaurant, Phoenix for their Pollo Asado & Carne Asada Tacos. Honorable mention was also given to Miguel's of Ashland for their Chile Verde and Pollo a la Crema entry. Food donations were also secured from Habañeros and Mazatlan Grill.
A special thanks to Southern Oregon Brewing Co. and Standing Stone Brewing Company for providing the spirits for the affair and Tequila maker Tomás Estes, creator of Tequila Ocho, who enlightened guests with sensory examination and evaluation of tequila. Desserts were provided by Rooster's of Medford.
The SOLSF is comprised of committed individuals that represent an entire community of business owners, school administrators, social service providers, educators and concerned citizens, who are committed to the success and enrichment of the Rogue Valley. This commitment leads us to address the educational needs of the largest minority community in Southern Oregon.
Photos courtesy of Brad Eastburn