International Latino Food Festival is Aug. 1

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

OCCHA Inc., the local Hispanic-American civic and cultural organization, will host its fourth International Latino Food Festival from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 1 at the club’s social hall, 3660 Shirley Road.

Guests can experience Hispanic cuisine through food delicacies, desserts and beverages. The gourmet food menu includes items such as lechon y pollo asado (pork and chicken roast); arroz con pollo (rice with chicken); guiso de quinoa (quinoa stew); congri (rice with black beans); pastelon (plaintain casserole); arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas); and picadillo (meat hash).

Festival attendees also can enjoy pastelillos (fried turnovers); tostones (fried plantains); empanadas (baked turnovers); tamales (corn- based filled with meat or cheese); and quinoa salad.

Among the dessert selections are flan (caramel custard), mouse de maracuya (passion-fruit mousse); tres leches (three milks cake); alfajores (cookies with dulce de leche); and tembleque (coconut pudding).

Countries represented will be Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, Spain and others. Complementing the food is the culture of these Latin American countries.

Those attending will be treated to traditional dances, musical performances and a disc jockey throughout the day. A pinata, face painting and raffles also will be featured.

Admission and parking are free. Food prices are based on combo meals and a la carte items. Proceeds will benefit OCCHA’s educational programs.

For information, call 330-781-1808 or email occhafoodfest@gmail.com.