Mole Fest- “LA REINA DE MOLE”: Eloisa Siguenza Crowned First Place Winner

Forty contestants competed in the Universidad Popular 6th Annual “Feria del Mole” by serving their secret mole recipe to 1,500 attendees. The Feria was held Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Arturo Velasquez Westside Technical School, 28th St. & Western Ave. in Little Village. Visitors attending the fest had an opportunity to taste test homemade mole from different regions of Mexico and vote for their favorite.

        [Mole is a Mexican sauce and comes in various flavors and ingredients, with chili peppers as the common factor. The classic mole version is the variety called mole poblano, which is a dark red or brown sauce served over chicken or meat.] 

        THE MOLE cook-off was festive and lively. Entertainment of live Mexican music was played by local groups which had several visitors dancing. Contestants dressed in authentic costumes, scarves and jewelry native to their state in Mexico.  Their tables were also beautifully decorated with hand-made Mexican pottery and flowers.

        THE COMPETITION was fierce. All of the moles represented were delicious, having their own distinctive and secret favors. Most contestants served their mole in a “cazuela” [thick heavy clay caldron], but constantly stirring in order to keep the mole from burning. 

        “LA REINA DE MOLE”: Eloisa Siguenza was crowned the first place winner, as maker of the “The Best Mole In Little Village.” A wreath of beautiful flowers was placed upon her head and a colorful sash stating, “La Reina de Mole”, was draped over her shoulder. Eloisa received a plaque, a $500 cash prize and a trip to Mexico City to attend the International Mole Expo and Fair in October.

        ELOISA, a humble winner, accepted her prize saying, “Muchas gracias. Y quiero invita a todos ustedes en el Estado de Oaxaca en el Corazón [heart] de México.” “Many thanks. And I want to invite all of you to my State of Oaxaca.” Her home state Oaxaca is in heart of Mexico.

        SECOND PLACE winner was Tomasa Roman who received a cash price of $400. Winner of the best “Decorated Table” was Carman Celio, she received $250 and winner for the best “Cultural Dress” was Marcelina Hernandez, who received $150. Congratulations Universidad Popular for another success event!