A culinary grand slam at Temple Beth-El

There were many possible ways to celebrate Rabbi Sarah Mack’s 20 years of service at Providence’s Temple Beth-El, but no celebration would have been tastier than the World Series of International Favorite Foods, hosted at the temple on Oct. 22. True to its baseball-inspired name, the spread of global dishes doubled as a competition, as local cooks competed to win over taste buds. The two judges were Jan Dane, owner of Stock Culinary Goods, and Jason Sugarman, owner of the hotly anticipated Maven’s Deli.

The winner was Dayne Cueva Alegria, with her Peruvian Chicken Causa, a cake-like salad made with potatoes and other ingredients. Runner up was Barbara Barry, with her Chicken Mole, another Latin American specialty.

Barry also won runner up in the People’s Choice category, while first place was awarded to Matilda O’Connell and Sam Timmerman for their Nam Thang Mo, colloquially known as “Thai Watermelon Slush.” This sweet refreshment was the perfect way to bid farewell to warm weather – and celebrate Rabbi Mack’s two decades among us.

Jewish Rhode Island Staff