Private Chef Serves Up Tradition, Venezuelan-Style
Here's a hot way to rebel against the cold Chicago winter that looms. Throw a party, Latin style!
Tastybeat wants you to meet Venezuelan-Chicagoan Maritza Castillo. When you talk with Maritza, you find she is the embodiment of the cuisine she loves: a little bit sweet and a little bit spicy. Fifteen years ago, Maritza came to Chicago from Portuguesa, Venezuela, and she has been cooking up a storm for discerning customers ever since. Indeed, she is the caterer of choice for many in-the-know Chicagoans who crave authentic Latin-American cuisine. And when you want to turn up the heat even more on your fiesta, Maritza can hook you up with her friends, the group Araguaney. Araguaney plays upbeat, traditional Venezuelan music for parties small and large.
When you're ready to plan your menu, keep these specialties in mind:
- Pan de Jamon - Maritza's favorite, a Venezuelan treat traditionally served on Christmas Eve; a combination of plump raisins, pimento-stuffed olives, and juicy ham rolled together in a lightly sweetened dough; both sweet and savory
- Tostones - fried green plantains paired with a variety of Maritza's special salsas, including her outstanding garlic and cilantro blend
- Empanadas - small corn pockets filled with tasty black beans or your choice of chicken, beef or pork
- Hallacas - Venezuelan-style tamales filled with an assortment of meats or vegetables
- Tres Leches - a traditional yellow cake soaked in a trio of creamy milks; rich in flavor
- Quesillo - Tastybeat's top pick, a Venezuelan flan; a touch of rum takes this flan to another level: out of this world!
You can contact Maritza Castillo at 773-744-7341 or maritzacast1@sbcglobal.net
Buen Probecho!
Tastybeat
