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The Fresh Sheet: Local chef victorious in competition

Curtis Smith, an instructor at the Inland Northwest Culinary Academy at Spokane Community College, took home the grand prize of $2,000 and top honors in the Make-it-Mini Dessert Trio competition.
Curtis Smith, an instructor at the Inland Northwest Culinary Academy at Spokane Community College, took home the grand prize of $2,000 and top honors in the Make-it-Mini Dessert Trio competition.

Spokane chef Curtis Smith landed top honors in the Make-it-Mini Dessert Trio competition at the 2010 American Culinary Federation national convention in Anaheim, Calif., earlier this month.

Smith, instructor at the Inland Northwest Culinary Academy at Spokane Community College, whipped up a Latin American-inspired dessert platter. Tres Postres Mexicanos included a TWIX “campurrado,” oaxaca chocolate peanut mocha cake and roasted banana dulce de leche ice cream.

He competed against three other finalists. They had 45 minutes to prepare two cold desserts and one hot dessert incorporating TWIX Caramel Cookie Bars and Peanut Butter Cookie Bars.

The competition was sponsored by MARS Foodservice and the ACF.

Hispanic Heritage Festival

The nonprofit Hispanic Business and Professional Association will host its fourth annual Hispanic Heritage Festival on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Hillyard’s Harmon Park, 6000 N. Market St.

The festival features live music, salsa dancing, free kids’ activities, beer garden and food. Food vendors include Baja Babes Tacos, Patty’s Tacos, Vigil Burritos and Manna.

Mike Gonzalez, president of the Hispanic business association, will emcee the event. The group raises scholarship money for local Latino youth.

Ron’s Drive-Inn celebrates 52 years

One of the area’s first fast-food joints is celebrating 52 years by rolling back prices today.

Head over to Ron’s Drive-Inn, 12502 E. Sprague Ave. in Spokane Valley, between 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. and pick up the original “57 Combo” for 57 cents, plus tax. That includes an original burger, small fries and small Pepsi.

Or, buy each item individually for 19 cents, plus tax. (Sorry, big eaters: There’s a limit of 12 per person.)

Owner Denny Hegewald says the big R on top of the building is a familiar landmark for many.

“People have fond memories of this place and we’re excited to take this day to celebrate,” Hegewald said in a news release.

The drive-in was opened in 1958 by Joe Genova and named for his eldest son. Genova designed the original building and built it on the land where his childhood home once stood.