Adults 50 and older are invited to experience a taste and tour of Guatemala during lunch Thursday at the White Rock Senior Center. Courtesy/WRSC
WRSC News:
Adults 50 and over can experience a taste and tour of Guatemala during lunch Thursday at the White Rock Senior Center.
Chef Michael Mason, along with Beverly and Martin Cooper, will transport diners on a virtual trip to Spanish and Mayan cultures. The local dress is described as among the most colorful in the world and the area is busy with market life, archeological sites and brightly colored birds.
Chef Mason is preparing a special lunch served 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, followed by a presentation, for just $10. Those interested parties over 60 can speak with senior center staff about a free membership and suggested lunch donation of just $5.
Hungry visitors will be treated to a menu of chicken pepian with sesame pumpkin sauce, refried beans, tortillas and elotes (roasted corn on the cob) and flan for dessert.
Chef Mason went to culinary college followed by a 4-year apprenticeship. He has been with the senior centers in Los Alamos and White Rock for 15 years and said he enjoys the opportunity to try out new menus.
“I get to learn more about the country and how their cuisine was shaped … I use recipes that I don’t alter to keep it as authentic as possible,” he said. “It’s spicier, with the introduction of the American cuisine, which was a little surprising for me.”
According to WRSC Director Annie Bard, this year the center has been on trips to Turkey, Kazakhstan, Norway, The Falkland Islands, Ireland, Bhutan, Manitoba, Canada; Mt. Evens, Colo. and this week Guatemala.
The plan in July is a trip to India. The lunch is scheduled for July 25 and includes a Vindaloo pork curry.
“Mike has such a fan base. One senior couple had so much trust in his abilities they donated to the purchase of Elk meat to be served during the Mt. Evans, Colo. Presentation,” Bard said. “The effort he puts into researching recipes for the international special lunches is above and beyond and the seniors appreciate it very much. The home delivered meal recipients also get to take their taste buds on a tour of far off, exotic places. One of our seniors who is blind and deaf literally dances for joy when the driver brings him his meal. Mike makes such a difference in the health and wellbeing of the seniors he serves.”
Learn more about the White Rock Senior Center at www.losalamosseniorcenter.com. Read the newsletter, learn about activities or find the White Rock Facebook page.
All meal reservations can be made at calling 505.672.2034 or emailing a reservation request before 10 a.m. the day of the lunch to wrsc@losalamosseniorcenter.com. Messages may even be left after hours for the next day.
