My kitchen was the center of activity as Lauretta demonstrated her talents. Her students tried to emulate her techniques as they watched and studied her every move. The photographers tried to snap just the right photos that would capture the moments the way they really felt. The mood was electric and to be with Lauretta in a small, intimate group gathered around my kitchen island was like watching an artist create her masterpiece.

Lauretta doesn’t use specified quantities in most of her recipes, only the ingredients are important. “You create the dish to meet your own personal taste, look and feel”, she said. “The final result is entirely up to you.  Creativity is the key to cooking, and you must put your heart and soul into every dish you make.”

Sure, Lauretta had her shopping list of the finest, freshest ingredients she could find in Boquete, and everything she cooks with in her restaurant is readily available here.  To learn how to put those ingredients together to make a “masterpiece” was what these eager students were waiting for Lauretta to show them, and show them she did.

Every student had the chance to duplicate the skills demonstrated; to roast and skin peppers over the gas flame, to easily pull juicy meat off whole  simmered chickens, to whisk egg whites to fluffy perfection and to dip and fry cheese-stuffed chilies to exactly the right golden color.

We learned our lessons well, it was evident when we gathered around the dining table and enjoyed such delicious dishes, talking and laughing about how much fun it was to prepare dinner while being guided by such a stellar chef.

At the end of the evening, we returned to my kitchen to share Lauretta’s Toasted chili walnut ice cream and to hear a surprise.  It was David and my 20th wedding anniversary! What better way to spend our anniversary evening, than cooking with Lauretta and some of our very best friends, knowing that all the proceeds from this extraordinary experience will be divided among The Handicap Foundation, The Lions Club, The Rotary Club and Buenos Vecinos de Boquete. 

How sweet is that?

The Bistro Boquete Restaurant

The big Bid 4 Boquete Auction is coming up on Sunday, December 6 at the Feria in Boquete.  Folks are looking forward to the day of fun, bargains and the opportunity to donate to 4 local Boquete charities, Lions Club, Handicap Foundation, Rotary Club and Buenos Vecinos de Boquete.  This year, there will be several “outside events”, including a cooking class presented by Executive Chef, Lauretta Bonfiglio from The Bistro Boquete Restaurant.   These “outside events” will allow for more people to contribute to these charities in different ways.

On Thursday, October 15, Lauretta will teach 14 students the secrets of Mexican Home-style Mole Enchiladas, Chilies Rellenos Con Queso, Toasted Chile Pecan Ice Cream, plus a few more surprises.  The entire proceeds will be donated to Bid 4 Boquete. This is an unique opportunity to cook with Lauretta, to learn some new techniques, to enjoy a full 5-course meal and to donate to 4 charities at the same time.

The event will be held in the kitchen of David and Cora Kent, in El Santuario, just above the castle in Boquete and will begin at 5:00pm.  The first “dish” will be Lauretta’s twist on what she calls “the perfect Margarita”, served in a highball glass!

If you’d like a seat for this charity event, please write to The Boquete Gourmet at boquetegourmet@gmail.com.

To see more information about Bid 4 Boquete, please go to their website at www.bid4boquete.com.  If you are interested in participating in Bid 4 Boquete “outside events”, please respond to any committee member listed on the website.   Thanks for your help!!