The rainy weather cleared up just long enough for the final event of City of La Porte’s summer season, and those in attendance at the first annual La Porte Taco Fest could not have been happier, or hungrier.
Jemini Mason traveled from Noblesville, Ind. for Taco Fest after seeing La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody post about the event. Mason’s accomplice, Hailey Sweger, was not going to miss the fun when one of her favorite foods was the main event.
“Tacos are my friend,” said Sweger with a laugh.
While Sweger mentioned how had no preference for the kind of taco, Mason felt it came down to key ingredients.
“The seasoning, sauces, and ground beef make all the difference,” said Mason.
Ivan Mondiel attended the fest with his wife Angelica and daughter Valeria while his son worked across the way at Mucho Mas!, located on Lincolnway in La Porte. The trio were feasting on a variety of tacos. Mondiel’s wife was seizing the opportunity to try the brisket tacos over her usual, classic authentic tacos.
“I think that’s what people are looking for here, more authentic tacos,” said Valeria Mondiel.
Earlier in the evening, Derrick Arnett of Arnett Roofing & Construction was honored to announce the winners of the Taco Contest. The first place winner was Mucho Mas! and the runner-up was Las Mamacitas. The Mondiel’s were proud to report their son worked for the winning restaurant, but they could not top the joy of Susi Marrufo, one of the owners and operators of Mucho Mas!, a California-style Mexican restaurant in La Porte. Marrufo and her husband have been La Porte residents for the past 13 years.
Marrufo attributes Mucho Mas’ win to not only the shrimp taco with chilled salsa, but the City of La Porte as well.
“Everything in our tacos is unique and fresh,” said Marrufo. “We were so busy and didn’t have anything set up so we almost didn’t do this. But the people from the city were so nice and it pushed us to be there. We won and we are so excited.”
Marrufo has much love for the city of La Porte, especially following the outpour of support they received during some of the hard times of the pandemic.
“After COVID, we realized that people care a lot about us. People have been so supportive. They are hereand they didn’t forget about us, so we really appreciate every customer we have,” said Marrufo. “We are happy we belong to this place. It is getting better and better. Lincolnway is so beautiful; the Mayor is doing a great job.”
Mayor Tom Dermody was all smiles as he attended the festival on Friday.
“We committed to making sure there are things to do in our community and, because we have a great team, I don’t think we disappointed anyone,” said Dermody.
The Mayor, who prefers a shrimp taco with guacamole, red onions, cilantro, lettuce, and tomato, was looking forward to the upcoming winter festivals.
Jessica Bruder, communications director for the City of La Porte, went into detail about some of those winter events that the community can begin looking forward to following the closing of this summer season.
“In the winter we have some events lined-up at the La Porte Civic Auditorium. We are trying to get that going,” said Bruder. “We have concerts lined-up and a few more tricks up our sleeves.”
Bruder, who prefers her taco with just the right amount of spice, guacamole, and lots of cheese, couldn’t have been happier with the turnout at Taco Fest.
For those wanting to learn more about upcoming events with the City of La Porte, visit cityoflaporte.com orlivinthelakelife.org.
