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TRYON— On Saturday, April 26, the Tryon International Film Festival brought the flavors of Louisiana to the foothills with its fundraiser, A Cajun Occasion, held at The Fitzgerald on Pacolet Street. 

This ticketed event featured a lively gumbo cook-off showcasing the culinary talents of TRIFF founder and president Beau Menetre and firefighter and chef Steven Siler.

The event took full advantage of the beautiful weather, creating the perfect afternoon to raise funds for TRIFF, which was launched in 2015. For over a decade, it has brought numerous talented filmmakers and their films to the area for all to enjoy. 

The Fitzgerald was filled with guests enjoying music, great food, and a delightful atmosphere. Both Menetre and Siler delighted attendees with their tasty takes on gumbo, a dish deeply rooted in Louisiana’s Creole and Cajun heritage.

“Being from New Orleans, I love bringing a piece of our culture here,” said Menetre. “In 2021, Sarah McLure from Southside Smokehouse and I had a great time with some judges in a Food Network-style cook-off, and I’m thrilled that Steven accepted my invite to join us this year.”

Siler prepared a green gumbo inspired by a recipe learned from the legendary Leah Chase, who is famed for her exceptional contributions to Creole cooking. 

“My green gumbo, with eight different kinds of greens, doesn’t follow the rules,” Siler explained. “It stands on its flavors. This dish is meant to nourish, packed with vegetables and meat. I believe foods like gumbo carry history and honor tradition.”

The cook-off was judged by Dean Trakas, Debbie Pardall, and Joe Topinka, with Menetre ultimately winning by a narrow 2-1 vote.

As attendees enjoyed the flavorful gumbo, The Fitzgerald’s staff provided an array of Cajun specialties, including red beans and rice, crawfish, shrimp, crab cakes, and more. The musical atmosphere was enlivened by DJ Jammin JP and the Arrow Band, who kept spirits high throughout the afternoon.

New View Realty and the Polk County Film Initiative sponsored the event. For those interested in supporting TRIFF further, donations and sponsorship opportunities are available at www.tryoninternationalfilmfestival.org.