CLIVE, Iowa – Four Iowa Western culinary students placed second for the second consecutive year at the Iowa Pork Productions Association (IPPA) taste competition in Clive, Iowa earlier this week. The Spice Girls 2.0’s day at the Iowa Culinary Institute was highlighted by an impressive 94/100 score from one of the judges. Teams, comprised of two to four students, were judged on various criteria including taste, appearance, complementing side dishes, and design.
The Reiver team included second-year students Alayna Chapman from Polo, MO.; Evelyn Martinez from Council Bluffs, IA; and Yazmyn Sánchez from Omaha, NE.; along with first-year student Hailey Wright from Glenwood, IA. Each team member received $50 from IPPA, and Iowa Western was awarded an additional $500.
The Reivers impressed with their Mexican-themed carnitas torta featuring citrus-marinated pork sourced from Gettler Farms in Red Oak, Iowa. Thinly sliced pork with Mexican bread, known as pan telera, was accompanied by toppings including lettuce, tomato, and guacamole. Their entrée was paired by frijoles puercos, Spanish rice, and elote salad, a blend of grilled Mexican street corn with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, and Tajin chili powder.