Leading South Los Angeles non-profit multicultural community arts center and critically-acclaimed foodie favorite, Mercado La Paloma (“The Mercado”) announces the launch of an exciting new educational culinary sponsorship program, “Mercado Cooks” as part of the center’s popular “Cultural Continuum” series. “Mercado Cooks” will sponsor influential city food bloggers and culinary students for a series of cooking classes taking place at The Mercado from December 2012 through mid-2013. The purpose of the program is to connect leading social media leaders, aspiring chefs currently attending culinary school and food adventurists with The Mercado’s distinguished chefs for interactive cooking sessions. Recipients of the sponsorship will have the opportunity to learn traditional recipes from around the world under the instruction of top chefs in an intimate setting free of charge.

“Mercado Cooks” will sponsor two social media leaders and one area culinary student per class. Local culinary schools participating in the program will be asked to nominate student candidates. Sponsorships will be awarded by The Mercado’s selection committee. Food lovers from around the city and beyond interested in participating in these incredible cooking sessions can find ticket pricing and more information on The Mercado website. Space is limited.

Chichen Itza’s renowned chef, Gilberto Cetina will inaugurate “Mercado Cooks” by leading his “Tamale Making Workshop with Chichen Itza,” a delightful Yucatan-inspired banana-wrapped tamale making class at Mercado La Paloma on Friday, December 14 from 6pm-9pm. Lucky participants will learn how to recreate traditional flavors from the Yucatan peninsula, including atole de pepitas (pumpkin seed porridge), vaporcito de pollo (banana-leaf-wrapped chicken), brazo de reina (special rolled tamales made with chaya) and tobijoloch (sweet green corn). Attendees will also savor a four course meal at the end of the session. Everyone is invited to come and experience this rare opportunity to learn from one of the world’s leading international culinary masters. Fee for the class is $70. Tickets can be purchased at www.cookingwithchichenitza.eventbrite.com