International Coquito Federation Comes to the Hudson Valley

MIDDLETOWN – Once again the International Coquito Federation comes to the Hudson Valley. Ruben Estrada and Family co-hosts Hudson Valley Fiesta Latina at Museum Village, Linea Informativa con Rubén Y Barbara  and Manny Pollock, Owner Isla Bella Restaurant will host the Fourth Annual Hudson Valley 2016 Coquito Master Qualifier. This competition commenced October with Qualifiers throughout NYC, New Jersey, Florida, Boston, Connecticut, and Philadelphia and in Orange County. Each will have its qualifiers and winners to represent and compete at the Final Coquito Master Competition in mid-December, and determine the true Coquito Master!

Hosted by: Ruben Estrada and Family, Hudson Valley Fiesta Latina at Museum Village, Linea Informativa con Rubén Y Barbara and Isla Bella Restaurant.

Event: Hispanic Heritage Celebration –Fourth Annual Hudson Valley Coquito Masters Qualifier

When: Saturday, October 22, 2016 Time: 6:00 – 9:00 PM

Where: Isla Bella Restaurant – A Puerto Rican Steak and Seafood Restaurant

With: Debbie Quinones, President & Founder of the International Coquito Federation

For the past 15 years Coquito Masters founded by Deborah Quinones has been an annual coquito making contest that seeks to find the best coquito maker. The event started in 2001 by the founder of the International Coquito Federation Deborah Quinones she came up with a plan: have all of her friends bring their versions of coquito to her annual ‘tree trimming’ party and find the best coquito. The winner strolled around the living room in a mock victory walk to applause from friends and family.

Ruben Estrada, “ As a Puerto Rican born and raised in El Barrio ( Spanish/East Harlem) , and now long time resident of Orange County I recall as a child during the Christmas season all of my family including Aunts (Tías) and Uncles(Tíos) primos would gather for the Pasteles preparations and drink Coquito. The Navidades were not complete without Coquito. This cultural experience must be persevered for generations to come”. I am very pleased and honored be hosting this event for the fourth. Always focused on sharing such cultural importance and moreover how it enriches Orange County.

The event took on a life of its own, and by 2004 the event left her living room and migrated to a community center, the next year the ‘coquito tasting contest’ was hosted at a restaurant/bar, and the following year El Museo del Barrio hosted the event. El Museo del Barrio, originally founded to honor Puerto Rican cultures, art and tradition, was a natural home for the contest

Coquito is often referred to as Puerto Rican egg nog, but it is much more.. It is a metaphor for Puerto Ricans who themselves are a blend of indigenous Taino Indian, African and European heritages. Traditionally the beverage is served during the Christmas and 3 kings Day holidays.

Think your coquito’s the best? If you wish to qualify you must submit Qualifier Registration.

For more information: Contact: Deborah Quinones 917-287-4964, Rubén Estrada at 845-537-1307, or www.facebook.com/coquito.master