Mission Mole Throwdown Promises Cash and Bragging Rights

MCCLA

Taste the burn.

​Mole to Die For is the theme of Wednesday's Dia de Los Muertos mole contest at Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts (2868 Mission at 25th St.), Nov. 18, 7-10 p.m. This is the fifth year professional and home chefs alike will vie for cash prizes and local fame. (Sorry, procrastinators, the entry deadline was two days ago). Amateurs and pros will be judged in separate categories. Judges are S.F. sculptor Viva Paredes, and Eva Ackerman and Hugo Rodriguez of Gracias Madre (2211 Mission at 18th St.), Café Gratitude's Mexican food spin-off slated to open Dec. 14.

The battle unfolds in MCCLA's second-floor gallery space. Tickets are $7. If you're expecting to chomp on a big old turkey leg slathered in sauce, you're out of luck. Organizers specify that meat can be cooked with the mole, but must be removed before serving. Small plates of rice and beans will be available for palate cleansing between samples.