Mano and Hugo Win for Tehachapi!

Whoever heard of a Nut Festival, and who would compete at such an event? Mano Lujan (pictured above right) and Hugo Garcia (pictured above left) would, that's who!

Mano is the visionary owner of Red House BBQ and General Manager of Tehachapi's Original Apple Shed. Hugo is the talented head chef at the Apple Shed. They were invited to represent Tehachapi in the Chef's Showdown at the Kern County Nut Festival. This popular event attracted over 10,000 and was held at the beautiful Kern County Museum on Saturday, June 7.

Mano and Hugo prepared glazed pork chops stuffed with apples and onions, bacon and walnuts. Also on their menu: mac and cheese with a pistachio crust; summer citrus salad with arugula, candied pecans, Gorgonzola cheese and a honey lemon dressing; almond banana mint shake shooter rimmed with chocolate and spices and served with an almond-smoked bacon spear. Mano and Hugo won for Tehachapi, competing in 101 degree heat. They put Tehachapi on the map!

The competition was officiated by Courtney Bryant of KBAK. Imaginative member of Tehachapi TOURISM COMMISSION David Brust was also involved in the festival – helping and organizing events as a dynamic member of the Kern County Board of Trade.

Tickets for the festival read: Kern County Nut Festival – a Shell of a Good Time! A day of food, music, games and tons of nutty fun!