Sabor a Cabo Redux:

CANIRAC Los Cabos Cuts Big Checks for Local Charities

Los Cabos mayor Arturo de la Rosa (speaking) and Baja California governor Carlos Mendoza (seated at the center of the table) were both present for the swearing in of Rodrigo Cabeza de Vaca as new president of CANIRAC Los Cabos.

Sabor a Cabo Redux CANIRAC Los Cabos – Baja California Sur Governor Carlos Mendoza and Los Cabos Mayor Arturo de la Rosa were the most notable dignitaries present Wednesday, April 13, at Rock & Brews in San José del Cabo for the swearing in of Rodrigo Cabeza de Vaca as the new president of CANIRAC Los Cabos, the local restaurant association.

In his first act as president, Cabeza de Vaca presented a check for $200,000 M.X. to the San José del Cabo fire department, and he also announced contributions to the Red Cross and the Los Cabos Children’s Foundation. The charitable bequests were made possible by the success of December’s 10th annual Sabor a Cabo, a food and wine showcase for regional chefs that draws attendees from around the globe.

CANIRAC, or La Cámara Nacional de la Industria de Restaurantes y Alimentos Condimentados, is a national association with local branches across México. CANIRAC Los Cabos, for example, has a membership of more than 150 restaurants, most in cape cities Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. But the local group also works to benefit the 1,000-plus restaurants that are open throughout the municipality–most of which are not members–to bolster the economy and to support area charities through Sabor a Cabo.

The swearing in ceremony was attended by representatives of many local businesses and commercial organizations, as well as a large contingent of regional press.

The most recent food and wine fête took place on December  5, 2015, at Club Campestre Golf Course in San José del Cabo, following smaller auxiliary events that included a Beer Fest and Art Walk. The main event showcased over 40 top Los Cabos chefs and a dozen Mexican wineries, as well as live music from Mexican singer-songwriter, and Grammy winner, Lila Downs. A sold-out crowd of more than 2,000 people attended the affair, providing the funding for CANIRAC’s charitable endeavors.

“The municipal government is a government of open doors,” said Los Cabos mayor Arturo de la Rosa on Wednesday, “where we welcome everyone who wishes to participate, to build, and to join efforts to change things for the better.”

“Mr. Mayor, your are not alone,” replied Cabeza de Vaca, pledging to use his new position to promote positive change in the local restaurant industry, and to work with the municipal government to support the business sector as a whole.

Bruschetta and other treats were served as a courtesy by Rock & Brews, the restaurant which hosted the auspicious occasion.

Cabeza de Vaca, chef at fusion restaurant La Galería, replaces outgoing president Alfonso Vazquez Olivas (now vice-president), and will preside over a newly appointed executive board.

The event was hosted by Rock & Brews, a rock-n-roll themed restaurant from KISS stars Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley that opened at Plaza del Pescador in San José del Cabo in March 2013. As befits a CANIRAC sponsored occasion, Rock & Brews provided appetizers for dignitaries and press alike, including chicken wings, garlic fries, onion rings and bruschetta.