The Laredo Cultural District announced the winners of Laredo’s fourth annual Concha Fest, and one bakery continued its steadfast command of the city’s best conchas.
Concha Fest took place on Saturday and locals were invited to sample some of the best conch in town while shopping for their gizzards and any other conch-related items as well. It was organized by the Laredo Cultural District and took place at the Pan American Courts Frontera Art Complex located at 3301 San Bernardo.
Over the weekend, locals evaluated the various shells available to them in two categories: Best Shell and Most Creative Shells.
Quickie Bakery took home the top award for Best Conch taking first place. He passed Cakeland for second and El Mejor Pan Bakery for third.
Meanwhile, Cakeland took first place in Most Creative Conchas while Cori’s Sweet Pastries took second place.
“Quickie Bakery won for the fourth year,” said Sandra Rocha Taylor, owner of the Pan American Courts Arts Complex. “It’s a blind test so no one knows which bakery you’re testing. But they always win.”
Rocha Taylor said she was pleased that the organization continues to hold these events and that the community responds favorably to them. She says this helps promote what’s out there locally while also providing an opportunity for people to continue learning about these local businesses.
“We love that the Cultural District is a catalyst to help nurture these local events,” said Telissa Lueckenotte Molano, president of the Laredo Cultural District. “Besides, who doesn’t like a shell around here? We are already looking forward to the fifth annual edition of Concha Fest”.
The owners of Quickie Bakery were honored with the recognition, having earned it every year since Concha Fest began. They allude their victory to the fact that they always try to make the best quality products possible.
“We sell quite a few shells,” said Mirna Rodman, owner of Quickie Bakery. “When I first heard about the Concha Fest, Sandra Taylor called and said that she was going to have the Conchafest, and she (she asked me) if we wanted to come in and see what the Laredo community thought about our concha.
“We are very happy and delighted with our shell as we take pride in the bread we make for our community. I believe in top quality and making sure that’s what our customers get.”
As for the Laredo Cultural District, it states that Concha Fest and other events of this type will continue to take place in an effort to help showcase what the community has to offer. And it will ensure that events continue to grow and improve.
“Thank you Laredo for supporting our crazy ideas,” Taylor said. “Next year will be bigger and better!”