Taste of the NFL Flavors of the Valley: Marlene Portillo

Taste of the NFL’s Kick Hunger Challenge  pits fans from all 32 NFL markets against each other for a friendly competition to raise money for food banks nationwide. The season-long fundraiser (October through December) kicks off as part of September’s Hunger Action Month and culminates at the 24^th Annual Taste of the NFL’s Party with a Purpose held on the eve of Super Bowl XLIX on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015 at WestWorld in Scottsdale. Taste of the NFL is enlisting local restaurants to participate in the challenge to raise funds and compete for a chance to be part of the Taste of the NFL action. All proceeds raised in the “Flavors of the Valley” competition will support St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance in Phoenix and Vista del Camino Food Bank in Scottsdale. The five restaurants that raise the most money during promotion will be invited to participate in the “Flavors of the Valley” area at the Taste of the NFL’s Party with a Purpose. Get to know one of the Flavors of the Valley chefs here:
Chef name: Marlene Portillo
Restaurant and location: Half Moon Windy City Sports Grill in Phoenix
Web site: www.halfmoonsportsgrill.com
Social media: https://twitter.com/HalfMoonAZ =, https://www.facebook.com/HalfMoonBT?ref=hl
What inspired you to take part in the Taste of the NFL’s Kick Hunger Challenge “Flavors of the Valley” competition? I love sports especially Football and giving back to the community.
Any hints as to what you’ll be dishing up at the Taste of the NFL’s Party with a Purpose if you win? Slow-roasted pork belly with saffron risotto and crème brulee.
Say you’re hosting a Super Bowl party. What dish do you serve to guests? Fancy nachos. Truffled cheese sauce with fried duck. Would bring posole for everyone’s hangover the next day.
Have you always had a passion for the culinary arts? How did you get your start? Yes! Started cooking with my Nana since as long as I can remember. Always wanted to be a chef. Attended Le Cordon Blue in Scottsdale.
What do you love most about what you do? I love to see peoples faces after trying my food!
What are your goals for the coming year? Adding exciting new items at Half Moon Windy City! Starting my own cooking classes.
What food bank are you representing? St Mary’s Food Bank Alliance
And a few fun faves…
Favorite Super Bowl memory: When the lights went off for the 49ners and Seahawks game
Favorite sports-watching snack: Cheese!
Favorite cocktail to whip up for Super Bowl guests: Michelada aka Bloody Beer!
AZFoothills.com is a media partner and proud to share with you the best chefs in the U.S. and will be featured in our new publication, IN Arizona, to launch January 2015. All the best Arizona has to offer!