Ray Flores’ cooking experiences began at his mother’s knee, watching her prepare some of the best Tex-Mex dishes known to mankind. He said he has always enjoyed cooking and feels comfortable in the kitchen, both indoors and outdoors.

Will Grubbs admits he is not a cook, but he does like to eat.

This unlikely pair would not

(Use arrows above to view more photos) Advertisement

seem to be candidates for preparing a full-course, Southwestern-flavored

dinner for the “Look Who’s Cooking!” fundraiser dinner.

However, both men share another passion and that is the Iberia Performing Arts League, a

longtime theater group in New Iberia. It is easy for the two to donate their time for the group.

“I love the performing arts,” Flores said. “When I was a child, I was so shy, I would not even buy toilet paper. Put that shy child or person in front of an audience and let them feel the applause, that will bring them out of their shell.”

“I did this when Wayne Peltier at Clementine began have guest chefs come in and cook,” Flores said. “I really enjoyed participating in this and we decided it would be a great way to raise money for something we feel so strongly about.”

“I guess I bring the entertainment value to the event,” Grubs said. “My cooking skills are not that great, but I sure can be the official taste-tester.”

The menu for the Nov. 13 event consists of one of Ray Flores’ most popular recipes Ray’s tortilla soup, accompanied with chorizo and chihuahuas cheese taquitos, mixed green salad with avocado and ancho ranch dressing, a duo of braised chicken and grilled beef tournedos and Granny Smith apples and white chocolate towers.

Flores said he selected this menu because of the Southwestern influences. In his arsenal of recipes, he combines his Tex-Mex heritage with his accumulated Cajun/Creole skills and brings about the elements of the recipes of one of his favorites, noted author and chef Mark Miller.

“The people of the area have always been gracious with their support of IPAL,” Flores said. “The donations help keep the tickets for the productions affordable. The community really needs this group and their response to the call for donations prove it.”

“We wanted to sell only 120 tickets to the event,” Flores’ wife, Claire, said. “As of today, we only have about 30 left.”

Grubbs echoes the feelings of the Flores. He has performed a number of key roles in IPAL

productions along with other

members of his family.

“It (IPAL) is a wonderful thing,” Grubbs said. “I am always ready to do something that will help the group and keep the productions coming from year to year.”

“Look Who’s Cooking” is the event’s name and Claire Flores claims it will be worth every cent of the $50 ticket fee.

“We are going to have a live band and a surprise element to showcase the great things that can happen with a group like IPAL,” she said.

For more information, contact Claire Flores at 856-1690.