USC Trojan Affiliates hosted a Spring Cooking Party with a good cause

On a bright Sunday afternoon, March 22, the USC Trojan Affiliates once again brought together food, friendship, and philanthropy in a delightful culinary gathering hosted at Bacchus Kitchen located in Pasadena. At the heart of the experience was acclaimed owner and chef Claud Beltran, who guided guests through a lively and engaging Spring Cooking Demo Party filled with flavor, charm, and a touch of culinary dazzle.

Welcoming the season of renewal, the featured dish; a vibrant Spring Salad with Gnocchi, captured the essence of springtime on a plate. Guests gathered around as Chef Beltran demonstrated each step with warmth and expertise, transforming simple ingredients into a refreshing, delicious dish. Tender, pillowy gnocchi were tossed with crisp seasonal greens, colorful vegetables, and a light, invigorating dressing, creating a perfect harmony of texture and taste.

"What made this experience especially memorable was its interactive, hands-on approach..."said event chair, Vivian Chan. Guests didn’t just watch, they stepped into the cooking line, actively participating in the preparation process alongside the chef. From assembling ingredients to plating the final dish, attendees experienced the rhythm and teamwork of a professional kitchen, making the learning both immersive and joyful. The opportunity to cook together elevated the event from a demonstration to a shared culinary journey, where learning, laughter, and tasting all happened in real time.

This event marked the second installment of the Affiliates’ growing culinary series - a sequel that continues to build community through shared cultural and gastronomic experiences. The inaugural 2025 gathering featured the art of Chinese dumpling-making with a guest chef from the renowned Mr. Chow Restaurant in Beverly Hill, celebrating tradition and craftsmanship. This year’s focus on gnocchi offered a cross-cultural culinary bridge; highlighting Italian cuisine’s beloved “pasta-meets-dumpling,” known for its comforting simplicity and satisfying richness.

Co-President Cynthia Wiese shared her comments, "More than just a cooking class, the afternoon embodied a deeper purpose: connection through culture, cuisine, and cause." Guests came for inspiration, stayed for the camaraderie, and left with more than just a recipe, they carried home a renewed sense of community and the joy of bringing seasonal flavors to their own tables.

Fresh • Seasonal • Delicious • Fun - this spring gathering was a true celebration of all four, with a meaningful mission behind every bite raising scholarship for the USC students.

USC Trojan Affiliates, a women’s organization located in the San Gabriel Valley, supports the University of Southern California and welcomes all interested women to attend its meetings and events. All women parents, alumna, and friends of USC are encouraged to attend.