Pala executive pastry chef wins awards in 'Death by Chocolate' competition

PALA – Pala Casino Spa & Resort Executive Pastry Chef Albert Cruz won three of the eight awards for creations in chocolate at the Assistance League of North (San Diego) County’s Death by Chocolate II charity competition on Nov. 4 at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido.

Chef Cruz won the Best Chocolate Brule for his Chocolate Cream Brulé, Best Chocolate in the Chocolate Cake Delight category for his Lava Cake, and the Ticket Holder’s Choice Award for all three of his entries, which also included a White Chocolate Banana Tart.

Over 300 guests attended the Death by Chocolate II event, which benefits the Assistance League of North County’s charitable requests throughout the year. The judge’s committee consisted of members of the media and the business community in North San Diego County. The Ticket Holder’s Choice Award was selected by the guests.