A celebration of Spanish influence in local Cajun and Creole cuisine is on the menu at this year’s Bite of the Arts fundraising event for the John Folse Culinary Institute tonight in the Student Union.The 14th annual event, themed “Viva Espana!,” is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception and hor d’oeuvres of tuna empanadas, baked oysters and more. A three-course dinner of stuffed peppers, braised grouper and a trio of Spanish based desserts will follow at 8 p.m.

A live and silent auction offering dinner and hotel stays in New Orleans, golf packages, culinary items and baskets of food items will also be included at the event.

This year’s menu was selected by distinguished visiting chef Adolfo Garcia and will be prepared by culinary students under his direction.

Garcia, owner of award winning New Orleans based restaurants Rio Mar, La Boca, a Mano and Gusto, specializes in Latin American cuisine with a Spanish influence and has been at the University throughout the week helping the students prepare for the event.

“Based on his reputation and style of food, we chose him because he is the local authority on Spanish based and Latin based food,” assistant professor and chef John Kozar said.

Kozar said the Institute tried to get as many of its 300 students involved in the event as it could.

“They’ve been polishing glassware and tableware; they’ll be setting up the dining room and doing everything else it takes to get this done,” Kozar said. “Everyone pulls together to make it work.”

Students with leadership positions signed up and were chosen by a committee to participate, Kozar said.

The following students were selected for leadership positions: executive chef Allison Richard, executive sous chef Kevin Calmes, reception chefs Johnathan Lynch, Aimee Lucia, Greg Dawson and Nick Hymel, dining room leaders Tabitha Maricle and Michael Prehn, pastry chef Andrea Sabonge and steward Scott Louviere.

The money raised from this event, Kozar said, will go toward student scholarships, faculty development, hiring adjunct chefs from New Orleans and new kitchen equipment.

Wine will be served during the meal and every couple in attendance will receive a commemorative poster. Cocktail attire is requested. Tickets are $150 per person and can be purchased by calling (985) 449-7114 if space is still available.