News, Santa Monica

Providence Saint John’s Health Center To Host Cinco De Mayo Guacamole Contest

Posted May. 4, 2014, 7:42 am

Mitch James / Mirror Contributor

A lot of avocados, a little spice, maybe some onion, salsa, and cilantro – and some lonely tortilla chips waiting to take a dive into the endless bowls of guacamole.

It wouldn’t be Cinco de Mayo in Santa Monica without Providence Saint John’s Health Center’s annual Guacamole Contest, set for Monday afternoon.

Leading this homage to one of Earth’s perfect foods is John Robertson, M.D., a cardiothoracic surgeon who well knows the benefits of the “good fat” in the avocado and the great flavor when you spice it up.

About 30 hospital departments will set up elaborate displays for their entries. Virgin margaritas also are on the menu – and a surprise flash mob will perform Pharrel Williams’ “Happy.”

Providence Saint John’s Health Center is located at 2121 Santa Monica Blvd. Santa Monica. It will be held in the atrium of the Howard Keck Center at 2 pm.

John Robertson, M.D., cardiothoracic surgeon and Guacamole Contest founder has coordinated this festive event to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

The sky’s the limit on the elaborate displays presented by contestants, hoping to attract the attention – and votes – of judges.

The flash mob is new this year and was inspired by a patient who loved the “Happy Song of Pharrel,” performed for her by nurses and staff members who sang and danced for her as she headed to surgery.